Lots of developments today, so let's not waste any more time.
-- George Steinbrenner released a statement: "Brian Cashman is working hard to improve the team and the responsibility is totally in his hands." A minor jab, at best, but another few losses and we could see a few more of these Boss missives. Left a message, but haven't heard back from Cashman yet about his reaction.
UPDATE
“It’s not a shot,” Cashman said. “I take it as support. I take it more as, ‘Talk to Cash, he’s working on it.’ He’s right. It is my responsibility. He stated the obvious.”
-- Joe Torre held a short meeting before the game, and he drove home the point to his players that today's the first game of the second-half of the schedule. So forget about what happened before today, including, oh yeah, that 19-1 drubbing last night.
-- The Yankees claimed outfielder Aaron Guiel off waivers from the Kansas City Royals, and Torre said he will platoon with Bernie Williams in rightfield for the time being. If you're looking for more about Guiel, check out his unofficial personal Web site.
-- With the Yankees bullpen beat up from last night's awful loss, and with Mike Mussina pitching with a sore right groin, the Yankees called up Kris Wilson from Triple-A Columbus as an insurance policy. Kevin Reese was optioned to Columbus.
-- No word yet on who starts Sunday. Torre said he may announce it after the game. Sure looks like Ron Villone may get the nod, and Shawn Chacon goes to the bullpen.
Comments (4)
If what I have heard about chacon's attitude and work ethic they should just cut him loose. Its too bad he looked like he might be a good find...
If, Joe Torre is pleased with the waiver purchase of Aaron Guiel then we are being led down the wrong path. Joe said, "he has some pop in his bat." 28 HR in 838 at bats is every 30 at bats. I won't be negative just hope he has an arm and gets some consistent playing time to produce. What did Bubba every do to Joe Torre? As far as Chacon if he has an attitude cut him loose. We are only 3 games behind the Red Sox and six behind the White Sox in the wild card with all our pitching and injury issues. We need no attitudes because the playoffs are obtainable.
Looks like Guiel will be playing Center for Damon. The Yanks should just "shut down" Damon till after the All-Star break. Bernie Williams should not play the outfield unless we are out of players. His defense and arm are horrible. "Cash" can "spin" that note from The Boss any way he wants, but when George distances himself from the decision process, look out. Letting Chacon go now is a mistake. Bury him in the bullpen till after the trade deadline. We may be able to trade "our problem," for somebody elses.
There's no reason for anybody to think the Yankees can't right their ship. I can't help but think of the '78 season when that Yankee team was loaded with termoil with Billy Martin. Along came a steadying influence in Bob Lemon (Torre like) and with the team 14 games behind Boston in mid August, the rest is history. Sure, it was different back then but it's still a game played by human ballplayers. A couple of decent moves by Cashman and the hurt guys healed, and away they go to their rightful place. The playoffs.