So as I sit here waiting for the clubhouse to open on this fine Saturday morning, my mind wanders back to last night's game, which was filled with intriguing developments from a Yankee perspective. Everyone is doing good posting their comments -- I especially enjoyed everyone's takes on the left side of the infield debate -- and now I'd like to hear your thoughts on the following matters from last night's game.
-- Mike Mussina. How concerned are you? Most definitely there has to be some concern, because the Yankees couldn't say for certain whether he will make his next start. If he can't, it's not the worst thing, as the All-Star break gives him four extra days of rest and the Yankees an opportunity to readjust their rotation. But still, this is Mussina, easily the best Yankees pitcher this season. Groin injuries can linger, and this one is more worrisome because it's on the right side, his push-off-the-rubber side. Mussina pitched three innings with it, but don't read too much into that. His adrenaline was already pumping.
-- The bullpen. How about that collective performance? Easily the best of the season. That's where Ron Villone is most useful, and you've got to love the fire that Scott Proctor showed on the mound. Yelling at Joe Torre?!?! Never would have imagined that. But he certainly backed it up, striking out David Wright. And Kyle Farnsworth looks as if he took everyone's advice, because this was a night where his stuff worked to his advantage. He gave them a dynamite eighth inning, something the Yankees certainly they wish they saw more of.
-- The offense. It was such a feel-good win, beating the Mets and gaining a game on the Red Sox, but lost amid all of that was another poor performance by the offense. Yes, it was impressive how they pushed across the second run with two outs in the fourth inning, with Bernie Williams stealing second and scoring when Andy Phillips singled on the next pitch. But two runs against Orlando Hernandez isn't what they expected coming in. Right now the Yankees are winning despite their offense, and who knows how long that can last.
-- Where would the Yankees be without Jason Giambi's bat in the middle of the order?
Comments (4)
As far as Mussina is concerned rest him if there is any doubt. SP is too valuable because there is nothing available at this time.
Scott Proctor from my view did not yell at Torre but demanded trust and respect from Joe by being testy with the possible removal. We need more put me in the game coach attitude, especially from the relief corps. Joe over does the pitching changes. It does not breed confidence.
More small ball until the team starts hitting again or Matsui and Sheffield return. The homeruns will come when pitchers feel they are forced to throw middle in pitches. Joe is playing it as murders row plus 3 big bats are missing.
Without Giambi about 3 less wins in the last week alone.
Posada also had major problems with El Duque.
His approach is that of a bossy know-it-all, instead
of a supportive help-mate.
He also talks tough but doesn't block the plate.
We've seen enough of Melky
to know that he doesn't
have nearly enough power to
be a starting corner OFer.
Cairo is exposed as a popgun hittewr when he
starts every game.
The bright spots are Giambino and Phillips.
Andy's AAA stats per AB
were big. He also started
out as a 2B-man. Could he
play 2B now ?
Hey Zander I can't agree with your assessment of Posada as a know it all. He's fiery with the desire to win. Blocking the plate everytime the opportunity presented itself. We would have Stinnet being our regular catcher with Duncan as backup that can't be good. My concern with Phillips at second for more offensive production is his foot speed. At second foot speed is much more a necessary tool then running speed but its worth a try when the opportunity presents itself. This is the downside to Cairo his hitting will sink lower and lower with more regular at bats thou he does make contact. He's a perfect small ball player. Joe fails to use.
Everything we have seen out of the Yankees the last 2 weeks must be tempered by the fact that the opposition has been the weak NL. The "pitchers" will not be as good, and the "offense" will be even weaker against the AL. We desperately need an outfielder with "punch." Should we fall 5 back in the loss column to the R\Sox, I'm sure alarm bells will be ringing in the offices of the Yankee hierarchy. We should get C.Wilson as a "stop-gap," temporary solution, until we acquire either Torii Hunter, and or Jose Guillen. Remember, Wilson can also catch. This could lead to the departure of Stinnett, and possibly Posada not getting that automatic contract extension based on games caught. Wilson could effect both this year and next.
As for pitching, the Yanks have to stay away from all NL pitchers. They must try to get Radke included in a Torii Hunter deal. I know Radke is not what he used to be, but he does have play-off experience, and you know what you are getting. With a NL pitcher, your "playing with fire."