BaseballDigest.com aims to keep up that tradition.  This season, we bring you a Report Card on each team in Major League Baseball from writers that cover that team directly.  At the bottom of each write up, you will find the writer’s name, website, and any other pertinent information.  

Despite coming off a disappointing 2010, the Angels were poised to contend for the AL West title in 2011. Having just acquired Vernon Wells and expecting a full year from Dan Haren, the team opened the season strong. The Angels had some early success, but the dominant Texas Rangers took control of the AL West in July and left the Angels resigned to 2^nd place in their division. Though they finished with a winning record, the Wild Card was out of reach thanks to the Rays and Red Sox. Even with a few strong performances and a winning team, the Angels finished out of the playoffs for the second straight season.

Rotation: B+
The Angel rotation wasn’t quite as good asPhiladelphia’s, but it was one of the better collections of starters in the American League. Led by the potent 1-2 punch of Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, the Halos’ staff won 62 games and kept a 3.59 ERA. Not only were Weaver and Haren stellar, but Ervin Santana notched a no-hitter as part of his solid 2011 season. Even afterthought Jerome Williams was a great story and an effective starting pitcher during the final month of the season.

Not everything was perfect, as veteran retread Joel Piniero and rookie Tyler Chatwood struggled in extended duty as the #4 and #5 starters for the Angels. Neither pitcher could strike anyone out, but at least both were able to soak up nearly 140 innings each at the back of the rotation, giving the Angels consistency.

Bullpen: C-
Rookie Jordan Walden emerged as an effective closer in his first full year in the majors, which was a big win forLos Angeles. Walden managed 32 saves, struck out over a batter an inning, and even got a fifth-place vote in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. He was far and away the best reliever in theLos Angelespen, though new setup man Scott Downs was also effective, posting a 1.34 ERA.

The rest of the bullpen was not nearly as good asDownsand Walden. Former relief ace Fernando Rodney was terrible and struggled with his control when he wasn’t injured, while free agent acquisition Hisanori Takahashi was only decent. All in all, the Angels bullpen was one of the poorer offerings in the majors last season, despite Walden’s breakout 2011.

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Catchers: F
Put simply, the Angels had the worst-hitting catchers in the majors last year by many advanced and simple metrics. Jeff Mathis was the biggest offender among the Halos’ catching corps, as he was once again one of the worst hitters in baseball. Mathis managed only a .174/.225/.259 triple-slash (AVG/OBP/SLG) line. Hank Conger and Bobby Wilson both got their fair share of plate appearances, but they weren’t much better than Mathis with the stick. Worst of all, there’s no solid evidence that any of the Angels catchers were much better than average defensively.

Infield: B
While Howard Kendrick was the most potent offensive weapon on the team, rookie slugger Mark Trumbo made some noise and brought the lumber in his first season in the bigs. Trumbo replaced the injured Kendrys Morales and made enough of a name for himself to receive serious consideration in the Rookie of the Year balloting, where he finished second thanks to his prodigious power. Things weren’t all good, though: despite Trumbo’s team-high 29 HR, his on-base percentage was low enough to cause a bit of worry among fans

The rest of the infield was solid, as regulars Alberto Callaspo and Erick Aybar were above-average both with the bat and with the glove. Aybar netted a Gold Glove and stole 30 bases, and Callaspo was solid all-around. Even super-sub Maicer Izturis swung a league-average bat and provided doubles power. And Howie Kendrick provided a little power and consistent lineup presence. Nothing too flashy here, but the Angels had a solid and effective infield.

Outfield: C
It’d be fair to give the Angels a poor grade in the outfield simply for their off-season trade of Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera for new left fielder Vernon Wells. Yes, Wells hit 25 homers, but he also got on base only once in every four attempts, one of the worst rates for any everyday player. Bobby Abreu, nominally an outfielder but really a DH, also saw his effectiveness diminish, as his power waned even further from his prime. Torii Hunter had a bit of a down season defensively, but was his usual solid self in right, contributing solid power with 23 bombs.

Center field was the most interesting position on the diamond for the Angels. First, Peter Bourjos broke out, showing improved power and besting everyone on the team other than Kendrick and Trumbo in slugging percentage while providing elite defense. After Bourjos went down with an injury late in the season, the Angels called up top prospect Mike Trout from Double-A. Only 19, Trout struggled at the major league level but showed flashes of his blinding speed and powerful bat. While Trout still may take some time to develop in the minors in 2012, regular playing time inLos Angelesis not far away and his future looks very bright.

Top Offensive Player
No position player contributed more to the Angels success in 2011 than Howard Kendrick. Kendrick hit for some power (18 HR, 30 2B), posted a decent OBP (.338) and played solid defense en route to his first All-Star game selection. Kendrick even showed good versatility, picking up time at first base and in the outfield, in addition to his duties at the pivot.

Top Pitcher
Jered Weaver came in 2^nd place in the 2011 Cy Young balloting and had a microscopic 2.41 ERA to go with 18 wins, so he could be an easy choice for the best pitcher on the Angels’ staff. But Dan Haren might’ve actually been better, at least when it comes to the things a pitcher can control. Haren only struck out six fewer batters, walked about half as many hitters, and even had a much higher ground-ball rate than his higher-profile teammate. This all culminated in an FIP of 2.98, which beat out Weaver’s score of 3.20. We may need to call this one a tie.

Bryan Grosnick
Contributor at RotoHardball.com
Contributor at CloserNews.com
@bgrosnick

Napoli’s tomahawk in Game 4 of the World Series would make any Atlanta Braves or Florida St. Seminoles fan proud. Bat crushed ball on the first pitch Napoli saw from Cardinals’ reliever Mitchell Boggs and turned a 1-0 cliffhanger in a 4-0, 6th inning lead that would hold up. Monday night saw another nail biter, with the teams tied at two apiece in the 8th inning. That’s when Napoli came to bat with the bases loaded against reliever Mike Rzepczynski. With the hometown fans chanting “Nap-oli”, the guy who looks like a slow pitch softball player, hit a rope up the alley in right-center for a 2-run double and a 4-2 Rangers’ lead. It was the eighth and ninth RBI of the series for the former 17th round draft pick (2000) out of Charles Flanagan High School in Pembrook Pines, Florida.

The Rangers at one time hated Mike Napoli. Now they can’t live without him. Click here to read Stephen Hawkins’ article about Texas’ new favorite teammate.

Napoli hasn’t just done it with his bat though. His defense, which was maligned at times in LA, was a key to a Game 5 victory. Having already thrown out Allen Craig attempting to steal second earlier in the game, Napoli repeated the feat in the top of the 9th inning. With Albert Pujols representing the tying run, Tony LaRussa made the decision to run Craig on a 3-2 count despite being down two. The move backfired as Pujols whiffed at Neftali Feliz’s pitch and Napoli fired a strike to Ian Kinsler to nail Craig for the double play.

The team that selected him probably wishes they had Napoli back since Wells produced a paltry .660 OPS for the Angels while their former player produced career highs in home runs (30), RBI (75), and OPS (1.046). Napoli also helped eliminate his former team from a chance at the post-season with a pair of back to back two-home run games against Los Angeles on the season’s final weekend.

He may not be thinking about it right now, but Napoli should be in for a fine payday this winter after he avoided arbitration prior to the season by signing a one year, $5.8MM deal.  Based on both his regular and post-seasons, Napoli will be looking for a good bump up and a multi-year deal, though he doesn’t have the power of free agency.  Napoli can point not only to his World Series production, but his ALDS numbers as well.  The six year veteran posted a .971 OPS with a home run and four RBI in Texas’ first round knock out of the Tampa Bay Rays. Though Napoli’s catching was limited to 61 regular season games, he was ranked in the upper echelon in the American League by a number of defensive metric gurus.

No matter how much he makes, you can bet the fans in Arlington, Texas will be singing out for Napoli.

Drew Sarver is a senior writer  for BaseballDigest.com.  You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal is reporting that, pending physicals, the Los Angeles Angels are set to send catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Juan Rivera to the Toronto Blue Jays for long time centerfielder Vernon Wells.

The Wells became an immediate candidate to be traded once the larger portion of the seven year contract extension he signed in 2006 kicked in. Whereas Wells made $12.5M in 2010, his salary jumps to $23M for 2011. He’s then set to receive $21M in each of the next three seasons (2012-2014) of the contract.  In a bit of stunning move, the Angels are going to pick up the remaining $86M owed the outfielder.

Wells was a four tool player that provided All-Star type seasons from 2002-2006 with major offensive output and Gold Glove defense. But injuries took their toll, leading to missed games, a loss of power, and a drop off in his overall offensive game. He bounced back last season with 31 home runs and the Blue Jays had to have realized there would never be a better time to try to deal him.

Napoli, 29, is one of the best power hitting catchers in baseball, having averaged 22 home runs the last three seasons. However, he is ranked at the bottom of major league catchers in defense. He will provide a veteran presence for the Jays and help stud catching prospect J.P. Arencibia break into the majors. Napoli made $3.6M last season and is arbitration eligible this season.

Rivera has been with the Angels since 2005 and is a ten year veteran. The 32-yr old will provide the Jays with depth in the outfield, 1st base and DH, and as well as some additional power. He’s in the final year of a three year deal that will pay him $5.25M.

After spending over 14 seasons in Cleveland (7) and Boston (7+) combined, Ramirez is with his fourth team in the last four years. He’s coming off a season in which, due to mounting injuries, he appeared in just 66 games with the Dodgers and 24 with the White Sox. He was productive (.915 OPS) in LA, but the organization grew weary of him and put him on waivers in late August. Chicago claimed him and the LA said, “you can have him”. He was basically useless with the White Sox and was having trouble finding a taker this off-season. Ramirez will reportedly on receive $2M from the Rays to be their primary designated hitter for a year. Ramirez, who will turn 39 in May, will enter the season with 555 career home runs.

Damon will be playing with his third team in the AL East (Boston, NYY) and signed a one year, $5.25M deal. There’s another $700K in incentives included.  Damon should see some time in left field due to the departure of Carl Crawford and will get some ABs at DH as he reunites with Ramirez. Damon, 37, started out like a house afire with the Tigers last April, hitting .329 with 12 RBI, nine doubles, and a triple.  But he slumped for much of the remainder of the season, finishing with the second lowest OPS (.756) of his last seven seasons.

Drew Sarver is the Yankees content editor and a contributor  for BaseballDigest.com.  You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

With a three-game set still remaining against the Boston Red Sox before the All-Star Game in Anaheim, California, the Blue Jays can at best head into the Summer Classic three games above .500; a forgettable record for disappointed Jays’ fans who bet the farm a little too early after the Jays hurled themselves out of the gate like a captured weasel escaping a live-trap. The AL East has been, and will likely remain for some time, a division for winners and a division where losers must ice their lumps after being treated like a piñata for the 162-game carnival. Winners win and losers, well…lose.

It would truly be unfair to count the Jays out of any race this early in July, but the blue birds will be facing strong frontal winds if they want to tear into the second half of the season like a tattered bandage coming off of Teen Wolf’s arm. It is the time of year when potential playoff teams bolster talent for October runs as the league’s cellar dwellers will only be holstering young, up-and-coming talent; it is tough to dream of the future when the present is so haunted.

But, there is an upside. The blue crew is sending three men to Anaheim to participate in the All-Star Game. Vernon Wells, John Buck, and Jose “The Beast” Bautista will all be donning American League colors for their excelled play on the field so far this season. “The Beast” continues to lead the majors in home runs currently with 23; one of those was an inside-the-park variety that nearly sent Bautista gasping to an oxygen booth. Vernon Wells has come into his own over the first half and is among league leaders with 45 extra-base hits. John Buck has really been a pleasant surprise this season after coming over from Kansas City. Buck is currently tied for the most RBI at the catcher position with 40, and is also amongst the leaders of most offensive categories with regards to players who spend most of their time squatting.

For the three, they will be representing more than simply the Toronto Blue Jays baseball organization. They will also be representing Canada as a whole. So, go prove the power of the Maple Leaf boys!

Monday, June 21 – Corner Infielders – Firstbasemen and Thirdbasemen
Tuesday, June 22 – Middle Infielders – Secondbaseman and Shortstops
Wednesday, June 23 – Battery mates – Starting Pitchers and Catchers
Thursday, June 24 – Outfielders and Final Ballot

Tonight, I finish up my ballot for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance and cast my final vote for the 2010 All Star Game.  One of the most daunting tasksof any All Star ballot is the final selections, the outfielders.  With so many players to choose from and a mere three spots to fill, who gets the vote? 

This is also an interesting look as you determine whether or not to vote for speed, power, consistency, or some combination of all of the above.  As I looked through the rosters of major league teams and attempted to pin down those players that deserved to be on the field as the curtain was lifted on another Midsummer Classic, I found a lot of different reasons to vote different ways.  Yet, I could not compel myself to vote for the major league’s only 20 home run hitter, his batting average was just too horrible.  I did find one of his teammates interesting, however.  Tonight, I start with the American League.

American League – Outfield – Josh Hamilton | Carl Crawford | Vernon Wells
No Jose Bautista here.  I cannot bring myself to vote for his .231 batting average.  Josh Hamilton, on the other hand, is having a monster year.  Certainly my easiest pick in all six outfield positions, Hamilton is showing that 2008 was not a fluke, despite a down year last season due to injury.  With 17 home runs, 53 runs batted in, a .339 batting average, .383 on base percentage, .613 slugging percentage and 93 hits, Hamilton is an All Star, pure and simple. 

Hamilton is joined in the outfield on my ballot by Carl Crawford.  The Tampa Bay Ray continues to solidify himself in discussions of best outfielder year in and year out.  This season, Crawford is hitting .306 while posting a .372 on base percentage and a .487 slugging percentage.  Once he is on base, he has stolen 26 times and scored 56 runs.  The speedy outfielder has hit 7 home runs and six triples while driving in 38 runs himself.

Jose Bautista can root on his teammate, Vernon Wells, on my roster.  The more all around player from Toronto, Wells is posting the home run numbers with16, runs batted in with 42, and doubles with 23, while also hitting .281.  All of that adds up to a .552 slugging percentage and 41 runs scored.  Bautista may be hitting the long ball, but I can rely on Wells to simply hit.

With the American League ballot now complete, I can turn my attention to the National League and round out my roster of All Stars there.  Speed, power and youth are all represented well in the National League.  Despite the mammoth All Star Caliber contract he signed in the off season, Matt Holiday is just now starting to play like the All Star that St. Louis will need down the stretch.  When looking over the stats, the players and the league, it was easy to choose my starting three outfielders, even if two of them come from teams that are anything but star worthy.

National League – Outfielders – Corey Hart | Jason Heyward | Andrew McCutchen
He may patrol the outfield in Milwaukee where very little is going right this season, but Corey Hart is starting to step into the role of star outfielder quite well.  His 18 home runs, 56 runs batted in, and .272 batting average made him a fairly easy selection.  Sprinkling in 34 runs scored, a .342 on base percentage, a .583 slugging percentage and 34 runs scored and I was happy to put him on my roster.

From Corey Hart to Jason Heyward.  The phenom that everyone was talking about before Stephen Strasburg arrived, Heyward has put together a great season.  In case you are wondering, I did not forget to say “by a rookie”.  I would like to see his batting average climb from the current spot of .255, but it is not an extremely poor average for an emerging power hitter.  When you hit 11 home runs, drive in 45 runs, walk 42 times, and post a .371 on base percentage, I can work with a .255 batting average.  In what should be a building block season for a very young man, it is hard to imagine how good he may get and how many All Star Games Heyward may play in before the end of his career.

If Milwaukee’s Corey Hart is frustrated with the scenery he plays in every day, he can take solace in the fact that he is not playing in Pittsburgh.  Andrew McCutchen is in Pittsburgh, and making the most of it.  The speedster of the group of outfielders I have chosen for my All Stars, McCutchen is posting a .308 batting average and a .386 on base percentage to go with his 18 stolen bases.  He has also hit 7 home runs, drove in 22 runs, scored 45 runs, and has 81 hits thus far.  In his second year in the majors, McCutchen is on pace to improve his numbers from his rookie year in almost every category.

And that rounds them out.  I am a National League guy, so I will take a pass on voting for a designated hitter this year.  I will let my 18 guys take the field and play it out to see who wins, who loses, who has the most fun, and who really cares if it “counts”?  My full, official ballot is below:

Bill Ivie is the Content Editor for the Cardinals and Baseball Digest Classic sections here on BaseballDigest.com.
For updates on BaseballDigest.com coverage, follow Baseball Digest or Bill Ivie on Twitter.

Although the city of Toronto, with its size and stature, should be able to host multiple functions on the same day, the G20 summit is simply another issue all together; an issue that has triggered the move. The summit is being held at the Metro Convention Centre, roughly 450 feet from the doors of Rogers Centre (or the distance Vernon Wells hits homeruns). So, the precautionary move, which was 100% a Toronto Blue Jays’ decisions, was considered inevitable.

It was a blow to Toronto. The city had been teeming with anticipation for Roy Halladay’s return. In a season that has seen Rogers Centre more empty than not, the loss of an estimated 90,000 fans over the three-game set is deflating. The Blue Jays are currently 29^th in the league with regards to attendance, averaging just over 15,200 people per game. But, it is more about bidding farewell to Roy Halladay than it is about crowd numbers or revenue.

An agreement has been made between the Phillies and the Blue Jays with respects to the revenue. According to President & CEO of the Toronto Blue Jays & Rogers Centre, Paul Beeston, there was really no concern about making or losing money. He also admits that things could not have gone smoother with the Phillies organization and the fine people at Citizens Bank Park. President Beeston also stated that the Blue Jays organization will be requesting a rematch of sorts next season, and have Roy Halladay return then.

But for now, the series is locked on the schedule, June 25^th-27^th in Philadelphia. The blue birds will be the home team even though the crowd may not agree. The designated hitter rule will also be in implemented, so expect Roy-boy to feel right at home.

For more Toronto Blue Jays information, check out Kirk Verner’s other column.

Talk about self-fulfilling prophecies. Scott Frasor came into the game in the ninth inning with a one run lead and promptly allowed a leadoff double to Michael Young and then watched Vladimir Guerrero get on base with a single, Nelson Cruz hit a double down the line to tie the score and Jarrod Saltamacchia hit a long fly ball to win the game by a score of 5-4.

This has to be disappointing for the Jays who were able to get solid performances out of their key players including Vernon Wells (3-for-4 on the day, including a two-run homer in the first), Adam Lind (3-for-3 with a home run and a walk), and Aaron Hill (double) while also getting an outstanding game from Marcum, who fanned six over seven innings, allowing just two hits, and one walk.

However, the rest of the Jays’ offensive lineup struggled along with Frasor, which ultimately led to the team’s demise in the ninth inning.

Obviously, it’s just one game but closing pitching will more than likely be a concern throughout the season.

It’s a continuing series to look at what the rest of the AL East has to offer this season, let’s take a look at the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays

Outlook

During the past two seasons, it was tough for baseball pundits and fans alike to decide whether this team was in rebuilding mode or was going for it. However, once the Blue Jays decided to let go of General Manager J.P. Riccardi and replace him with Alex Anthopolous, the club was put into rebuilding mode – a rebuild that will take time and patience from both the organization and its fans.

Offense

Offensively, this team should not struggle to score runs. 26-year-old Adam Lind (.305 batting average, 35 HR, 114 RBI) was a force last season for the Jays and will more than likely provide the same kind of offensive boost this season. Aaron Hill, 28, (.286 batting average, 36 HR, 108 RBI) will also be looked on to provide a lot of offense to the team while also being looked to get on base a bit more. First baseman Lyle Overbay returns to the club looking to increase his offensive numbers (.265 batting average, 16 HR, 64 RBI), although the club will more than likely be looking to deal him and clear the position for Randy Ruiz, Brian Dopirak or Brett Wallace.

Of course, the team also needs to have a big year from outfielder Vernon Wells, who struggled last season hitting .260 with only 15 home runs. Wells also had a rough time in the field last season (-18.2 UZR) but many blame that on his hamstring/wrist injuries over the past two seasons. Unfortunately for the Jays, there isn’t really anyone waiting in the wings so don’t expect Wells to move to a corner spot anytime soon.

Pitching – Starting Rotation

The first part of the rebuild process was letting pitching Ace Roy Halladay move onto better pastures with the Philadelphia Phillies. Obviously, not the easiest move to digest if you’re a Blue Jays fan but this club’s starting rotation could end up being better than most people think in 2010.

Ricky Romero opened some eyes around the team and league last season with his stuff and pitching presence. However, as almost every rookie goes through in the Major Leagues, Romero had his ups and downs last season. Romero ultimately turned in a decent season with a 4.30 ERA over 29 starts. The team will look to further Romero’s development in 2010.

Shaun Marcum returns to the rotation after missing all of 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2008. He was solid in 2007 and 2008 as he was able to strike batters out despite not being a power pitcher, while not walking many at all. Right now, Jays fans should be happy that he is healthy and will be back in the rotation this season.

Brandon Marrow is the new kid on the block after being acquired in a deal that sent Brandon League to Seattle. Marrow is known for having good stuff and walking batters. However, Marrow is just 26 years old and the Jays want him to be able to improve and the only way to do that is by sending him out there every four or five days to start.

In the four-spot is Marc Rzepczynski, who pitched well last season in 11 starts. He had a 3.60 ERA and struck out 60 in 61 innings. It’ll be interesting to see how he follows up on last year’s success this season.

Brian Tallet will more than likely be the fifth starter for the team this season. He did not pitch well last season as he had a 5.41 ERA over 25 starts as an emergency replacement. One would think that a youngster like Brett Cecil (22 years old) might be more suited for the position but the Jays coaches and manager Cito Caston don’t seem to think so.

That’s the starting rotation as of now but don’t be surprised if that changes throughout the course of the season. The club has a number of prospects who are ready to make their mark in the Majors including Cecil, Zach Stewart, and Brad Mills.

Pitching – Bullpen

The Jays will be looking to get better performances out of the bullpen in 2010 after a mediocre 2009. Without B.J. Ryan, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor split the closer position and both got the job done. Downs finished with a 3.09 ERA and struck out 43 and walked 13 over 46 2/3 innings. Frasor did even better with a 2.50 ERA with 56 Ks and 16 walks over 57 1/3 innings. In Downs and Frasor, the Jays have a formidable righty-lefty combination.

In the offseason, the team acquired Kevin Gregg in the offseason. Gregg gave up a lot of dingers last season, which won’t look good when facing tougher hitters and hitter-friendly ball parks in the American League.

The rest of the bullpen should be capable enough in 2010. However, each pitcher has really only had one good Major League season.

Overall

Jays’ fans should look at this season as the first year of the rebuild process. The team should take this season to develop their young prospects and make decisions on who will be part of the club’s future and who won’t. With the team they have in place now, it’s not out of the question that the Jays will improve on their 2009 win total.

WP – Burnett (7-4)  SV – Rivera (21)  LP – Tallet (5-6)

A.J. Burnett heard the boos when he struggled at times in April and May.  There was no mistaking them.  Having signed a major free agent contract, Burnett was expected to win 40 games by Yankees fans.  Okay, not really, but they certainly expected him to pitch a lot better than he did.  But since the calendar turned to June 1, Burnett has been everything Yankees fans were hoping for.

Yesterday, Burnett celebrated his independence from the Toronto Blue Jays a day early with a dominant performance in the Yankees 4-2 win.  The right-hander, who was a member of the Blue Jays from 2006 -2008, fired his fastball past his former teammates in an outstanding 7 inning performance.  Afterwards, Burnett said the difference between his pitching now and in May is the location of his fastball and throwing first pitch strikes.

The Yankees home town home run barrage helped Burnett out with Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez hitting solo shots.  But the game winning 2-run rally, against Jays starter Brian Tallet, was accomplished with just one hit, an infield single.

Tied 1-1 in the 5th, Brett Gardner and Derek Jeter drew back to back walks to start the inning.  Johnny Damon laid down a good bunt along the first base line.  Tallet slipped as he fielded it, enabling Damon reach base safely.

Mark Teixeira earned the third walk of the inning to force in the go ahead run.  Tallet got A-Rod to bounce into a force out at home, but with Cano at the plate, catcher Raul Chavez committed a passed ball that allowed Jeter to score for a 3-1 Yankees lead.

Burnett struck out 7 and scattered 6 hits, including a solo home run by Vernon Wells in the 6th that cut the Yankees lead to 3-2.  He  stranded the tying run at first base when he got Aaron Hill to pop out to end the 7th.

New 8th inning setup men Phil Coke and Phil Hughes kept the Jays off the board for an inning before Mariano Rivera picked up his 21st save in the 9th.

Game Notes

A-Rod’s home run was #569, putting him two behind Rafael Palmiero.

After the game Joe Girardi made it official, Brian Bruney is out of the 8th inning set up role for now.

The  Yankees have their work cut off for them this afternoon when they send Chien-Ming Wang up against Roy Halliday.

The Braves are coming off a rollercoaster ride of a four-game series with the Rockies. After a relatively normal 5-1 loss on Monday, the Braves answered with 8-1 and 12-4 wins. The Rockies then salvaged the split with a 9-0 win on Thursday. The Braves continue to sit at .500 (20-20, 2.5 out).

The Blue Jays continue to be the story of 2009 as they ride on their hot start. After a 15-9 April, they are currently 12-8 in May and are half a game ahead of the Red Sox in the East at 27-17. After sweeping the White Sox four straight, the Jays found themselves on the wrong end of a sweep by the Red Sox in their most recent series.

(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
5/22 – 7:30, PTV
Roy Halladay (8-1, 2.78…1-0, 2.45 in 1 start)
vs.
Kenshin Kawakami (2-5, 5.73)

Considered one of the game’s top pitchers, Roy Halladay will make his 10th start Friday night. He has been a model of consistency through nine, going either seven, eight, or nine innings in every start. Halladay has allowed three runs or less in seven of his nine starts, and only one earned run in five of those. He leads all of baseball with eight wins. Kenshin Kawakami has proven more consistent in his past three starts, though he still struggles to get past five innings. He is coming off three runs allowed in five innings against the Diamondbacks.

5/23 – 7:00, PTV
Scott Richmond (4-2, 3.64)
vs.
Derek Lowe (5-2, 3.58…5-9, 4.87 in 9 starts, 40 total games)

Toronto’s 29-year-old rookie, Scott Richmond, will make his first career start against a National League team. Richmond has been solid in his rookie campaign and rebounded from consecutive bad starts to shut out the White Sox over seven innings in his most recent start. Richmond toiled in the Independent Leagues for a few years before the Jays picked him up last year. Derek Lowe looks to continue his strong pitching after eight innings of two-run ball against the Rockies.

5/24 – 1:30, FSS
Brian Tallet (2-2, 4.47…1 IP, 4 ER)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (4-2, 1.96…1-0, 8 IP, 0 ER)

Spot starter Brian Tallet will make his eighth start, seemingly earning a solid spot in the rotation now. Tallet has allowed seven home runs this season and his ERA is still recovering from allowing 10 runs to the Royals earlier in the season. Tallet has allowed three runs or less and pitched at least six innings in his previous four starts. Jair Jurrjens continues to baffle hitters, allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings against the Rockies in his last start.

Key Blue Jays Relievers:
CL – Scott Downs (19.1 IP, 4 ER, 5 SV…21 IP, 17 ER, 1 BlSv)
SU – Jesse Carlson (22 IP, 8 ER, 5 HLD…0.2 IP, 0 ER)
MR – B.J. Ryan (8.2 IP, 7 ER, 2 SV…11 IP, 0 ER, 4 SV)

Key Blue Jays Hitters:
2B – Aaron Hill (.351, 11 HR, 35 RBI….200, 0 HR, 1 RBI in 3 games)
RF – Alex Rios (.272, 5 HR, 21 RBI….208, 0 HR, 2 RBI in 6 games)
CF – Vernon Wells (.268, 5 HR, 21 RBI….292, 2 HR, 5 RBI in 6 games)

Blue Jays Injuries:
C – Michael Barrett (15-day, shoulder muscle tear)
SP – Jesse Litsch (15-day, right forearm strain)
SP – Dustin McGowan (15-day, shoulder surgery)
SP – Shawn Marcum (15-day, elbow surgery)

WP – Pettitte (3-1)  LP – Richmond (4-2)

The Yankees were hoping for big things from Brett Gardner this season, especially after the fantastic spring he put together down in Florida.  Things have not worked out as planned thus far, with Gardner losing his starting job, but last night the Yankees speedster hit his first major league home run to ignite the Yankees to an 8-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The game certainly didn’t start out in promising fashion.  The Yankees left the bases loaded in the 1st inning and the Blue Jays scored a run without the aid of a hit off of Andy Pettitte in their half of the inning .  But rookie pitcher Scott Richmond wouldn’t escape the 2nd as the Yankees put together a rare big inning.

Melky Cabrera led off the the frame with a double, sparking a conversation between YES announcers Ken Singleton and Al Leiter as to whether Gardner would bunt or hit a grounder to the right side to move Cabrera to third base.  Gardner did indeed pull the ball, just inside the foul pole and over the right field fence for his first career home run in 198 big league at-bats.

Ramiro Pena followed with a triple and one batter later, Johnny Damon duplicated Pena’s feat with an RBI triple for a 3-1 Yankees lead.   Damon held at third on Nick Swisher’s infield in ground out, but Mark Teixeira drove a ball over center fielder Vernon Wells‘ head for a run scoring double.

Robinson Cano followed an Alex Rodrgiuez walk with a single (giving the Yankees the cycle for the inning) past a diving Kevin Millar at first base for a 5-1 Yankees advantage.  Cito Gaston finally showed mercy on his 29-yr old rookie starter and sent for Brian Wolfe who was able to retire Cabrera on his second time around to end the inning.

Pettitte settled down after the 1st, allowing a run in the 4th, but escaped a bases loaded, two out jam by getting Marco Scutaro to fly out.

The Yankees tacked on a run in the fourth on a Teixeira sacrifice fly and added two more in the fifth inning.   Cano led off the inning with a double and one batter later, Gardner produced the Yankees third triple of the night for a 7-2 lead.  Francisco Cervelli’s infield single scored Gardner with the game’s final run.

Al Aceves took over for Pettite in the 7th, and along with Jonathan Albaladejo, finished off the Yankees win.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter (oblique) and Hideki Matsui (hamstring) both sat out.

7 of the 11 Yankees hits were for extra bases.

Andy Pettitte’s win was the 218th of his career, moving him into a tie for 76th place all time with Bob Caruthers and Earl Whitehill.  Kenny Rogers is next at 219 wins.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Johnny Damon has had an extra base hit and a run scored in 9 straight games.  That’s the longest streak since the Orioles‘ Brady Anderson had a 9 game streak in 1997.  The last Yankee to reach at least 9 games was Don Mattingly, who had a 10 game streak in 1987.

The rubber game of the series is this evening at 7:05 p.m. ET with CC Sabathia going against Brian Tallet.

Before Tuesday nights’ game the Rangers knew it was going to be difficult to get back in that rhythm as they faced one of the most consist and dominate pitchers in all of baseball, Roy Halladay.

Halladay was already 3-0 on the season coming into the game, but the one team that he has had struggles with in his career, the Rangers, a life-time 8-7 record with an ERA above five.

In the first inning Halladay looked dominate early with strike outs of Michael Young and Hank Blalock.  In the second, however, Nelson Cruz launched a Halladay pitch into deep left field for a two-run homer.

The Blue Jays got both runs back in the third behind an Alex Rios RBI double and Vernon Wells sacrifice fly.

Texas took the lead back in the next inning when Blalock lead off with an opposite field double to left, he later scored on a single by Chris Davis.

Once again, though, the Blue Jays tied it back up in the fifth with a solo home run from second baseman Aaron Hill, his fifth of the season.

Not to be out done by his counter-part, Rangers second baseman one-upped Hill in the seventh inning.  Kinsler homered on a Halladay fastball to right field, a two-run shot that gave the Rangers a 5-3 lead.

This left the lead, the final three innings, and the game up to the Rangers bullpen.

Eddie Guardado got the one batter he faced out, and then Jason Jennings took care of the rest of the seventh without any problems.

However in the eighth, Rios reached on the first throwing error of his career from rookie Elvis Andrus.  That error would cost the Rangers a run, when Adam Lind singled in Rios off of reliever C.J. Wilson.

Texas then brought in closer Frank Francisco with one on and one out in the eighth inning.  He would allow the first two batters to reach and loaded the bases with still only one out.

But with the tying run at third and go-ahead run at second, Francisco got former Ranger catcher Rod Barajas to line-out to third baseman Michael Young.  Young’s snag saved both Francisco and the team, as Scott Rolen standing at second would have easily scored on the play.

Francisco closed out the eighth by getting rookie Travis Snider to fly out to center field.

The Ranger offense did nothing in the top of the ninth, and Francisco got the first batter (Marco Scutaro) out to start the bottom of the ninth.

But then Hill got his second hit of the game and second extra-base hit of the game as he doubled to left field.

Rios grounded out to Andrus for the second out, and Hill advanced to third.

Texas then had a decision to make, face power-hitting Wells or Jorge Bautista, who pinch-ran for Lind in the eighth inning.

The decision seemed to be pretty apparent when Francisco burned a 94 and then a 96 mph fastballs past Wells.  The next pitch was a 95-mph fastball that Wells could only pop-up to shortstop Andrus for the final out of the game.

Despite taking the loss Halladay still went eight innings, allowing five runs on only eight hits and striking out nine.

Ranger starter Brandon McCarthy got his second win of the season in his second consecutive quality start, he allowed three earned runs on six hits, walked and struck out two batters as well.

Texas offense was lead by timely hitting, going 3-6 with runners in scoring position and home runs from Kinsler and Cruz, their fifth and sixth respectively.

Texas and Toronto will play their second game of the series tonight when both teams have young talent take the mound, Matt Harrison (0-2) for the Rangers and David Purcey (0-1) for the Blue Jays.

Roy Halladay is one of the best pitchers in baseball, B.J. Ryan – when healthy – is an All-Star closer, and Vernon Wells is a centerfielder capable of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs every year. Yet, ill-timed spending sprees. injuries and the Yankees, Red Sox and now Rays have prevented this once-proud franchise from finding success for the past 15 years.

Statistically, the Jays finished 2008 with one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, but with the defection of A.J. Burnett to the Yankees and injuries to Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan, only Halladay and Jesse Litsch are back to start the season. To fill the void, J.P. Ricciardi is hoping that 39-year-old Ken Takahashi from Japan, journeyman Matt Clement and the gritty Mike Maroth can help. If not, young David Purcey could wind up in the rotation.

The bullpen is in better shape, though setup man Scott Downs’s elbow has been sore already this spring. In Jeremy Accardo and Brandon League, Toronto has two quality right-handers who throw hard. Complemented by southpaw Jesse Carlson, who limited opposing left-handed batters to a .208 batting average.

We’ll take a look at the offense tomorrow.