yankees228

Absolutely, unfortunately that's been difficult for the Yankee starters up to this point. It's hard to expect Pavano, who clearly is still building up to full strength, to go really deep in the game tomorrow. As for Pettitte and Mussina, they certainly should. But if they don't, no one can use the excuse about the temperature anymore.

That would be the fifth straight game where they simply have not played well. They're quite fortunate to be 2-3. Every single starter has been bad, obviously that could change but it's hard to remember another year where every single starter was bad the first time through the rotation (maybe 98). On top of that, most of the hitters do not look too good either. Giambi and Abreu both had good first games, but they have not been swinging the bats well at all. Even Jeter, who's average isn't too bad, really hasn't been swinging the bat well either, although this could be due to injuries. As for good things through the first week, the bullpen has been outstanding. Everyone out of the bullpen, for the most part, has looked very good. A-Rod is obviously off to a fast start and Cano seems to be swinging the bat well. Now they have to go up to Minnesota where they have not won a series since 2003 (lost 2 out of 3 each time). Without Wang, the Yankees do have what you would consider their three best starters going. They also catch a break because they miss Santana. It should be a very interesting series and it should also be interesting to see how Pettitte and Mussina rebound from subpar efforst.

Three straight, then a foul tip, then the fourth.

Phelps really has trouble with any kind of decent offspeed stuff. The kind of offspeed stuff that he didn't see in spring training. He is going to have improve on that, and considering standing closer to the plate if he wants to continue to play against lefties.

It's not even that he dropped the popup, stuff like that happens, it's that he put his head down and didn't run after the ball. If he goes after the ball and Jeter can stay on the bag Tejada may not go, or if he does they may throw him out. Those are the kind of mental errors his made in his first year.

They are really really really desperate.

Wow, this is pretty cool. Thanks Soxfan.

Rasner is pitching with blisters on his throwing hands, the Yanks are really desperate for length from their starters.

Damn, that was a really nice pitch. EDIT: Snuck out of it.

Can't let Roberts get on in front of the big bats. EDIT: I'll take it, got a bit lucky.

Might be in for another slugfest. At least Rasner hasn't thrown a ton of pitches so far. With the way the bottom of the Yankees order looks today, it would be nice it Rasner could pick it up a bit.

I wouldn't be surprised, he might be playing for a new contract. Millar hits a bomb, rasner has got to keep it down.

Alright, a little bit of small ball produces a run. And then AROD takes the first pitch out. Good start.

What is the timetable on Lester?

Game is about to start. Bedard Vs. Rasner Yankees Lineup: Cabrera CF Jeter SS Abreu RF AROD 3B Giambi DH Phelps 1B Cano 2B Cairo LF Nieves C

Yeah. I mean, they don't really have any other options. Matsui is out 3-5 days, so I would say that he is unavailable. As for Damon, he pinch hit yesterday and played the outfield for an inning (and caught a Tejada fly ball), so he is probably available. That's why I was wondering if he might be in center today. Instead they'll go with Cairo in left. He played the second half of the game there yesterday, but only played once there last year (against the Mets I believe).

I guess this isn't too terrible, as long as it's just the Minnesota series. Hopefully Melky can right himself once the Yankees get out on the road. Any news on Damon, or is Cairo starting in left today? EDIT: No Damon today. Melky is center today and Cairo is in left.

True, but I'm not so sure Jeter would be devestated if A-Rod opted out.

Too much focus and Patterson and not enough focus on Gomez.