Yanks Live To Fight Another Day Despite Ponson's Efforts

Man the Yankees pitching staff blows. Only they could find a way to almost blow a 9-run lead. Their poor pitching is one of the many reasons why I think this season is pretty much done. If you've been reading my blog regularly over the last week or so, you've seen me mention that the Yankees need to win at least 94 games to have a shot at the wild card. That would mean the Yankees could only afford 4 more losses the rest of the way. With a rotation that includes Sidney Ponson, Darrell Rasner, Carl Pavano, and Andy Pettitte, well, losing no more than 4 games doesn't seem possible. Especially when they have to face Toronto, Anaheim, Boston, and Tampa Bay (twice). If anyone thinks the Yankees still have a shot, they're kidding themselves. I know they're not mathematically eliminated, but if you look at it with an unbiased eye, they're done. It's actually a little worse today then it was yesterday. The Red Sox are now on track to win 95 games. The Yanks would now need to win 22 of the last 25 to win 95 games. So unless the Red Sox have a monumental collapse a la the 2007 Mets, it's not happening. It's all about pride right now, and not finishing in 4th behind the Jays.

Why is Sidney Ponson still wearing a Yankee uniform? He sucks. I shudder to think what his record would be if not for all the run support. He got hooked up yesterday with 11 runs and his suckiness almost blew it. In his last 3 starts, Sidney has pitched a grand total of 9.2 innings. 9.2 innings in 3 games??? WTF? His line over those 3 games: 24 hits, 6 walks, 17 ER, 15.83 ERA. His line as a 20087 Yankee: 63.2 IPs, 84 H, 27 BB, 44 ER, 6.22 ERA. How did anyone, including myself, think this would work out for the best? Sid will probably lose 4 games all by himself, unless he's again the beneficiary of crazy run support. He. Is. Horrible.

Where was this Yankee offense during the last homestand? That's what we've all been expecting to see day in and day out. Maybe not everyday, but more often than not. They were pretty locked in, especially those at the top of the order. Damon, Jeter, Abreu, and A-Rod went a combined 11-18 with 6 walks, 8 RBI, and 10 runs scored. It was nice to see it except it's a lot to late. We needed to see this months ago. Heck, even last week it would have been nice. 6 members of the Yankees lineup are hitting .296 or better. If that's the case, why does the offense suck so bad? They're an enigma, wrapped inside a puzzle, wrapped inside and enigma, or however it goes. Considering how God-awful the pitching has been, the offense needs about 25 straight games of this kind of production. Dare to dream.

The only real thing left to root for this season is Mike Mussina winning 20 games. At 16-7, 20 is certainly within reach. I believe he has 6 starts left. 4 wins in 6 starts. Doable, but I'm not liking his chances. I think he has what it takes to win 4 ball games. I just wonder if the offense will do its part and hook Moose up before he gets lifted. Moose had 6 starts in August, going 3-0 with 3 no decisions. The Yankees won those 3 NDs. I really want to see Moose win 20. Come on offense. Come through for him!

22-3 the rest of the way? They're teetering on the brink. Why do I get the feeling they'll run off like 6 in a row, build our hopes up, and then get swept by Anaheim? Am I the only one who thinks we'll get teased a little?

Peace, love and Pinstripes,

J-Boogie