So Far, So Bad

Despite the thrilling win tonight, which featured a phenomeon so unusual--Posada blocking the plate--that the AP commented on its rarity, the Yankees cannot go on like this. When I proposed that the Yankees reinvent themselves in the wake of their injuries as a speed, contact, and defense team, I prefaced the recommendation that the pitching had been much better than anyone expected (2nd best era in the AL). My hope was that they could get beyond the drought/deluge rhythm on offense, put up 4-5 runs consistently, and win 3 out of each 5 on that basis. In the last three games, Johnson has treated us with his 5th bad start in a row, chacon with his 2nd and Mussina, who has been magnificent, was let down by a bullpen that is beginning to look even more problematic than last year's. Farnsworth is very uneven (he blew the game on Monday), Proctor is starting to get hit again (well, that was inevtiable), and let's face it Rivera has been pretty bad in the closer's role this year (including tonight when he almost lost them the game). Unless and until Rivera and Farnsworth recover or Dotel returs stroing, there is no harbor in the late innings and at the moment, Mussina is the only guy one feels any confidence in in the early going. If the Yankees are going to make that sudden deal everyone is talking about, it had better be for some pitching. And where the hell is Pavano? If he can pitch rehab games, he can pitch games. I think the situation is desparate enough that he can skip his next AA appearance and start earning some portion of his salary.

Meanwhile, the Dolt continues to play Williams in right--he cost them another run tonight--and Cabrera continues to look shaky in left. Crosby is not only better in the field, on the bases etc. than either of these guys, his batting average is actually about 30 points higher than Williams' and higher than Cabrera's as well. But even if The Fog wakes up and starts playing him every day, in center where he belongs, they remain short a defensive outfielder to execute the New Bronx Order. But with their pitching, it might not matter anyway.