WTF Yankees?

 - the only guy whose done anything

It’s a real tough time to be a Yankee fan right now.

In a span of 7 days the Yankees have endured 2 improbable comebacks at the expense of Mariano Rivera, an improbable 9th inning, 2 out comeback from a 4-run defecit against the Cleveland Indians, an incredible surge in power displayed by Alex Rodriguez, and a starting rotation and bullpen that would be an Andy Pettitte short of being a complete and total disaster.

THE NEGATIVES:

Starting Pitching - outside of Andy Pettitte, who had done extremely well, this starting staff can’t hold a candle to the likes of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon, and in case your wondering, that is a bad thing.  Kei Igawa stinks.  The Yankees overpaid for him because of the price Dice-K commanded, and soon they will live to regret it.  He gives up a lot of home runs and has no control.  And speaking of home runs and no control, Chase Wright coming off an average start against the Indians gave up 4 straight home runs to the Red Sox.  4 straight.  You’d figure after the 3rd HR he’d change his approach, but thats the difference between a minor league lifer and a major league professional.  And Jeff Karstens and Darrell Rasner stink as well.  The stats back this up folks.  I could complain about Wang, Mussina, and even Pavano being on the DL hurting the club, but the Yanks have persevered before, and this is just pathetic.

The Bench - I think Rey Ordonez has more hits this season than Wil Nieves.  A .000 AVG is not worth sacrificing for average at best defense.  Makes you wonder if the Yanks would have been better off w/Todd Pratt.  And despite getting his swing back, Melky “Leche” Cabrera has been a rally killer, always finding an AB in a big spot, and always hitting a infield grounder…I think this Melk has gone sour.

Mariano Rivera – It makes me sick to my stomach to say this, but Mo Rivera is flailing.  Giving up a 3-run game ending homer in the bottom of the ninth to Oakland was disappointing.  And his constant giving contact to Boston’s bottom of rotation was sad as well, but thats not his fault, its

JOE TORRE’S FAULT:
1. Bullpen Mismanagement – at this rate Scott Proctor and Sean Henn will have their arms removed, Mike Myers will continue to walk any lefty with power (Ortiz), Kyle Farnsworth will either walk a guy on 4 pitches or give up a HR on 1, Luis Vizcaino cant go an inning w/o giving up 2 or more runs, and Brian Bruney…well, lets hope they go easy on him, he’s been great.  Torre mismanaged the Boston game when Crisp came to bat and the tying runner on first, you’re supposed to play against a double by playing the lines.  But instead, Doug Mientkiewicz is playing behind the runner, and what do you know Coco Crisp hits a triple that would win Boston the game.  Your time here is fleeting Joe.

Despite all this, and a now 8-10 record, I will post some positives for the next blog.  Until then, I think I’m gonna have a heat attack.