On the Yankees beat

Many months from now, perhaps we'll look back at today's game as the one when Scott Proctor first grabbed hold of Tanyon Sturtze's job.

While Sturtze continues his rocky run through 2006, Proctor has been lights out, and opened Joe Torre's eyes with today's outing. If you didn't see it, after Sturtze loaded the bases in the seventh -- he walked two and botched a sure out on a comebacker by making a throwing error -- Proctor came in and saved him. He got three straight outs, allowing only one of the inherited runners to score. Not bad at all.

"We wouldn’t be sitting here if not for the job Proctor did in the seventh inning," Torre said. "To give up one run with the bases loaded at that point in time was something he should always refer to."

Proctor has allowed three runs and 12 hits with 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings, good for a 1.33 ERA. Sturtze, meanwhile, has given up six earned runs and 10 hits with five walks in 9 1/3 innings, which is a 5.79 ERA. You make the call.

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So it seems likely Gary Sheffield will go on the disabled list. Who should be called up?

Melky Cabrera? He's hitting .376 (44-for-117) with four home runs at Triple-A Columbus, but is it too soon to bring him back up after the embarassment of last year. Against the Red Sox, no less?

Kevin Thompson? Thompson was about the only outfielder in the system who didn't get a shot at the major-league level last year. He's hitting .294 (30-for-102) and has been playing rightfield for Columbus.

Kevin Reese? He's Bubba Crosby Lite. Basically does the same things, not as experienced. Probably the most sound defensively of the three, but worst offensively. He's hitting .271 (26-for-96).

Carlos Pena? He's been rusty at the plate -- 11-for-55 (.200) -- but if they really want to see what they have in him, now they have a chance to bring him up. It would leave them with only four outfielders, with either Bernie Williams or Bubba Crosby on the bench, but for two weeks they can make due. At least worth a thought.

So what do you think? Let us know what you would do.