Questions, Questions
It seems like a lot of people have two big questions from last night's win. First, why was Wang lifted in the 8th and second, why did Betemit start at first over a lefty? I think you have to stop and think a little deeper before you ask those questions.
Wang looked much better last night and he lifted after only 83 pitches which is unusual for him. But, consider the cirumstances before he was lifted. The only reason he got out of the 7th with a lead is because Kurt "double play" Suzuki hit a grounder to A-Rod. Before that he had given up two singles and a walk. Starting the 8th, he induced a pop-up that should have been an out, but then gave up a deep flyball to Damon for the first out. I can't disagree with Girardi's thinking that it might be time to get him out of there with a 1-run lead. Sure, Veras could have blown up and everyone would have been screaming, but I think Girardi's reasoning was solid in this spot and it did work out.
As for playing Betemit, it makes no sense to play him against a lefty pitcher, that is certanly true and you also forced Matsui to the bench with the move. But, with Wang on the mound, you want the best infield defense you can find and while it pains me to say this, Betemit is the best option on the team. The bigger question to me is what role does Duncan have on this squad? He is not a very good defender and his bat is AWOL. What value does that add? Joe Girardi made a terrible move Monday, pinch-running for Posada with Moeller and he escaped criticism because Moeller got hit by a pitch in the ninth instead of striking out to end the game. If Girardi wants to pinch-run, the Yankees should get someone who can actually do it on the bench. How about Brett Gardner joining the club? He has 25 steals and an .852 OPS in Scranton. I am not sure how much more he needs to prove down there and the questions about his lack of power won't be answered until he gets to the majors, so why not give him a shot?
The Yankees will have a spot opening in the near future when they decide to go with only 2 catchers, could that be a chance for Gardner? They already have 12 pitchers, so I would guess it will be unless they recall Gonzalez. We shall see.....
