Sheff delivers again. The final course: a two-out, two-run homerun in the top of the ninth off a tough pitch by Wickman. This guy is humiliating A-Rod in the value department. Even though Quantrill pitched two scoreless innings, he got hit hard again and still looks very hittable. This Yank fan is eagerly awaiting Karsay’s return in two weeks. A very nice win however.
A pathetic performance by the Yanks against the Twins and Angels that has made the AL East race a new ballgame. The performance made more frustrating by the fact that the Yanks were undone by their so-called strength, their offense. With the Twins and Halos behind them the Yanks have a weak schedule until the end of the season and still control their own destiny with six games against the Sox. The Sox meanwhile have a slightly tougher schedule. The Yanks have no excuse. If they don’t extend their lead against the Sox and finish with the best record in the AL then they don’t deserve to win anything. To the Yanks: in the words of Gordon Gekko, “Get to Work.” I believe they will follow this motto.
After a nice 9-3 lead, then a Quantrill meltdown (too many of them recently) that led to a 11-10 deficit, the Yanks managed an impressive comeback against Nathan in the ninth. A huge win for the Yanks! Sheffield and Matsui provided the heroics, but that should come as no surprise. These two guys have been incredibly clutch – every hit they get seems to be a big one. In a recent poll Matsui was voted the top Yankee (Sheff was tied for second with Jeter) fans would like to see at the plate in a crucial playoff situation. The way he’s been swinging, I couldn’t agree more.
Up at the stadium where the caroms are off the roof, Vazquez delivered another mediocre start. The Yanks signed him to be the dominating pitcher he was in Montreal and he has been far from that. If Javy doesn’t pick it up through the end of the season and the playoffs then he will be a major disappointment. His lack of control is his undoing as his missed pitches usually end up in upper decks.
We’re not expecting much from Mussina tonight but it’s great to have him back.
With A-Rod coming down with the flu, and the Yanks coming in to play one of the worst teams in the majors, it seemed like an opportune time for A-Rod to begin his 4-game suspension. Instead the Yanks didn’t make this decision until after the second game versus Seattle. Now A-Rod will miss two games against the Twins instead of just one. It won’t make a big difference relative to the Yanks lead in the East, but one would like to get A-Rod many looks at pitchers he may face in the playoffs. This was a questionable decision by the Yanks and hopefully they don’t have their heads where the sun doesn’t shine because of their big lead.
Despite today’s meltdown by the bullpen, the Yanks road trip is going fine, and the starting pitching still appears to be getting stronger. We’re eagerly awaiting Moose’s return, and the hopeful (fingers crossed) additions of Karsay and Giambi.
If there are any Yanks (active or past players) contemplating a McGreevey-esque announcement, I have just one request: Please wait until after October.