TwitterA Bad Homestand But…
21 May 2010
I know, the Yankees lost 4-of-7 on their recent homestand and looked pretty bad against Tampa. But, I would argue that the 3-4 record on the homestand was ok considering that they played the three best teams (besides the Yankees) in the AL and they played most of the games without four of the original players in the starting lineup this season.
But enough about excuses because now the Yankees have a period where execution is the name of the game. Over their next 19 games they will play the Mets, Twins, Cleveland, Baltimore, Toronto and Houston. Apart from Minnesota, what team in that group do you consider a challenge for the Yankees? (Yes, I know Toronto is off to a great start, but do you really expect it to last?) The point is, even with a depleted lineup, the Yankees should be able to run off some wins over the next three weeks. 12-7 over these 19 games is certainly attainable.
******
Interesting move by the Yankees yesterday recalling Kevin Russo instead of Golson or a different outfielder. I hope it means the Yankees will let Russo fill in around the infield when they want to rest a Jeter or A-Rod and reduce Pena to defensive replacement only. What I am unsure of is how much defensively Russo can contribute in the outfield. But, with Swisher back, Winn should be the predominant choice in left and Thames can go back to a DH role.
*******
Lost in the hoopla of the last few games has been some positive signs from David Robertson. Robertson is looking more like his 2009 self and that is a HUGE development for the Yankees. I assume Joba will straighten out, but if he doesn’t the Yankees have a real problem on their hands. A 2009 version of Robertson would greatly reduce that problem.
Where it certainly looks like they are having a problem is with Chan Ho Park. Eight innings pitched and five home runs allowed is a reason for concern. Thankfully, he hasn’t walked anyone or his ERA would be enormous, but his strikeout rate is also way down. He is getting lucky on balls hit (only a .250 average against him) and his fastball velocity is actually a tick higher than last year. Put it all together and Park may not last the remainder of May with this team.
May 21, 2010 @ 22:49:31
Yep, Yep – Robertson seems truly to have regained his stuff as a K-man. You’re absolutely correct that we need his abilities, badly.
Javy looked superb tonight – I think he’s got his confidence back as well as the confidence of his team mates and coaches. Can’t throw it much better than he did tonight. Hopefully, we’ll see him again – soon!
Take this as an amateur observation but Mariano’s pitching motion has changed. That is NOT good in my book, at all. His rigid mechanics have made him what he’s been for the past 12+ years – can’t tinker with that now. Something unusual is going on there. Ugh.
Park? We’ve both already ranted about CHP, Peter. I just shudder whenever I see that he’s starting to warm up.
Joba seems to be slowly regaining his fastball command which is key to him turning his fortunes around. He’s not all the way back, but his velocity is up and he’s making some progress in controlling it.
We need Granderson to settle down the OF issues. And I’m more than fine with Thames as the DH – he’s a pure hitter.
Russo looked good tonight …
May 22, 2010 @ 13:09:49
I thought Park had a pretty good inning in his first appearance back. But then Girardi put him in for a second inning as I yelled at the television. How can you do that to a guy in his first appearance back from the DL?
Anyway, Park may still work out. Robertson and the rest of the bullpen are all pretty shaky, so there is not a lot of options here.