I didn't know until I just read it that Hughes is the youngest pitcher in all of the major leagues. For one game at least Cashman looks like a genius. Good win but I hope the weather warms up soon so that maybe the bats will too.
Nice Outing by Hughes, the bats are struggling but it's cold and they are facing some good pitching. Realistically we had maybe 1 advantage in the pitching macthups so the Yanks did a great job taking 2 of 3. Just keep winning series, they are off to a good start and hopefully they keep it up.
I'd argue the number is actually 2 games already. Consider that Melky, one of the heroes of Opening Day, was originally part of the deal for Santana as well. Tonight, we get to see if a third player was worth keeping. No matter how good Santana pitches this year, I can't see thinking Cashman didn't make the right move by not making the trade. I am a bit uncomfortable with where the bats are right now, but they did battle back last night. The one positive I saw was that in the second half of the game there seemed to be a little more of that trademark patience at the plate. That's critical. This lineup is far more successful when they don't help out the opposing pitchers.
My biggest concern with the bats is that it seems Arod is swinging for the fences more than I have ever seen him do. I hope he doesn't think he has to prove that new contract was worth it. His best production always come when he is making that effortless swing that makes you wonder how in the hell the ball travels that far. Probably another rain out tonight, tomorrow too. Maybe Mussina will miss a turn because of it and they can adjust the rotation the way they want now.
I'm really not that worried about ARod. I think he's trying to impress the home crowd a little bit, but I also think part of the problem at the moment is Giambi. Until his walk late last night, he was swinging a bit freely. We need Giambi to show his trademark patience at the plate, and then opposing pitchers will need to fear the top half of the lineup. Plus, when Posada rejoins the lineup it's going to improve the overall hitting as well. I'm not at all concerned that these mini-slumps will end early. With guys like Damon and Abreu already warming up, it's only a matter of time before this team is hitting top-to-bottom. Skipping Moose would be wonderful. Maybe God is tired of watching him too?
and the ARod excuses begin already. There's no need to provide the same tired excuses for his poor clutch play. It's early, hopefully he snaps out of it and performs in the clutch like he did last regular season but right now he's in peak October form.
Based on... three games? The first of which he was 2-3 with an RBI, scoring the go-ahead run. The second of which he provided the entirety of the Yankee offense with a home run. (Of course, some people prefer to remember the ninth inning at-bat.) Last night he was 0-4. OH NOES! The idea that this level of play even needs an excuse is ridiculous.
