Hold the cheers...for now
As I was on my morning commute, I turned on WJAB. Joe and Shoe were talking about the upcoming drafts (NFL, NBA) but in their discussions, they also turned the focus on the "Last Place New York Yankees." A look at the standings would suggest a reason for the excitement. However, it may be a tad bit premature to spread rumors of the Yankees' demise.
It's only April and even more important it is only a four-game separation.
I'm not that excited, especially when the Sox miss two more opportunities to widen the gap.
Yes sweeping the Yankees at home was special. I was jumping for joy - especially the back-to-back-to-back-to-back home runs. And yes these games are important - just ask Joe Torre who put starter Andy Pettitte on the mound to face Ortz - a sure sign.
But let us not forget that the Yankees stomped in here last August and swept the Sox right out of contention in five games no less.
Let us not forget that A-Rod is a force and when the Sox head to the Bronx this weekend, he'll still be a force. Now, we all knew A-Rod was a talent. This year, he looks a little different. Perhaps it's "the look in his eyes" that announcers and Barry Bonds refer to. Perhaps it's because he's showing more leg. Perhaps he gained a little more muscle this off-season. But whatever the reason, it's working.
[An aside:
I believe he is motivated by his contract. He can opt-out of his current deal with the Yankees at the end of this season. He has stated that he would like to stay with the Yankees and win that all elusive championship with them. He's doing all he can do accomplish that goal this year. If he were to do that he'd be gone - a virtual hero. Well, not quite. Despite his league-leading HRs, runs, rbis, etc., A-Rod is not well-liked by the fans or by the team's captain.
And even though he has stated his intentions, he has not ruled out excercising that option.
Some would like to see him in Boston.
But I believe, through no fault of his own, A-Rod is a curse. No team that he has been a part has one a championship. Though the two-time MVP (well on his way to a third) has given them the offense to contend. The trend should continue.
A-Rod undoubtedly will do some soul searching and I sincerely hope the Sox do not try to pursue his services.]
Let's not forget that the Yankees still have eight wins while their pitching as been dismal.
The Yankees pitching is sure to get better. Even a little better could make up for that four-game difference.
Mariano Rivera is a sure-fire Hall of Famer. He's struggled against the Sox, and I hope the struggles continue, but he will get saves - it's a given.
Chien-Ming Wang has returned and will be on the mound Sunday vs. Boston. This 19-game winner may be slow to form, but I suspect he'll do well at home.
Kei Igawa is better than his numbers would suggest. He is still adjusting to a new league, but I'll predict that he'll reduce his current ERA to 4.50 or so which means that he'll go on a tear sometime soon. Hopefully not until after Saturday's start.
Now having said all that, there is reason for some hope:
The Yankees' bullpen is sure to improve though I hope contenders can continue to exploit it. Proctor, Myers, Bean, Farnsworth and Vizcaino don't scare me.
Mike Mussina has not returned leaving a gaping hole in the rotation. The Yankees have been scrambling to fill the last two holes.
Friday's Yankee starter will be Jeff Karstens. I doubt his outing will be any different that the last.
[Another aside: I would also think that the pressure to get Roger Clemens became so much more important. I heard rumors that certain ballplayers are text messaging the Rocket to hurry up and make the move north.
Those calls, so far have gone unanswered. I fully expect the Rocket to be in pinstripes by the All-Star break and perhaps as early as June. Although, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle says Red Sox are the best fit
The Sox task is to take this time to create at least the appearance that the Yankees are out of it. How can Roger really think his chances to get to the World Series is any better with the Yankees than Sox? A turnicut only works if you get to the wound soon, otherwise there is certain doom. Is June going to be soon enough? Newsday's Wallace Mathews says the Yankees need Clemens immediatey, if not sooner
The Houston Chronicle reported two weeks ago that the Astros once again approached Clemens and that the righthander is waiting until May to make his all important decision.
If Clemens truly wants to come back to the bigs for another shot at a title his best bet is indeed the Red Sox. Adding him to the rotation would make for an unbelievable playoff run. No one would have a better five.]
The other bright side of this upcoming series: Daisuke Matsuzaka gets another shot at the Bombers.
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