The Yankees are a mess right now. Sure they had some success for awhile, but with the lead the Sox built it is going to have to be a total meltdown for them to blow it. I know it was concerning to see the Yankees cut off seven games, but that was their hottest stretch of the season and it was coupled with the fact that the Sox hit their first skid of the season. For the Yankees to have any chance of making this a race the sox would probably have to play like .450 ball for a month with the Yankees playing .650 ball. With the Sox pitching depth and offense that is catching on fire this just doesn't seem likely.
On another note, it will be very interesting to see how Clemens fairs aganist the AL. So far he has pitched against a weak hitting Pirates team and a Mets team that is in a horrible offensive slump. I still say Clemens ERA will be around 4.50 before it is all said and done.
If Coco can hit like he did in Cleveland, then this offense will be one of the best in the leauge. If not it will still be decent with Ortiz and Manny starting to mash like they know how.
It's a very close call but I would give the slight edge to A-ROD simply because and I hate to say this, he has basically been the only thing stable this year for the Yankees. He has helped them stay afloat in the AL east and wild card race's. His homeruns have also seemed more timely than usual this season. Also he has 70+ RBIs to this point with 27 homers.
Before this game Tavares has been 3-0 with a 3.65 in his last seven starts. That is basically good enough to wonder if Lester is really going to be that much better at this point. Obviously I am not talking long term with that last comment.
I think I'm the only one, but I think that Pauley has a future as a 5th starter somewhere in the MLB. He pitched O.K. a few times last year, and he also sucked a few times last year. He has a good sinking FB and kind of reminds me of a poormans Derek Lowe. If not Lester than I say give Pauley another shot.
At this point I don't see Schilling being a Red Sox in 2008, unless he recovers and becomes a consistent pitcher again. I would like to see a rotation of Beckett, DiceK, Lester, Wake, Buchholz or a big FA like Zambrano.
I think after last nights performance MDC should get more and more opportunities to prove himself. He looked really really good with a 96-97 MPH FB and a nasty Curve. It really looks like he has things figured out. Also what are the other RH options right now, Timlin is atrostious and Delcarmen could be huge for us down the stretch.