Even Steven

Back to .500

The way this season has progressed, the Yankees have to very thankful for the existence of the Texas Rangers. With one more game set for tomorrow afternoon, the Yankees are 5-0 vs. the Rangers, after tonight's 6-2 win, and 11-16 against the rest of the league. Mike Mussina dominated the Rangers for the 2nd week in a row, and lo' and behold, Will Nieves got off the schneid.

Moose was on an 85 pitch count and hit that number exactly in his 6 innings of work. Despite the quality start, Joe Torre "managed" to overwork the bullpen again. But let's get to the positives first - starting pitching. The Yankee's starting rotation has allowed only 5 runs in 33.2 innings (1.34 ERA) over the last 5 games. They've gone 4-1 in those games.

Derek Jeter had a pair of hits, 3 RBI (5 in the 1st 2 games of the series), and stole a base. Jeter is now hitting .362. He and Alex Rodriguez were the only 2 hitters in the lineup hitting above .263.

One of the guys hitting .000 coming into this one was Wil Nieves, the backup catcher. But after grounding out hard to 3rd, and laying down a successful sacrifice bunt, Nieves finally ripped a base hit into left field in the 6th. The Yankee's dugout burst into laughter when Nieves was promptly gunned by Brad Wilkerson trying to stretch it into a double.

Now back to the negative. As we all know the bullpen has been overworked due to the rash of injuries and ineffective appearances by the Yankee's rotation. Well tonight Torre basically ran the entire pen out there despite a 6-2 lead and 6 very effective innings from his starter. This all with a day game tomorrow!

Brian Bruney was the 1st to enter the fray, giving up a lead off single to Sammy Sosa, and issuing a 1-out walk to Ian Kinsler. As his want, Torre immediately panicked and went to the pen.

Mike Myers came in and retired Wilkerson on a pop up to 3rd and was promptly pulled. Torre then went to Scott Proctor, who struck out Nelson Cruz to end the inning.

Now here's the issue. Why pull Proctor after 1 batter? Why not let him pitch the 8th and then go to Farnsworth or Rivera in the 9th, rather using them both (which what he did in the 8th and 9th). It would be one thing if these guys needed the work, but they don't need to be in every damn game. Proctor threw just 4 pitches. Why get these guys into the game for such a short appearance? Torre will never learn.

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