May 29 2009
YANKS CONTINUE TO WIN, READY FOR CLEVELAND
So we never thought we’d see it, but our beloved New York Yankees were in 1st place before those damn Bostonians won last night - still, we’re a half-game behind 1st in the division. Finally got a great start out of Burnett, who hadn’t thrown well since that breakdown in Boston. We now enter Cleveland, where they certainly have some boppers, but most of the pitching ain’t so great. Tonight should be a nice match-up to watch, Pettitte vs. Lee - battle of the veteran lefties. Lately, we are doing what we need to do to win games - pitch well, play defense, and hit the ball when needed. The bullpen is still in question, especially with Bruney back on the DL, BUT we gotta go with what we have right now. Many people want Joba back in there, but it’s probably not going to happen unless he reached his innings limit, or if we deal for another good starter and Wang goes back to normal.
Regarding the set-up guy, I think the team really gave up wayyy too soon on Mark Melancon. This kid has dominant stuff, and was not given a fair shake his first time up. I understand he wasn’t superb every time out, but you have to let these kids battle through things, that’s the only way they’re going to learn how to pitch here. It’s the same with these pitch/inning-counts, it gets to be ridiculous. So I say we bring back Melancon and see what he really can do, because where else are we going right now for a back-end reliever? The only options are Joba (which they’re clearly not doing right now) or trading for an arm, which is most likely not going to happen this early in the season. Use your head boys.
Regarding our injuries, here’s the latest: Melky is still out for about a week (not serious), Posada is back with the team today but will probably not be catching just yet, Bruney visited the doc’ and luckily the test revealed no structural damage in the elbow (diagnosed as a right flexor muscle strain), and Nady shouldn’t be out too long since he’s already swinging a bat (probably will DH when he returns initially). So all in all, we’re in much better shape than expected, and we’re certainly playing like nothing’s wrong. I love the energy and cohesiveness that the team is showing, which brings me to my next point - keeping Francisco Cervelli on the roster. Ever since this kid was called up, he’s done nothing but positive things for the team, and everyone likes him. He’s a gamer, and fits right in with the group - bottom line, he belongs here. This is why I didn’t mention Molina’s injury, because quite frankly, it doesn’t matter now. Don’t get me wrong, I love Molina’s defensive game, but that’s all he’s really got. Cervelli really has much more to offer (defense, attitude behind the plate, speed, bat), and let’s remember that the kids keep the Yanks fresh. Everyone always talks about how we’re getting old at some spots, well with Cervelli, Gardner, Melky, Cano, Wang, Coke, Swish, Marky Teixeira, Joba, Hughes, and Melancon (once he comes back)…the tables can turn dramatically.
