Bronx & Beans

It should come as no surprise, really, that the new Boss would start melting down already, demanding that Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees best pitcher, change jobs, and already throwing around words like 'idiot' when describing his own administration.

"You don't have a guy with a 100-mile-per-hour fastball and keep him a setup guy," Hank Steinbrenner told the New York Times. "I want him as a starter and so does everyone else, including him, and that is what we are working toward and we need him there now."

No shock there. Early-season flip-outs were always the m.o. for Hank's dad whenever things weren't going well. And, as Wally Matthews points out, young studs Phil Hughes (0-3) and Ian Kennedy (0-2) aren't making anyone forget Johan Santana.

What is ironic this time, though, is that Hank would suggest that the Yankees weaken their bullpen at a time when the Red Sox are absolutely punishing opposing bullpens. Does he really want LaTroy Hawkins setting up for Rivera? Or how about that thug Kyle Farnsworth?

Joba's a scary pitcher. And I'm as curious as anyone to see how he does as a starter.
But, please, Hank. Keep pushing Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi on this one. In addition to making Girardi regret coming back to the Bronx, you'll be doing the Red Sox a huge favor.

And while you're at it, isn't it about time to make the trainer a scapegoat now that A-Rod is down with a strained quadriceps muscle (after Jeter and Posada were slowed by similar injuries)?

Just less than a year ago, it was Marty Miller who took the fall after injuries to Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Mike Mussina. Miller, you might recall, was the director of performance enhancement (by the way, in hindsight, what a great job title! Nothing ironic about THAT for a an organization that brought us enhanced performances by guys like Roger Clemens and Chuck Knoblauch).

Should strength and conditioning coach Dana Cavalea or head trainer Gene Monahan be concerned? Mount Hank seems about ready to blow. Falls guys are needed. And there aren't any midges around.

--Dennehy