Back In A New York Groove

After a horrendous series against the Blue Jays, the Yanks bounced back sweeping the Rangers in Arlington. Last night's finale was pretty exciting. The Yanks squandered an early lead, bounced back late to go ahead only to blow it, then the bate came through in the 9th and Mo shut it down for the 1,2,3. What a finish! Ground was gained on Boston and we leapfrogged the White Sox in the wild card standings, though the lead over the White Sox and Twins is minuscule. But all and all, it was a great series in Texas.
The key to last night's victory had to be Shawn Chacon's great double play to get the Yankees out of the 8th only trailing by 1. That inning had disaster written all over it. But the baseball Gods were looking down on the boys and the ball made it's way into his glove and then onto first for the inning-ending DP. The bullpen was horrendous in the 8th. Anyone the Yankees threw out there was getting lit up. The biggest question is where was Farnsworth? Perhaps hitting 101 on the gun in Toronto had some negative effect on him as he's having back problems. Bounce back Kyle, we need that heat. Wright had another blah outing. Nothing stellar but not bad. He's the picture of inconsistency. As mentioned in my Toronto write-up, keep him off the mound against Toronto and we might be okay. Ron Villone continues to impress me and I think he should get some consideration for a start or two. Maybe if Dotel ever joins the club, we'll see that happen.
In my Toronto write-up, I mentioned that the best thing for A-Rod was probably returning to Texas to get his swing back. A hitter's ballpark that he's familiar with. It was just what the doctor ordered. He went 4-11 in the series and also drew two walks. Let's hope he's turned the corner and for God's sake everybody, cut the guy some slack. He may miss coming up big in a huge spot now and then, but you can't dispute that he's our best option. He'll break out of his slump. The good hitters always do. He needs to be shown some support. Let's give it to him Yankee fans.
The captain is on fire. 6-14 in the series and 12 hits in the last 6 games. Jeter has been the picture of consistency all year long. Perhaps if Joe Mauer fades, which I have to think he will, Jeter will have a shot at the batting title. He's having an awesome year.
The Yanks are back home tomorrow against the D-Rays. Fortunately for the Bombers, Scott Kazmir is going to miss a start. The Yanks will be throwing Wang, Johnson and Mussina according to the probables. That tandem is 34-15 this year. The pendulum is in the Yankees favor. The Red Sox are matching up with the Angels so here is where we might see a change in the guards if you will. The Yanks are poised to strike and despite what happened in Toronto, they are playing good ball.
The deadline is this Monday and no one has yet to make a big splash. I'm liking the fact that the Yankees have some big guns they getting, and we don't have to trade anyone to get them in the lineup. Imagine you're tied for first or a few games back at the deadline. You're getting the likes of Cano, Matsui, Sheffield, and possibly Dotel added to your roster for nothing. We're getting the big guns and not giving anyone up to get them. Considering that the Yankees are playing well and are within 2 games of Boston and ahead in the wild card, the return of these guys could put the Yankee machine into overdrive. They've weathered the storm so far without getting huge production from many of the newbies. If Cashman is making a move, let's hope he focuses on getting an arm instead of a bat, though both can't hurt. I'm still in favor of calling up Philip Hughes. We've seen a lot of success from AA pitchers when they get the call, which makes sense because no one is familiar with them yet. As the other teams begin to figure out those who've got a few games under their belt, the Yanks could bring up Hughes and we might see some added wins from adding him as the 4th or 5th starter. In terms of talent, most scouts feel Hughes has a better skill set than many of his AA counterparts in the bigs right now. That doesn't necessarily mean he can better their success, but it does bode well for the Bombers.
The playoff races are insane. It's going to be a crazy couple of months.
Peace, love and pinstripes.
J