The 20/20 Update

The Yankees have 20 games under their belts and mediocrity has been the name of the game. The vaunted offense has been, for the most part, and 3/5 of the starting rotation has been failing. The Yankees 10-10 record has reflected the inconsistencies in their game. Their only saving grace is that both Cleveland and Detroit are off to slow starts as well.

The Hitters

Coming into the season, there were a number of questions concerning the starting rotation and bullpen, but for the most part there were no real concerns about the Yankees ability to produce runs. The lineup has slumped and hasn't been able to produce key hits when needed.

The team has averaged just 4.2 runs per game through the first 20 and has trouble manufacturing runs outside of home runs. The Yankees have just 8 stolen bases this season and didn't have any through the team's first 12 games.

But the biggest issue with the Yankees offense has been their hitting, or lack thereof, with runners in scoring position (RISP). The most damaging, of course, are the numbers for the reigning AL MVP. Alex Rodriguez has just 3 hits in 20 at-bats with RISP. The Yankees also are relying heavily on Robinson Cano (.169) and Jason Giambi (.109) who are failing not only with RISP, but in general. And lead off man Johnny Damon continues to struggle in setting the table.

Average with RISP
Alex Rodriguez .150 3-20
Melky Cabrera .125 1-8
Johnny Damon .188 3-16
Robinson Cano .167 4-24
Jason Giambi .071 1-14
Jorge Posada .222 2-9
Hideki Matsui .308 4-13
Derek Jeter .500 7-14
Bobby Abreu .357 5-14
Jose Molina .250 2-8

The struggles of the lineup has caused Girardi to scramble for almost a different lineup every game. The team has also been hurt by injuries to Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Jose Molina. Alex Rodriguez will probably miss some time now with an injured quad. The only good news is that he probably would have missed those games anyway to be with his wife for the birth of theirs second child.

Morgan Ensberg, Wilson Betemit (once his eye issues are cleared up) and/or Shelley Duncan, currently in Scranton, could take some at-bats away from Giambi if his slide continues.

Starting Pitching

The efforts of the Yankees starting staff is what has gotten Hank Steinbrenner to start calling for Joba Chamberlain to move to the bullpen. Though the Yankees supposedly want to limit their fireballing right-hander to 150 innings, the move would seem to make sense. There's no point in strengthening the back end of your bullpen if you can't get them a lead.

Arguments made by know it all's, such as Mike Francesca, have some merit. They feel that Joba should be the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera as Yankees closer. But in the same breath, said pundits state the Yankees need a stopper in their rotation like the Red Sox Josh Beckett. Joba could be that guy- a pitcher who intimidates his opponents with an upper 90's fastball and a devastating curve. As long as the starting 5 continue to not get it done, such speculation will continue.

Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte have combined for 6 of the Yankees 10 wins. They've given Joe Girardi exactly what he's needed, consistency and a veteran presence. Wang was nearly unhittable in his first three outings before last week's horrendous performance against the Red Sox. It will be interesting to see how he comes out in the series opener with the White Sox in Chicago tomorrow night.

Pettitte was less than good in his first start of the season, and that was no surprise considering how his off-season and spring training went. But he's been very good since with 2 of his 3 wins coming after Yankee loses.

The longest tenured veteran and the two kids have not given the Yankees anything near what they need though. Mike Mussina has had some decent moments, but overall hasn't been able to retire hitters, mostly due to the fact he has no life left on his fastball.

Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy have had one good start each, but for the most part have been awful and have taxed the bullpen with their performances. With today's day off Girardi realigned the rotation so that Pettitte will pitch in between his two rookies.

If the trend continues, Joba Chamberlain, Darrell Rasner, or Jeff Karstens could join the rotation, and of course Brian Cashman will continually be on the lookout for a veteran pitcher. But there aren't many of them, not good ones anyway, available.

The Bullpen

Joe Girardi has tried a number of combinations here too to get the bridge to Mariano Rivera working properly. Except for the time he missed to care for his Dad, Joba Chamberlain has had the 8th inning role nailed down. Girardi has mixed and matched somewhat in the 6th and 7th, but, unfortunately, he has had to go to the pen more often than he would like.

Mariano Rivera has been lights out, the complete opposite of April, 2007. And Joba Chamberlain has given the Yankees that much needed 8th inning guy. After that, things have been kind of shaky.

LaTroy Hawkins and Kyle Farnsworth have given the Yankees exactly what was expected, which is not necessarily a good thing. Ross Ohlendorf has done a decent job as a long man and Billy Traber has been good so far as the lefty set up guy. But it's been Brian Bruney that has been the biggest surprise this season. Bruney dedicated himself in the off-season to losing weight and making a bigger contribution to the Yankees. It's paid off so far as he gains more and more trust from Girardi.

Jonathan Albadalejo (twice) and Edwar Ramirez (once) have already been on the Scranton Shuttle as Girardi tries to give his overworked guys some rest. Chris Britton, Scott Patterson, and Jose Veras will be up at some point this season.

Grades for the first 20 games:

Jose Molina A
Derek Jeter A-
Hideki Matsui A-
Bobby Abreu B+
Melky Cabrera B-
Alex Rodriguez C+
Johnny Damon D
Robinson Cano F
Jason Giambi F
Jorge Posada Incomplete

Chien-Ming Wang A
Andy Pettitte B+
Mike Mussina D
Phil Hughes D
Ian Kennedy F

Mariano Rivera A+
Joba Chamberlain A
Brian Bruney B
Billy Traber B
Kyle Farnsworth C
LaTroy Hawkins C
Ross Ohlendorf C


The Yankees finish out the month with three games in Chicago and four in Cleveland before returning home for the first two games of a three game set with Detroit.

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