Yankees Losing Their Minds

Ken Rosenthal reported late Wednesday night that the Yankees had upped their offer to A.J. Burnett to $91 million. Insanity you say? Insanity is correct. Going 5 years is bad enough for Burnett, but more than $18 million per season? Does the name Carl Pavano ring a bell?

The Yankees are said to want Burnett or Derek Lowe, but not both, while still hoping to bring back Andy Pettitte or bring in Ben Sheets for a short term contract. It's becoming clearer that the Yankees don't necessarily want Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain in the rotation, and all this maneuvering could lead to Chamberlain's return to the pen or Hughes being used as trade bait for a bat.

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Thursday Afternoon Hot Stove

We would love to sit around the hot stove right now. It's cold, it's grey, snow flurries are headed this way. Ah if only Spring Training were already starting.

The World Champion Phillies, of course, would rather not rush things. Especially their All-Star second baseman Chase Utley, who may miss the beginning of the 2009 season after undergoing hip surgery.

Here's some Hot Stove News from Jayson Stark:

The Mets aren't looking to sign a replacement closer for Billy Wagner to a contract that is longer than 3 years. That could quickly eliminate K-Rod. The Mets may look to Brian Fuentes.

Shooting down rumors to the contrary, Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said his club will not be pursuing Manny Ramirez.

The Angels, despite their low key approach on the matter, are the favorites to land Jake Peavy. They also have an excellent shot at re-signing Mark Teixeira, but will not be pressured by agent Scott Boras' time table. John Lackey is confident that he will sign a 1-year extension prior to the start of the season.

As far as the Yankees are concerned:

Once the Yankees get their free-agent menu sorted out, they'll look to make a deal to upgrade in center field. But one player they probably won't be reeling in is Brewers center fielder Mike Cameron. The Brewers are contemplating trading Cameron for pitching if they can't re-sign Sabathia. But as GM Doug Melvin's quotes this past weekend about how the Yankees "overbid" on CC would indicate, the Brewers aren't big fans of the Yankees these days. So clubs that have spoken with the Brewers are suggesting the Bronx is about the last place they'd like to deal Cameron, if they deal him at all.

And this news from a scout about Phil Hughes' performance in the AZ Fall League:
Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes (1-0, 3.60 ERA, 28 K's, 25 IP): "Saw him two games, and he cruised. He dominated, and he should. His curveball was very sharp. All those people who think he's lost his luster -- no way. Hell, he'd be our No. 2 starter right now."

Aaron Heilman wants to move into the starting rotation or be traded. That according to the Daily News. Heilman makes this complaint every year. After how poorly he's pitched out of the pen the last 2 seasons, the Mets should probably take him up on it.

The Giants are expected to make a big push for CC Sabathia, despite the huge money they have already wasted on Barry Zito.

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Abreu Slams Yankees to 7th Straight

Bobby Abreu knows how important is too put up good numbers in a free agent season. Last night the right fielder hit a grand slam in the 10th inning to give the Yankees their seventh win in a row, 6-2 over the Toronto Blue Jays. The 4 RBI left Abreu one shy of the magic century mark, a feat has accomplished in each of the last six seasons, and the seventh time overall in his career.

The Yankees also saw the best of Phil Hughes this year. He'll still finish the season with no wins, but the second year right-hander had his most impressive outing of the season, allowing two earned runs over eight innings. He left the game after having allowed a solo home run to Scott Rolen in the eighth inning that tied the game at two apiece.

Abreu has produced impressive numbers since being acquired with the late Corey Lidle prior to the 2006 trade deadline. He had a poor first half in 2007 after straining an oblique muscle, but rebounded after the break to help the Yankees reach the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season. Abreu's play this season has left the Yankees decision makers in a quandary as to the possibility of re-signing him to a new deal.

While we agree that Abreu has put up consistently good numbers and he, along with Jason Giambi, are the only Yankees that consistently work the count, we think the Yankees would do better to let Abreu walk after this season.

While Abreu comes off as very likeable, and genuinely seems to be popular among his teammates, he's always had a reputation as a soft player, and it is clearly the case when he's playing defense. Will Rogers never met a man he didn't like and Bobby Abreu has never met a right field wall, period. Abreu doesn't go aggressively after any ball hit near the wall, and for that matter, he doesn't attack balls hit in front of him either.

The 34-yr old Abreu would most likely be seeking a three year or more deal. Letting Abreu go would also enable the Yankees to move Xavier Nady to his more natural position in right field.

It remains to be seen whether Hughes figures in next year's plans either. After not being dealt for Johan Santana in the off-season, Hughes was counted on to be a major part of the '08 season. But he struggled early and then suffered a stress fracture in his rib cage that kept him out of action for several months.

Last night he pitched like the prospect the Yankees have been counting on, and they hadn't seen since the 2007 ALDS. Hughes' fastball was clocked at 89-91 all night, and hit a high of 92 mph. He mixed his new cutter in well with his top notch curve ball. It was only one game, but it gives us some hope for next season.

A.J. Burnett, who will reportedly seek $15 million per year when he opts out of his Blue Jays contract after this season, allowed one earned run in eight innings and struck out 11. He finished 3-1, 1.64 in five starts against the Yankees with 43 strikeouts in 38.1 innings pitched.

Xavier Nady's 2-out, 2-run single in the third inning gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead before Rolen's 11th home run tied things up. Juan Miranda, who had earlier picked up his first major league hit, doubled off of Jesse Carlson to lead off the 10th and Chad Moeller followed with a walk. After Brett Gardner successfully sacrificed the runners over, Robinson Cano was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Abreu then delivered with his 20th home run of the season, giving him eight 20-20 (HR-RBI) seasons in his career. Only Bobby and Barry Bonds have achieved the feat more times than the Venezuelan native.


News and Notes

Jose Veras, who has struggled the last two months of the season, completed his third straight scoreless stint to earn his fifth win of the season. Sidney Ponson, scheduled to start Saturday in Boston, pitched the 10th inning to get some work in.

The Yankees have won 10 of 11...too little too late.

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Yankees Win, but Hughes Average

The Yankees played spoiler again last night, defeating the AL Central leading Chicago White Sox, 5-1, but starter Phil Hughes was less than spectacular in his return to the major league mound. Hughes labored through 4 innings, throwing 89 pitches, 57 of them for strikes. He did show some grit getting out of a pair of jams relatively unscathed, but did allow six base runners.

Hughes stranded Orlando Cabrera after he led off the game with a double, but wasn't as fortunate in the third inning when Cabrera repeated the feat. Dewayne Wise sacrificed Cabrera to third, and Jermaine Dye brought him home with a ground out to Alex Rodriguez.

An inning later the White Sox put two aboard with one out on a single by A.J. Pierzynski and walk to Ken Griffey Jr.. But Hughes retired Alexei Ramirez on a deep fly to center field and struck out Juan Uribe to get out of the jam.

The Yankees offense faced its worst enemy, a rookie left-hander they had never seen before. Robinson Cano's single was the only home team hit off of Clayton Richard through the first six innings. After stranding two men in the sixth, the Yankees finally broke through in the seventh. A-Rod drew a one out walk and moved to second on Jason Giambi's ground out. Since Richard had easily handled Xavier Nady all night, Ozzie Guillen stuck with him, but Nady made him pay when he lined a hanging breaking pitch to center field for a game tying single.

Cano's third hit of the night, a double into the left field corner, put two men in scoring position and finally knocked Richard from the game. Reliever Mike McDougal came on and wild pitched home the go ahead run before retiring Ivan Rodriguez to end the inning.

The Yankees tacked on three runs in the eighth inning on a Johnny Damon 2-run home run off of Scott Linebrink, and a solo shot by A-Rod. It was A-Rod's 35th home run of the season, making him the first player to hit 35 home runs and drive in 100 runs for the 12th straight season (we won't talk about how the home run itself was meaningless).

After Phil Coke tossed two shutout innings, extending his scoreless streak to 10 innings, Brian Bruney, Joba Chamberlain, and Edwar Ramirez tossed a frame each, with Bruney (3-0) getting the win.


News and Notes

Melky Cabrera made his first start in center field since his recall from Scranton. He went 1-3 with a run scored, but failed to get a bunt down in a crucial situation.

The Yankees clinched the season series with the White Sox, having won 4 of the first 6, with tonight's finale left. They also won the series with the AL East leading Rays. Only the Angels, the West winners, won the season series with the Yankees. They also won the season series with the Central contending Twins, 6-4. They have a chance to win or split the series with the Red Sox too, which they trail 8-7.

The White Sox maintained their 2.5 game lead over the Twins after Minnesota fell to Cleveland, 6-4.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/17

Phil Hughes tries to make an impression for 2009 tonight. Could he maybe win a game for a change?

Joe Girardi talked to Robinson Cano about his benching and then put him back in the lineup last night. Missed this one yesterday. Ken Davidoff knows it will take a team effort to get to Cano.

Good guy Bobby Abreu made a kid's wish come true.

Larry Brooks compares the Stadium to a museum.

More on the reported tax violations for the new Stadium.

Tony LaRussa talks about his visit to the Stadium on Monday night.

Sacramento beat Scranton in the one game Triple-A showdown in Oklahoma City. The game's MVP award was named after Bobby Murcer :)

A reminder - if you do the crime, you will pay the time. A warning against ripping off Stadium mementos.

Reginald Martinez Jackson talks about the House that Ruth Built and Reggie "Octoberized".

The YES announcers got screwed out of working the season finale, but Giants and ESPN announcer Jon Miller is ecstatic. Guess we'll hear Joe Morgan say "Bernie Wheelyums"

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Scranton Wins Governors' Cup

The Scranton Yankees completed a three game sweep of the Durham Bulls to win the International League championship. The Yankees captured the Governors' Cup with a 20-2 pasting on Friday night.

Already leading 11-1, Scranton put eight runs on the board in the sixth inning to put the game completely out of reach. Juan Miranda had three hits, including a home run, and drove in a game high six runs. Justin Christian, Bernie Castro, and Chris Basak added 3 RBI each as the Yankees banged out 18 hits.

Phil Hughes picked up the win after striking out 12 batters in 5 innings. He allowed 1 run, 4 hits, and walked 4 batters. Jon Albaladejo and Zach Kroenke finished out the final four innings. Highly touted Rays prospect Wade Davis gave up 8 runs, 5 of them earned, in just two innings of work.

	September 12, 2008
	Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Scranton/WB 0 5 5 0 1 8 0 0 1 20 18 0 Durham 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 7 3 W: P. Hughes (1-0, 0.69); L: W. Davis (1-1, 6.75) HR: SWB: J. Miranda (1). DUR: G. Martinez (1).

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/13

The Yankees are just under way as Mike Mussina tries to run the table to get 20 wins. Sidney Ponson goes tonight in the back end of the day-night doubleheader. Alex Rodriguez was scratched from game one with a stiff neck.

Andy Pettitte will be getting the final start in the Stadium.

Derek Jeter is chasing Lou Gehrig for most hits at the Stadium.

Brian Cashman doesn't want to talk about his future.

Last night's weather reflected the Yankees season.

The Yankees have recalled Phil Hughes and David Robertson, and Hughes could start on Wednesday.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/21

The Yankees appear to be leaning towards Carl Pavano against the Orioles on Saturday, rather than Phil Hughes or Victor Zambrano. We think the Yankees don't want to rush Phil Hughes back and Zambrano isn't a very good option. They must figure they'll see if Pavano has anything. As for now, Hughes is listed as Scranton's starter on Friday.

Sidney Ponson goes against Roy Halladay in tonight's series finale with the Blue Jays.

Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday.

Mariano Rivera's son, Mariano Jr., served as the Yankees bat boy last night.

Joel Sherman annoys us by telling us how much better the Mets youngsters are doing in comparison with the Yankees kids.

WCBS radio has new pics, including the one above, of the Yankee Stadium 2.0 construction.

A-Rod defends his Tuesday night base running.

Sidney Ponson fits in with the Yankees, so says Peter Abraham.

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Damon's Drops Doom Yankees

The Yankees find one way or another to lose these days and Tuesday night they stumbled on a new one in Toronto. With the game tied 1-1 in the eighth inning, Johnny Damon dropped Marco Scutaro's deep fly to center, allowing Joe Inglett to score the go ahead run. It wasn't an easy play, but it was a very catchable ball and Damon knew it. Apparently the official who scored it didn't since he gave Scutaro a double.

“I missed two balls tonight and that’s unacceptable,” Damon said. “I know that stuff happens sometimes, but catching routine fly balls should not be that much of a problem.”

The Yankees tried to rally in the ninth inning against closer B.J. Ryan, but all hope quickly ended when Alex Rodriguez tried to stretch a bloop single into a double. The ball was just out of the reach of first baseman Lyle Overbay, who tracked it down, and in one motion slid on one knee, righted himself and fired a one-hop strike to a waiting John McDonald who tagged out A-Rod for the first out of the inning. It didn't help that A-Rod was running at half speed down to first base and then stumbled as he tried to turn on the after burners.

Darrell Rasner, with the help of three double play grounders, pitched his heart out, allowing just a solo home run to Adam Lind in the seventh inning that tied the game at one apiece. But after scoring a run in the first inning on a Damon walk and Bobby Abreu double, the Yankees couldn't muster anything against A.J. Burnett. Burnett won his 16th game of the season and his sixth straight. His mix of a powerful fastball and hard breaking off-speed pitches lead to 13 strikeouts, three of them by Jason Giambi, who garnered the "Golden Sombrero" when Ryan also K'ed him in the ninth.

Damon, who was named the starting center fielder earlier in the day by Joe Girardi, nearly cost the Yankees the game in the first inning. After a one-out walk to Scutaro, Damon dropped Alex Rios' routine fly to left-center field for a two base error. But Rasner struck out Vernon Wells looking and retired Lind on a ground-out to Robinson Cano.

Abreu led off the fourth inning with his second double of the game, but A-Rod and Giambi struck out and Nady grounded out to McDonald at shortstop. An inning later, Ivan Rodriguez singled with two away and stole second base, but Damon struck out for the inning's final out. For good measure, the Yankees also stranded lead off runners in the sixth and seventh innings.

The bottom of the eighth started innocently enough as Jose Veras struck out Rod Barajas and McDonald. Inglett then reached on a single to center to set up the latest nightmare finish.


News and Notes

Hideki Matsui played his first game since June 22, going 0-3 with a strikeout. Girardi said before the game that he'll be the every day DH with Brett Gardner coming off the bench.

Joba Chamberlain played catch for the second straight day.

Girardi told reporters he'll decide on Thursday whether Phil Hughes or Carl Pavano will start Saturday's game. Of course, that was before Pavano said his neck hurt.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/19

The debate continues: Hughes or Pavano for this Saturday? Nobody outside of Pavano's family wants to see him back in the Bronx (and maybe not even them), but we get the sickening feeling it may happen.

The Bronx is still getting screwed out of park areas due to the new Stadium.

A Toronto columnist basically reiterates what Bill Madden said about Hank Steinbrenner.

Andy Pettitte discusses this season.

The Daily Astorian (Oregon) takes a look at one of its native sons, Brian Bruney.

Mike Ashmore talks to George Kontos, who was nearly a Pirate.

This is apparently real since we've seen it several times. The Trenton Thunder's new GM is Will Smith (no- not that one). And his wife's name is Jada.

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Breathe In Breath Out

No Yankees baseball today. No chance to lose and drop another game in the standings. Woo hoo!

Go to the park, read a bike, wash the car, play with your pets.

For tomorrow they play again.


Derek Jeter says he will play in tomorrow's series opener with the Royals.

Anthony McCarron knows that Hank is the kinder, gentler Steinbrenner.

Phil Hughes will have a 100 pitch count when he takes the mound for Scranton on Sunday. Carl Pavano will go again for Trenton then as well.

Hideki Matsui is scheduled to start a rehab assignment today.

Tomorrow is the deadline for signing 2008 amateur draftees. The Yankees top two picks, pitchers Gerrit Cole and Jeremy Bleich, remain unsigned. Scott Boras(s) is their agent.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/13

The Yankees and Twins finish up their three game series today with an afternoon affair at the Metrodome. Darrell Rasner goes against right-hander Kevin Slowey.

X-Rays of Derek Jeter's ankle came back negative, but he's sitting out today's game. Wilson Betemit will get the start at shortstop.

Phil Hughes took a step closer to returning to the Bronx with his performance for Scranton last night. Hughes threw 84 pitches, 50 of them for strikes, and was consistently in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 4. According to the Scranton Times' Mike Scandura, only two baseballs were hit hard off of the prized right-hander.

“I felt fine, just like the last few times out,” said Hughes, who was on an 85-pitch count. “I wanted to mix in more changeups. I threw some in counts that I normally wouldn’t throw them in. But we decided to go with it because I wanted to get a few more in.

“Overall, I felt pretty good. I haven’t felt the rib (his ninth rib) since I was in Tampa. It’s kind of a long process but it’s good to be back and throwing the ball pretty well.”

Butch Wyneger is filling in as Scranton manager, with Dave Miley away indefinitely due to the death of his teenage son. A moment of silence was held before the game, which the Yankees won in 11 innings on Eric Duncan's double.

Carl Pavano also made a rehab start last night and got clobbered. Not surprising that as a possible return to the majors was discussed, Pavano got his ass kicked. He threw 80 pitches, 51 of them for strikes, in 4.1 innings. He was tagged for 5 earned runs on 7 hits, including 2 home runs, hit 2 batters, and struck out 3. His fastball was clocked between 86-91. Mike Ashmore has more details on Pavano's performance and post-game comments.

Here's today's lineup from PeteAbe

Damon LF
Abreu DH
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady RF
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/12

As the losses mount, Joe Girardi is starting to get a bit testy with the press. He was clearly not pleased with yesterday's questions regarding why Johnny Damon, a .322 hitter, was riding the pines.

George King has the Yankees' "Death Watch" going.

Things are not going right for the Yankees, but not due to the effort of Sidney Ponson.

Joba Chamberlain wants to start throwing ASAP, but the Yankees are holding him off until Friday.

Twins closer Joe Nathan donated a half-million dollars to his alma mater, Long Island's Stony Brook University, for help in the construction of a new baseball facility. More funding is needed, but the new joint will be called, "Joe Nathan Field".

Former Yankees manager and tormentor, together in LA, are having a hairy disagreement.

A-Rod has apparently donated $500K to Madonna's charity (no, it does not pay for those cone bras).

Phil Hughes will get the start tonight when Scranton takes on the Pawtucket Red Sox. No word if the game will be rescheduled due to the death of manager Dave Miley's son.

Is this guy on a month's tape delay?

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Sounds like somebody's got a case of the Mondays

It's pouring out, the Yankees just got their asses kicked in Anaheim, and now they must face the tough pitching, playoff contending Minnesota Twins. The Yankees spanked the Twins in three straight at home in their second series after the All-Star break, but at that point the team was feeling good about themselves.

Sidney Ponson goes tonight against rookie Glen Perkins. Do you really think Ponson can put a third straight good start together? Our savior, who would have thunk it, Mike Mussina faces Nick Blackburn on Tuesday, and then John Sterling will attempt to ruin our Wednesday afternoon when Darrell Rasner takes on Kevin Slowey.

Those three Twins' kid pitchers are a combined 25-17 with a 3.97 ERA. They've walked just 63 batters in 351 innings.

Xavier Nady has been one of the few Yankees to make a consistent contribution since his acquisition. After going 0-7 in his first two games up at Fenway Park, the X-Man has gone 19-45 (.422) and is hitting .365 over all. In 15 games, he has 5 home runs and 13 RBI, with an 1.162 OPS. Nady's play is reminiscent of Bobby Abreu's arrival in 2006 when he hit .330 with 42 RBI in 58 games.

The same can't be said for Ivan Rodriguez, who is just 5-18 (.278) with 1 RBI, on a home run, in 8 games. He also doesn't get the opportunity to catch Mussina or Andy Pettitte, since they both prefer Jose Molina behind the plate.

Damaso Marte has been terribly inconsistent, especially if asked to pitch more than one inning. Sunday's game was a perfect example where he threw a dominant eighth, but put the Yankees in trouble in the ninth by allowing a single and a walk. He's been scored on in four of the eight games he's pitched.

With Phil Hughes set to throw 80 pitches in his next minor league assignment, could a major league start be around the corner? We think if he pitches well, they'll give him one more minor league game and then he'll be back with the big club.


Maybe this will lift our spirits.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/8

The Yankees open a three game series with their nemesis Los Angeles Angels this evening. One late night start tonight, followed by a FOX 3:55'er on Saturday and a 2:30 start on Sunday.

We certainly didn't expect to see Ian Kennedy and Dan Giese starting the first two games. Andy Pettitte gets the nod on Sunday.

Kennedy, who faces Jered Weaver tonight, told pitching Dave Eiland that he now understands the mental approach he must have in the majors.

"He admitted to me," Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland said, "'When I'm down here (in the minors), I know I can get these guys out.' I said, 'You've got to have the same mental approach when you're here."'

"His command's been a little bit better," said Eiland, who watches video of the Triple-A pitchers. "And he's commanded his slider a little bit more, it's more consistent, with the tilt to it. He's not hanging as many, he's more consistent, he's got a better feel for it. That just comes with repetition."

Giese will oppose John Lackey and Pettitte goes up against Joe Saunders.

Ivan Rodriguez thinks he will be able to make his expected start tonight. Rangers outfielder David Murphy wasn't so lucky. He was placed on the DL and sat on the bench last night sporting a black eye.

Bobby Meacham is away from the team for two days for his daughter's wedding. Tony Pena is coaching third base in his absence with bp pitcher Mitch Seoane taking over the duties at first.

Carl Pavano on his rehab from Tommy John surgery: "I'd like to contribute," Pavano said. "But I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. That doesn't do me any good." Just shut up.

Dave Brown of Yahoo Sports has an amusing Q & A with Mike Mussina.

Q: You finished your degree in 3 1/2 years. Did you not drink a single beer in college?

MM: Um... how do I answer that? Yes I did, "drink a single beer."

Dan Graziano has a piece on the importance of guys like Phil Hughes and Kennedy down the stretch run.

Roger Clemens and Rusty Hardin aren't giving up on the Rocket's anti-defamation lawsuit. Interestingly, Hardin is also now representing Victoria Osteen, wife of tele-vangelist (that translates to con artist in our dictionary) Joel Osteen, who is being sued by a flight attendant that alleges Mrs. Osteen attacked her on a flight in 2005.

Hideki Matsui took bp and ran yesterday, but has not been cleared for a rehab assignment.

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Rehab Update

Phil Hughes was back on this hill this evening for the Scranton Yankees. He went 4.2 innings, throwing 68 pitches, 40 of them strikes. His fastball was clocked at 93-94 mph. Chad Jennings has more specifics of Hughes' outing.

The question now will be whether Hughes' next outing is for the Scranton or New York Yankees.

Carl Pavano was also back on the mound tonight for the Trenton Thunder. According to Mike Ashmore, Pavano went 3.2 innings, allowing 1 hit, no runs, walked 2, and struck out 4.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 8/4

Xavier Nady was named AL co-player of the week along with the Royals Mike Aviles.

Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano each pitched for Charleston on Saturday. Hughes went 3.2 innings, allowing 1 hit and struck out 5. Hughes' fastball was reportedly clocked at 95 mph. Pavano allowed a run on 5 hits in 3 innings.

Ian Kennedy had another solid outing for Scranton on Sunday - 7 IP 6 H 2 ER 1 BB 6 K - and is 4-2, 2.14. He could be an option for Darrell Rasner's next start, though a source told Mark Feinsand that Kennedy's level of pitching is behind last year's performance.

Dan Graziano has a look at how important Nady's acquisition has been.

It looks like Babe Ruth died of a different form of cancer than was originally thought.

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2 Months to Go

The Yankees sit 4.5 games back of the Rays in the AL East and 1.5 games behind the Red Sox for the Wild Card (the Twins are in between, one-half game back of Boston). One of our favorite sportswriter's, Dan Graziano, thinks Boston just said good-bye to their season and the AL East will be between the Rays and Yankees. We strongly disagree.

Last night's Yankees game epitomized how the season has gone for this team. You have two starters in Sidney Ponson and Darrell Rasner, who pretty much stink (though we keep hoping Rasner can make some grand adjustment), which means the rotation can't afford to have a hiccup such as the one Andy Pettitte had last night, or Mike Mussina had against Baltimore.

The Red Sox are certainly not the same team without Manny. He and David Ortiz formed the most fearsome 1-2 punch in baseball. When Manny went so did Ortiz's protection in the order. Mike Lowell and Jason Bay are very good hitters, but they don't strike fear in opponent's hearts.

All that being said, the Red Sox still have a very good lineup, and solid pitching. Theo Epstein's mistake this deadline was not upgrading his bullpen. But the team is not inferior to the Yankees. They are still the reigning World Series champions and they know how to win.

Currently this is what the AL East looks like

Rays 63-44
Red Sox 61-48
Yankees 59-49

There are 54 games left in the Yankees schedule, against the following opponents:

Angels 9
Blue Jays 9
Mariners 3
Orioles 6
Rangers 4
Rays 6
Red Sox 6
Royals 3
Tigers 1
Twins 3
White Sox 4

12 games with the two teams in front of the Yankees in the East and 3 games, next week, with the Twins, who are ahead in the Wild Card. Plus 13 more games with teams in 1st place (the White Sox and Angels).

So let's try to figure out how the Yankees will do in those games.

Angels 9 games...the Yankees stink against the Angels 3-6
Blue Jays 9 games...depends if they have to face Halladay and Burnett, but we'll go 6-3
Mariners 3 games..should sweep this one 3-0
Orioles 6 games..they've been a nemesis 3-3
Rangers 4 games.....their pitching is still bad 3-1
Rays 6 games....tough pitching, but we think experience will out 4-2
Red Sox 6 games...Beckett can only go so many times 4-2
Royals 3 games...getting worse as the year goes on 2-1
Tigers 1 game...a make up...coin flip 1-0
Twins 3 games...on the road...tough 1-2
White Sox 4 games...at home 2-2 or 3-1...difficult, well go out on a limb 3-1

So that means the Yankees would go 33-21 and finish 92-70. Ironically, we predict 93 wins before the season started. Will 92 wins mean enough for a playoff spot though? Just for the AL East, the Rays would have to go, at the most, 28-27 and the Red Sox would have to finish no better than 30-23 for the Yankees to capture the division. That would also leave the Yankees ahead of the Red Sox in the Wild Card race, meaning the Twins would have to finish no better than 31-23.

12 games over .500 could get the Yankees to the playoffs. They're capable of it, but we're not sure they can do it unless Ian Kennedy, Al Aceves, Phil Hughes, or whomever can step it up in the rotation. It should make for interesting dog days of Summer.

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Hughes and Pavano Take the Hill

We don't believe it was a full moon last night, but Phil Hughes and Carl Pavano both pitched...off the same mound. Pavano started for the Charleston River Dogs last night and Hughes was the next pitcher to follow.

Pavano's line - 2 innings, 1 hit and 1 walk allowed. He threw 28 pitches, 18 of which were strikes. His fastball clocked in the upper 80's.

Hughes also threw 28 pitches, but went 3 innings since he was so efficient. He relied primarily on his fastball, which clocked in the low 90's. He allowed 2 hits, a walk, and struck out 1.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 7/29

By now you know the Yankees and Jorge Posada have mutually agreed that his shoulder surgery should be done now to allow him enough rehab time to get ready for 2009.

Phil Hughes' rehab was delayed one day due to foul weather in Florida. He'll be on the mound in Charleston today rather than Tampa.

Hideki Matsui took 20 swings off the tee yesterday and 5 swings with soft toss. He's hoping to be back in 2 weeks.

Carl Pavano will be pitching, could this really be happening?, for the Charleston as well today.

Mike Ashmore reports that Mark Melancon and Chase Wright have been promoted from Trenton to Scranton. Steven White is going in the opposite direction.

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