Reinforcements Coming

Chad Jennings is bringing us some more news today, this one is rather important considering the Yankees upcoming schedule. He lets us know that Dan Giese will be activated from the DL on Tuesday and will join the Yankees for their series against Tampa Bay (he won’t be around for the game against Detroit). Also, with the rosters expanding tomorrow, we’ve learned that Phil Coke and Chad Moeller will join the team for their game against Detroit (making up a rainout), while Joba will also return to the team on Tuesday (as a reliever). In addition, Bryan Hoch reminds us that Melky, Dave Robertson, Hughes, IPK and Justin Christian may also get a call up in light of the expanding rosters (it could help Hughes and IPK log more innings, if nothing else).

Hughes To Log Innings In Fall League

Chad Jennings informs us that Phil Hughes, along with “where the hell have you been” Humberto (Sanchez), will be headed to the Arizona Fall League to log innings this year. We all know that Hughes’ season was cut short due to injuries and ineffectiveness, so, in order to get Hughes ready for next year, he’ll pitch in the fall league in order to build up his innings total.

(Props to RAB).

The Unexpected

Andy Pettitte’s 2008 home/road splits are as follows:

HOME — 5.09 ERA & 1.41 WHIP
ROAD — 3.67 ERA & 1.36 WHIP

Strange, huh? I didn’t even throw in Pettitte’s game from today, where he allowed 6 ER against the Jays. His season ERA sits at 4.52 (with today’s game included), though, and that’s pretty terrible considering he’s our number 2 starter. With 2 other starters name Sidney Ponson and Darrell Rasner, it’s been very hard for the Yankees to really mount much against their opposition. Pettitte won 11 games for the Yankees in the 2nd half of 2007 (yup, 11 games) and now, in the 2nd half of 2008, he’s got a 3-4 record with an ERA well over 5. His first half was very good (4.03 ERA and 10 wins), so maybe this year he’s experiencing an aberration in his numbers (the splits are reversed, since Andy is typically a better 2nd half pitcher). There’s still September, of course, but he’ll have his work cut out for him.

The Yankees are going to need more from Andy Pettitte if they’re looking to extend their season. In defense of Andy, he’s had 3 very solid starts (3 GS of 7 IP, 3 runs or less) this month (against LA, KC, and TOR) and the Yankees only won 1 of those games, due to their lack of run support. However, it’s definitely crunch time, and he’s going to have to keep the Yankees in all of their games, something he really hasn’t done in his past 2 outings (both of which were home games).

Joe Ain’t No Bowa Cano Nonchalant?

Here’s an interesting bit of text from PA (LoHud):

It would be evident to the most novice of baseball fans that Robinson Cano made a bad play in the seventh inning. He was too far away from Derek Jeter to try that flip. The error opened the door to an awful 7-6 loss.

Joe Girardi knows this, he has to. He’s been in baseball all his life.

But in another moment that strained his credibility as manager, Girardi refused to criticize Cano. In fact, he compared him to future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar, saying Cano has a “smoothness” to his game.

Kim Jones of the YES Network, much to her credit, did not let the comment skate by and asked a series of questions about the play. Girardi repeated the same theme.

I get that a manager doesn’t want to be truthful about injuries, most of them are that way. You want to be positive after a loss, that’s also understandable.

But when a player botches a game in front of 53,273 fans and hundreds of thousands of others on television, you can’t pretend it’s OK and then compare him to one of the best second basemen ever to put on spikes.

In any sport, the manager or coach has to be credible. He’s the face of the organization. Yankees fans are not stupid.

To be honest, upon reading this, I was about to write a brief post about Larry Bowa’s absence and how Joe Girardi’s excessively “positive” approach, as seen in this situation, may not be helping Robbie. Bowa was, after all a fiery guy who would dig into Cano for his careless mistakes and we’ve heard time and time again that Cano likely benefited from this form of critique. However, I just listened to the Kim Jones audio that PA posted (click the link) and I have to disagree with his conclusion here.

Here’s a rough transcript of the Cano-related material:

JG: It happened, physical errors are going to happen
KJ: Do you want to see a flip throw or shovel pass there?
JG: You just want to see a good throw, however he can get it to him, and, you know… I’d have to watch it closely, but you have to make sure one in that situation
KJ: But Robbie looked, he looked nonchalant, making a play like that, is that how you would read it?
JG: Well, Robbie has that smoothness to him that people are going to assume that it’s nonchalantness, but it’s, you know, Robbie Alomar was the same way, he had that smoothness to him when he played the game. They’re not being nonchalant
KJ: Well if the smoothness costs you like it did today don’t you say get rid of it and next time make the sure throw?
JG: Well, you know, obviously if he could go back and do it again maybe he’d make sure but I mean he’s made that same play so many times and that’s how he does it. That’s what he’s used to doing.

While Cano should have made that play today, what’s going on here is something Joe Girardi was good to pick up on. Girardi has basically stated from the get go that the play should have been made, but it just didn’t happen. I mean, that’s fine and I’m sure he spoke to Cano following the miscue. However, Kim Jones moves away from this single moment (this single error in this specific game) and begins to criticize Cano’s overall style of play. Notice what she says. She insinuates that Robinson Cano is playing with a “nonchalant” or careless sort of attitude, something that many fans are quick to say when the team is struggling (I wrote about this a few weeks ago). Girardi didn’t let this fly though and I commend him for what he did next, which was defend his misunderstood second baseman.

I’ve been searching for a way to describe Cano’s style on the field and Joe goes to the “smooth” adjective, which seems to fit perfectly. Girardi tells Jones that Robbie plays with a “smooth” style and that’s how he’s always done it. That’s not necessarily him being nonchalant, that’s just how he looks when he plays. He’s not a max effort infielder like a Dustin Pedroia and often times, this style of play can be misconstrued for carelessness or being “nonchalant” (especially when compared to Pedroia). Cano’s smooth style explains a lot. It’s part of why the Yankees even signed him to a longterm deal. Last year, while Cano was having an excellent year with the bat, whenever he made defensive plays people would say, “he makes it look so easy!” That’s because, as Joe stated, he plays with a specific style that’s unique to him and it’s very smooth and soft. However, when it’s going bad or when he makes errors, people can then look at that smooth style of play and say, “hey, he’s not even trying!” The way he plays the game isn’t new folks. That’s how Cano plays and that’s how he has always played. When it’s good it looks great and when it’s bad it looks terrible, but I guess you take the good with the bad.

Obviously, Cano should have made that play in yesterday’s game. Joe knows it, Jeter knows it, Cano knows it, Kim Jones knows it, the Blue Jays know it, everyone knows it. But, in regards to Jones’ comment (it wasn’t really a question at that point), when you move away from questioning a single error and move towards questioning a player’s commitment and attitude (publicly), that’s sort of crossing the line, especially when you’re speaking to the manager of the club. Girardi saw that and went to the smoothness statement to defend Robbie. Jones then goes on to say, “well if that smoothness costs you like it did today, don’t you get rid of it…” Huh? Cano plays the game that way and always has. How do you scrap “smoothness” when that’s the approach you’ve always had on the field. Granted, Cano has had some mental lapses on the field this year, but this is nonsense.

Maybe Cano should start throwing fits on the field whenever he messes up a play, or maybe he should try making it look gritty since people love that which is “gritty”. Cano also hit a homer in yesterday’s game to back Rasner and he made that look pretty easy as well (maybe he should have screamed as he hit the ball?). Of course, this is how I saw the exchange and others (like PA) are certainly entitled to their interpretation of the conversation in question.

Double Play-Rod

When will it end?

Joba Ready To Return

Joba says that he’s ready to return after facing live hitters in a simulated game, earlier today. There’s no word on when Joba will be activated but I would assume that, since his session went well, he’ll be pitching out of the bullpen tomorrow night. The Yankees can use another arm out there, so it’d be a smart move.

Better Late Than Never

So, here we are. The Yankees are heading into September without that sense of playoff assuredness that has been their calling card for years now and, for once, the immediate future seems bleak. However, today the team got another surprising lift from Carl Pavano, the unlikeliest of heroes, as he won his second game in a row, a game that had him outpitching AJ Burnett (a thorn in the side, if there ever was one). With a rotation that features Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson and with the news about Joba’s return (as a reliever, initially), Pavano’s success must not be a magic trick. He must continue to provide stability to the rotation, as that is what he has now done in 2 consecutive starts. Pavano, not Hughes or Ian Kennedy, has been, at least for now, a winning presence in a paper thin rotation and that winning must continue.

Of course, Pavano couldn’t have done it on his own. The Yankees delivered some key hits and were able to scratch out their runs against the seemingly always nasty Burnett. Despite getting a lead, the team did have some trouble protecting it as Jose Veras faltered. Veras’ command will let you know what he has on a given day and it was immediately apparent that it was going to be trouble for the righty. While he has struggled this month, he will get some help upon Joba’s impending arrival. Edwar Ramirez picked up the pieces a bit and then Mariano Rivera, the greatest closer of all time, came in and nailed down the 5-out save. It would be interesting to see where the Yankees would be if they could all perform at the level that Mariano Rivera brings to the mound, every single day. Simply put, he has been the most reliable cog in a rather expensive Yankee machine.

With a Red Sox win (and a Twins win) the Yankees need to win today’s game (obviously). They’ll face John Parrish and it’ll be a lot easier to see Roy Halladay in the final game of the series if they can stick it to the mediocre lefty.

Ransom Read

It turns out the coolest thing about Cody Ransom isn’t his name. Apparently, he’s survived a tremendous car accident that claimed the lives of 4 of his friends and he also had a grandfather who was a Yankee farmhand. Who knew? Check out this read at the Times for a bit of background on the helpful bench player.

Oh Cano

Jon Heyman has a new article out where he outlines exactly why the Yankees are “done” for the season (yet he somehow says, at the end of the piece, that the Rockies may be back in the playoff race despite being 6 games out of first). In the text, Heyman’s first point about the Yankees deals with Robinson Cano. Here’s what he had to say about Cano’s year.

How has Robinson Cano degenerated form one of the best young players in the game to a so-so and seemingly indifferent second baseman? None of the young players on the team lived up to their billing, and that goes for Melky Cabrera, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Shelley Duncan, as well.

But perhaps no one is a greater enigma than Cano. The dropoff is so severe and significant that one Yankee said, “Just look at [Red Sox second baseman Dustin] Pedroia, and the year he’s having. The difference between him and Cano is the difference between the teams. Pedroia doesn’t have one-quarter the talent of Cano, but he’s outplaying him by a mile.” There are two theories about Cano’s decline. One is that he misses Larry Bowa, who was the Yankees third base coach from 2006-07, and the other is that his new $32-million contract made him comfortable.

“No way they should have given Robbie that contract. He’s the last guy who should have gotten a contract like that,” one Yankee said. “They never gave a deal like that to Derek Jeter or Bernie Williams or Jorge Posada or Mariano Rivera with so much time to go before free agency. They could have given it to Cano or [Chien-Ming] Wang. They picked the wrong guy.”

Cashman disagrees, and said, “I don’t believe it’s the contract. He came in and worked hard, and he was constantly in the weight room.” Cashman gives only slightly more credence to the Bowa theory. “I think Bowa’s a tremendous coach, one of the best third-base coaches I’ve ever seen, maybe the best. But I don’t think coaches make players. Players make players.”

Wow, the comment about Cano and Pedroia came from a Yankee? That’s a pretty tough indictment. Maybe the contract hasn’t made Cano comfortable, and that’s the problem. Maybe he feels like he needs to justify the contract, which can explain why he’s swinging at everything that’s out of the zone (he normally swings at everything, but this year it’s been really bad). Then again, that wouldn’t explain why Cano has seemed “indifferent” at times, although I feel that that characterization could be misguided, as he always looks so relaxed when he plays and when he screws up, it simply looks like he doesn’t care.

Either way, Cano probably won’t hit close to .300 this year (there’s still hope there), but maybe this will serve as a wakeup call for next year (I think he’ll have a monster 2009 season).

To Pee Or To Sing

From UPI.com:

A New York Yankees fan says he might sue after he was allegedly ejected for trying to use the Yankee Stadium men’s room while a patriotic song was playing.Bradford Campeau-Laurion told WCBS-TV in New York Thursday that the seventh-inning stretch seemed like an opportune time for a pit stop during Tuesday’s game against Boston. However a police officer allegedly blocked his departure until the traditional recording of “God Bless America” was finished playing.

Campeau-Laurion said when he protested that his priority at the moment was the rest room, two officers pinned his arms behind him and gave him the bum’s rush out the gate.

“He shoved me out the front gate and told me get out of their country if I didn’t like it,” Campeau-Laurion said to the television station.

A police spokesman told WCBS that Campeau-Laurion was abusive and appeared to be drunk, which Campeau-Laurion and the person he was attending the game both denied.

The Yankees have a policy that prohibits fans from wandering around when “God Bless America” is playing, but the American Civil Liberties Union said having the police throw someone out for simply wanting to use the bathroom probably crossed the line, WCBS said.

What a strange story. To be honest, I’ve never felt comfortable leaving to use the bathroom or get food during the 7th-inning stretch (I never like leaving my seat during the game, at all). With that said, I’m surprised at how strongly the Yankees have enforced their “God Bless America” rule about not wondering around during that period. I don’t see why leaving to use the bathroom would be frowned upon (why should you have to explain where you’re going anyway?), but I guess if the fan was engaging in drunken debauchery, then maybe I can see why he would get tossed. However, a witness has come forward and disputed that claim.

It’ll be interesting to see how the “God Bless America” bit fits into the new stadium. I wonder if it will feel totally outdated (some say that it’s totally outdated now). What do you think? To be perfectly honest, I could care less about the tradition itself. Maybe it’d be fun to come up with a new tradition in the new stadium?

(Props to WW).

Hughes Working Things Out

From Tyler Kepner (NY Times):

The Yankees have not forgotten about Phil Hughes, who started the season in the rotation but is now laboring for Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. On Wednesday in Buffalo, Hughes worked 6 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and six hits, striking out seven with one walk. It followed two dismal starts that put into question whether Hughes would return in September.

Nardi Contreras, the organization’s pitching coordinator, traveled to Buffalo for the start. He showed Hughes video of his strong outings in 2007 and worked on mechanical adjustments.

“He threw the ball hard,” Contreras said. “Threw the fastball for strikes and had a real good curveball. Real good changeup, mixed in a slider. He attacked the strike zone. They had (Josh) Barfield, Victor Martinez and (Tony) Graffanino in the lineup. He did well.”

Contreras said Hughes topped out at 94 miles an hour and pitched regularly at 92. He would not say what adjustments he made to Hughes’ delivery, but he seemed to like the results.

“He did well, and he had some success,” Contreras said. “He’s on his way.”

Not literally, Contreras meant. That is a call for General Manager Brian Cashman and Manager Joe Girardi, who will start adding players from the minors when rosters expand on Monday.

I thought that Hughes’ two bad starts were attributed to a bout of dead arm, but it seems like that may not be true (although that’s what we heard from a few sources). Hughes has had a lot of problems performing his delivery, over and over again (this has happened throughout his career), and many of his injuries have been the direct result of mechanical problems. Mechanical issues have also hurt Hughes’ control, whether its of his fastball or his curveball and we saw that earlier in the year (and then he was injured, which was probably the result of his mechanics, yet again). Hopefully everything is ironed out now and we’ll see him pitching in the rotation next week (later Sidney), with his best stuff.

Blame Brian

From the NY Times:

“But Cashman, the general manager, took full responsibility for the Yankees’ disappointing season when asked how much blame he deserved.“All of it,” he said. “The bottom line is I’m the G.M. If you want to clear this out of the way, this is not a Joe Girardi issue. We have a terrific hitting coach in Kevin Long. I think we have extremely talented players. I’ve put together a club that is where it’s at, and I’m responsible for that.”

Cashman obviously deserves his fair share of the blame for this years struggles. He constructed a team that was too old and, as we found out with our pitching, it was also too young. Now, at the beginning of the year we were all fine (generally) with the addition of Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes. In fact, it seemed like a good idea at the time, especially with their 2007 season numbers in mind. However, when those guys went down, Brian Cashman’s failure was not having a specific backup plan (e.g. not making a trade, etc.). By promoting those two, we essentially eliminated a lot of the depth we had in the minor leagues (in case of injury) and it wasn’t restocked in an adequate fashion. It seems like that’s where Brian Cashman failed, and his patchwork rotation hasn’t done much since.

Random Bits: Instant Replay, Pavano, Beckett

Here’s a quick batch of newsworthy bits:

1. The MLB will begin using its new instant replay system starting tonight. Series that begin from hereon in will now use the system regularly, as it will debut in 3 separate matchups (it’ll be “everywhere” tomorrow). IR will be used to resolve important disputed calls, but I’m sure that disputed home runs will be the central focus for the replay tool. Ken Rosenthal has a nice write up about the technology being used for the system, detailing delay issues as well as how the system will work in general. Some baseball purists may not agree with it, but I think it’s great for the game and should help the game get things right (wrong isn’t necessarily “pure”).

2. Next up, Carl Pavano has been placed on waivers and will likely clear them. We’ll see what happens with this situation as it could change with the Yankees’ record. Depending on how the team does over these next few games, the Yankees could decide to cut their losses and just ship him out for anything they can get (they’ll likely pay the majority of his salary). He’s slated to start against AJ Burnett tomorrow, so we’ll simply have to wait and see how this one turns out (hey, maybe he can get us another W).

3. Finally, any bad news for the Red Sox is good news for the Yankees, as Josh Beckett’s start against the ChiSox has been scratched. Beckett was supposed to face Chicago tomorrow, but instead of seeing Alexei Ramirez, Jermaine Dye and Ken Griffey Jr., Beckett will see an even scarier foe, as he’ll meet with Dr. James Andrews (who is seemingly the only baseball doctor in the world). If the diagnosis is bleak, the Yankees could get a much needed lift in their morale (not that they’re happy to see him injured, but they’ll take what they can get), while the Sox will likely feel some pressure after losing their staff ace.

Teixeira Treasure

Although Jason Giambi had a memorable game today, I think it’s fairly clear that the Yankees will part ways with the Giambino in the offseason (buy out his option, won’t resign). With Mark Teixeira’s impending free agency, and with a blustery Hank Steinbrenner guaranteeing changes in the offseason, it appears as though the stars are truly aligning for Big Tex and his agent, Scott Boras. It actually seems like a perfect union in a practical sense. The Yankees are going to need a first baseman with Giambi gone and hey, he’s clearly the best option available (via free agency).

Here’s what Jayson Stark (ESPN) had to say about the probable partnership:

• Bronx glue: The best thing that could happen to Mark Teixeira’s checking account is the Yankees’ missing the playoffs. Even though Jorge Posada’s long-term future might well turn out to be at first base/DH, missing the playoffs — because of an offense that will score nearly 200 fewer runs than last year — likely would make the Steinbrenner family just desperate enough to put the team in the mix for Teixeira. And it’s a good thing for him, because it now seems like virtually a lock that that other team in New York, the Mets, will pick up the $12 million option on Carlos Delgado (who actually leads Teixeira in homers, 30-27).

• Boras’ auction house: But how much is Teixeira worth? If Scott Boras is serious about establishing a 10-year, $230 million price tag on Teixeira, he won’t have many bidders to play the Yankees against. Most teams view him as a five-year, $90 million kind of guy.

“What really stands out, when you’ve got Vlad and Teixeira back-to-back in the same lineup, is what he isn’t,” an official of one club said. “Let’s put it this way: I know which one I fear, and it isn’t him. To me, when you see truly great players, they always have that extra edge, that killer instinct. Well, if this guy has it, he doesn’t project it. Hey, he’s a good player, obviously. But is he a guy who’s going to legitimately carry a club for the money he’s asking? I don’t see that.” •

What’s free about free agency: Whether Teixeira ends up in the Bronx or not, the Yankees’ free-agent hyperactivity figures to make this an expensive market for any team to shop in. The Yankees have about $90 million in expiring contracts (most of it courtesy of Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte and Pudge Rodriguez/Kyle Farnsworth). Even if they bring back a couple of those guys at reduced rates, that’s way too much money for a team like this to have burning a hole in its pocket as it heads into a new ballpark. So other clubs already are hearing that the Yankees plan to put a full-court press on CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets (if Sabathia rejects them) and Teixeira. And that will drive up free-agent prices for everybody, as agents everywhere rejoice.

Clearly, for us (as fans), seeing the Yankees miss the playoffs is a terrible thing. But, of course, for impending free agents and their lovely representatives (…), this is a beautiful year and a beautiful time. Essentially, it’s payday and the Yankees are THE team to go to maximize your reward. In the end, if the Yankees don’t make the playoffs, it’s tough, however, at least we’ll know that our offseason will be an interesting one.

Loose Moose

Mike Mussina was spectacular in today’s win (7 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) and it really is just too bad that he couldn’t get the W for his record. So, while Moose sits at 16-7, I’m sure he’s still happy because he kept his team in the game for 7 innings, allowing Mariano RIvera to shut the Sox down for a bit until Jason Giambi delivered two big blows. You could say that, at this point, Jason’s game-tying homer and walk-off single were the biggest hits of the year as the team attempts to claw its way up the WC ladder. They have their work cut out for them, but this was a nice win with the Blue Jays on the horizon (Burnett and Halladay).

Along with a walk-off victory came some good news on the Joba Chamberlain front. Joba threw a bullpen session this morning and felt strong. Now, he’ll face live hitters on Saturday in a simulated game (more like a simulated inning, as he’ll only throw 35 pitches). If he feels good after Saturday’s session, he could be ready for an actual game, early next week. However, Joba himself notes that the rehab path he has taken would not allow him to start games, at least not initially. He would first return as a reliever and then, after continuing to build his arm strength, we could see him back in the rotation. It’ll be interesting to see what a rotation of Moose, Pettitte, Joba, Aceves and Ponson/Hughes/Wright can do down the stretch.

Game 133: Yanks VS. Red Sox

Here’s the lineup (PA):

YANKEES (70-62)
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Nady LF
Cano 2B
Matsui DH
Ransom 1B
Molina C
Mussina RHP

RED SOX (76-55)
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Bay LF
Kotsay RF
Lowrie 3B
Cora SS
Varitek C
Lester LHP

David Robertson has been optioned back to AAA and Alfredo Aceves has been recalled to “pitch in relief”. I’m assuming that Aceves is going to take Rasner’s spot in the rotation and hopefully, with last night’s loss, the dominoes will continue to fall and Sidney Ponson’s spot will be taken by either Chase Wright or Phil Hughes.

Always Optimistic

Now that you’ve seen what Hank Steinbrenner had to say after last night’s debacle (he also said that the Yankees “sucked”), let’s see what Joe Girardi had to say.

“When they put an X next to your name [in the standings], you run out of days,” Joe Girardi said. “It’s not where we want to be but no hole is too deep to climb out of.”

I appreciate Joe’s optimism, however, why not be a bit more realistic (seriously)? Why not dig into your team after last night’s loss? I mean, you said before this series that the Yankees needed to win 2 out of 3 in order to stay relevant in the WC chase, which they clearly have not done (not even close). So, respond accordingly. Joe seems to wait for moments, on the field (instead of after the losses), so that he can amp his team up (get thrown out, etc.). He waited for that in the first game of this series (it didn’t happen), as the Yankees were getting pinched by the umpire with Pettitte on the mound. But, how does the “we’re not out of it yet” approach work? For the Yankees, it hasn’t worked all season, so why not try something new. Get mad, get loud, at least for one day, show some form of anger. It’s a beautiful emotion, it really is, and maybe if you dug into the team they’d snap out of it (at least temporarily).

A Busy Winter

Here’s what Hank Steinbrenner had to say after last night’s game:

“There is going to be a lot going on this off-season,” he said. “I promise you that.”

The Yankees are going to do whatever they can to make sure they make the offseason next year. I can guarantee you that Jason Giambi will be gone, and the Yankees will either land Mark Teixeira or CC Sabathia, although there’s a possibility that they could get both free agents (it’d be difficult, but it could happen). The Yankees could still comeback this season, but as Steve Lombardi outlines over at WW, it’s pretty clear that it would take a miracle for that to happen.

Wrap It Up!

Well, while the Yankees aren’t totally out of the playoff hunt yet (there’s about a 2% chance that they’ll still make it if they go on an unbelievable tear), after seeing today’s game and after watching the Yankees limp through the most crucial series of the year, I would have to say that it’s a wrap for the 2008 season. Sadly, this series reminds me of the following video, which is quite hilarious. At the end of the day, you can’t pin the loss on A-Rod, as this was certainly a team effort. If you had to blame anyone, you know, in the heat of the moment, maybe at this junction it’s Brian Cashman’s turn. After all, it was he who constructed this pitching corps (the starters, in particular, have been brutal).

Game 132: Yanks VS. Red Sox

Here’s the lineup, via PA:

YANKEES (70-61)
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady LF
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Ponson RHP

RED SOX (76-55)
Ellsbury RF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Bay LF
Lowrie 3B
Varitek C
Cora SS
Crisp CF
Byrd RHP

PAUL BYRD — In his last start against the Yankees, Byrd went 6.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits (3 of them were homers). He’s got a 4.90 ERA against the Yankees (career) in 60.2 IP, with 72 hits, 15 BB, 29 K, and 15 HR given up. The Yankees are basically .290 hitters against Byrd (career), and they should be able to break out, offensively, with him on the mound. He’s a total junkball pitcher, meaning he’s not going to K a lot of guys, but he won’t walk them either, leaving the pressure on the Yankees to put the ball in play. Jeter, Matsui, Giambi and Cano all have nice numbers against Byrd, so I’m sure they’re eager to step into the batter’s box today and lead the attack.

A-ROD’S DILEMMA – A-Rod doesn’t have strong numbers against Byrd, hitting only .222 in 18 AB’s, but he does have a home run off him. Those numbers can easily change with a big game today and I feel as though he’ll be up to the task after last night’s memorable (for all the wrong reasons) performance. With Giambi not hitting well and offering little protection, a lot of pitchers have been jamming A-Rod inside and soft tossing him away. He seems too eager because of his month-long slump (.238 BA this month), and it looks like he’s been diving out over the plate and getting jammed inside due to a lack of patience. A-Rod is easily the best player in the game and if the guy behind him isn’t hitting much, why throw him anything over the plate? Too bad A-Rod is swinging those bad pitches, but I’m sure he’ll change his approach a bit tonight. Paul Byrd won’t walk him (he’s done that only once) so it’ll be up to Alex to pick his pitch. Byrd may even feel comfortable attacking A-Rod a bit since he hasn’t hit him well (some hittable pitches), while Giambi actually has (4 HR vs. Byrd).

PREDICTION – While Byrd isn’t the toughest pitcher around, the Yankees are sending Sidney Ponson out there and the Sox have always hit him well (career 6.92 ERA against the franchise). The Yankees are going to have to strike early and often in order to keep Ponson afloat. If he can give up 4 ER over 5 or 6 innings, the team would gladly take that against Byrd. For whatever reason, I have a feeling that Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, and Hideki Matsui will all have a big game. Maybe I feel that way because the team needs it, more then ever.