A halting first step?

The Yankees played great defensively in the infield tonight, bunted twice and attempted two steals in winning a close low scoring games. there did seem to be a sense that they would have to win differently and play a higher energy game. That is, they seem to be modulating into the kind of team I envisioned in my last post. On the other hand, however, they cannot be that kind of team with Williams doing anything other than DHing. Wang managed to keep the ball out of right field tonight, other than 2 singles, so Bernie wasn't given a chance to destroy their thin margin and with it their embryonic spirit. But if Torre leaves him out there, plays like last night will do exactly that. In addition, by continuing his insane practice of sitting Crosby, Torre does without not just his best defensive outfielder, but arguably his fastest player, and his second best (after Jeter) baserunner (and yes that includes Damon). The new Yankees will have to be taking the extra base whenever they can, stealing hits (or homers) whenever they can, and not giving bases away either with their gloves (Bernie), their lack of speed (again Bernie) or their arms (once again Bernie). Crosby is both offensively and defensively suited to and necessary for the style the Yankees are going to need to adopt if they want to make the playoffs. He is also one of the few players on the team that has mastered the rudimentary but essential skill of bunting, likewise crucial to the new approach. All the more crucial since the Yankees continue to flounder in the situational hiiting department. After going 2-14 against the Sox on Thursday, they went 0-5 tonight, including leaving the bases loaded. That's one for nineteen, down near .050 for the last two games. They also hit into 2 double plays tonight, continuing a trend that has been simply toxic for their attack. In sum, the Yankees looked in the infield and on the basepaths like they were getting with my program; they need to do so at the plate and in the outfield as well. That will take Torre putting the right players in the field, and soon, or George putting somebody else in the dugout.

One last thing. I think Cashman was proven right and should be given credit for waiting on an extension to Sheffield's contract. At this point, I think they should shelve the idea altogether and spend the money saved on pitching, speed and youth. The word keeps coming out of the Yankees camp that Sheffield is not only worried about his wrist but about his contract. I'm not certain what that combination means but it sounds like he's not hurrying back as a way of expressing his displeasure. I'd rather have someone who, having been given 10-15 mill a year, actually wants to play the game.