A STRAINING SPLIT WITH A SILVER LINING

The Yankees have just split a 4 game series with the new and improved Rays. Considering they dropped the first two, I'll take it.

In this series there were a few bright spots along with a couple of un encouraging tidbits. Lets dissect what took place starting with game one.

IPK was roughed up due to control issues. If Ian isn't hitting his spots hes as good as Igawa. I'm sure he will bounce back though. That really was the theme of the game. A bright spot in the loss was for a couple of innings the Yankee bats decided to wake up but as soon as they turned on they were shut down.

In the second game, I was holding my breath before the first pitch was thrown. I simply didnt know how Pettitte would respond to the whole Mitchell report thing. If it weren't for on big mistake pitch to Gomes, Pettitte overall pitched decently. The 2 runs he aloud in the third were unearned. I am extremely confident that Andy will deliver a solid effort on almost every start he makes.
I didn't expect Giambi to come up gimpy until mid June but I guess I was wrong. Although its nothing to be majorly concerned about, its never good to see a guy like Giambi with previous leg injuries coming up a little lame in the groin area.
On the bright side, Brian Bruney is looking as sexy as ever. He's throwing strikes .....(Its a miracle)
Game three got me more reved up than ever. Aside for the Yankees early struggles at the plate , this game was flawless. Wang implemented his new out pitch the " Change up " and oh boy did it pay off. If Wang can continue to successfully throw his braking stuff for strikes along with his nasty sinking fastball , there is no telling what hes capable of. Already his strike out totals were reflected by his new approach. by striking out 6 in 6 plus innings.
But to me the most important thing that took place that day was when Joba toed the rubber with runners on the corners instead of throwing his dynamite fastball he threw a knee buckling curve ball . Reminding us all that Joba Will be a dominant starter. Just as the crowd was astonished with the good old uncle charlie, he got them up in a frenzy with an eye popping 101 mph Fastball. It didn't seem possible, but when Joba struck out Aybar with his unfathomable slider the crowd was as loud as ever and there wasnt a care in the world for anybody who followed the men in pinstripes.
The Offense in that game was provided by a towering blast off the bat of a rejuvenated Matsui. When this game was closed out by the hall of famer all was right in Yankee land.

The series Finale to me was the most important of all for more reasons than one. Starting with something I thought I would never see. Mike Mussina actually adjusted. By throwing allot less so called fastballs and going with a bevy of breaking junk. This slow slower and slowest mindset is one that could actually work. I said it before and I'll say it again, Mike Mussina is the best 4-5 starter in the league.
When the Captain left the game early with a quad strain it sent concern through everybody's head. Since when does Derek pull himself out of a game? We must wait a couple of days to see the extent of this injury. Based on reports , I don't think DJ will land himself on the DL, But if its a decent amount of time would the Yankees consider moving Arod to short and Ensberg to third? If I was manager i would. It definitely is better than just slotting betimit at short . The line up would be deeper . But I know Girardi doesn't have the balls to do that. It would turn the clubhouse into a zoo, but it would make for some good media...

Series outlook
---------------
The good- Bobby Abreau and Hideki Matsui are both looking great. Brian Bruney is on his game. Between Wang , Moose , Joba and Mo the pitching is looking in midseason form.

The Bad- Farnsworthless still sucks and Hawkins is off to horrific start even though they both looked OK last night. The offense has yet to click but I'm sure they will get it together one of these days.

The Ugly- Jeter and Giambi both left with leg injuries . Lets hope that Girardi's extreme running programs don't backfire. Kennedy is making that Johan trade stand out. He better get his act together.


Next up Kc......