The Yanks are Coming! The Yanks are Coming!

Thats right folks, the Yanks are actually making a race out of this season. And panic has officially set in throughout Sox Nation. Well, at least part of it after GaG-me's performance over the weekend...

Your 43 - 43 Yanks at the break have been feasting on sub par teams to the tune of 23 - 8 since the break. They have been an absolute hitting machine.

However, pitching isn't much improved over the first half. Surprised? It sure seems like it has but the numbers don't lie. Before the break, the team Era stood at 4.36 - while since the break it's been 4.25. What does that tell you? They've been hitting and scoring runs against lesser pitching opponents.

Curiously, the Yanks traded away one of their most reliable relievers in Proctor & picked up a utility infielder. They are also going against their past history, relying on young pitching to take them down the stretch and into the playoffs. Based on years of playoffs, you'd think this is a recipe for disaster. Heck, the Sox teams of the 70's & 80's were built the same way & where did that get them?

The Yanks finally begin a tough stretch of schedule. Although, if their sweep of the Indians over the weekend is any indicator, they'll still be standing at the end of the month. Nevertheless, we'll all know how good this Yankee team really is in another couple of weeks.

Despite the bullpen blowing two very winnable games this weekend, the Sox starters are getting the job done. That's what really counts this time of year. It looks like Schilling is back to old form and it looks like we'll get a look at the phenom Buckholtz at the double header later in the week (don't be shocked to see him replace Lester). The bullpen will straighten itself out with or without Gagne, but he can't be worse than what we've seen already. And despite perception, this offense is 3rd in runs scored and 2nd post all star break. So those of you still pining for Jermaine Dye, he's not as needed as you think.

The lead is still 4 games, and the Yanks really can't play much better than they have been. In turn, the Sox won't struggle as much as they have been either. Look for the Sox to build the lead back up to a more comfortable level before facing them on the 28th...

Hey you, off the ledge!!!

Rocket crashes Yanks back to .500...

The savior isn't living up to his namesake just yet... The mighty Rocket can't play the role of stopper and prevent the sweep. Off to a 1-2 record with a 4.86 ERA isn't exactly what you bargained for? Nice crash Roger...

It's been a quiet a few days now that the Yanks "recharged" offense has sputtered to 5 runs over 3 games. Isn't Colorado the home of home runs? What an embarassing performance. Looks like that big push to get back in the AL East race is back to a goof. Must be frustrating to reel off 9 straight and then serve up a 3 game sweep.

It's back to status quo for the 2007 bombers - dancing near the .500 mark and double digits behind the leader. But don't worry Yanks fans, they'll put toghether a win streak here or there just enough to keep you interested. Then they'll tank it once you're riding high.

By the way, ESPN is taking shots at your team. Great front page & article on the woes of Pavano. Ouch...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=pavano

Enjoy the rest of 2007...

Sweep Dreams...

Those thoughts of a Yankee sweep disappeared quicker than Manny’s blast in the first. The Yanks only managed three hits off the Sox #5 starter Tavares. There were rumblings in NY that a sweep was coming based on the Yanks pitching rotation. This was the series to turn their struggling season around.

If anything, it’s gotten worse. Mussina was throwing his “fastball” between 83-86. That Era is not coming down folks. He might still be able to get by some of the weaker lineups, but he’s going to get lit up often vs. a good team. After the game, he commented; "It's almost June and I don't feel like I've done anything as far as contributing, up to this point." No kidding. Keep it up Moose.

And what was Torre thinking in the 7th last night? From a guy who always goes to the pen early, why did he let Mussina dangle? It could have cost them the game. And you’ve gotta love the Mike Myers experiment. Specifically brought in to deal with Papi in the late innings, he’s only served up 3H and 3 RBI’s in 3AB. Keep trotting him out there Joe…

Is anyone more self-destructive than A-Rod? He still can’t handle himself in a big situation once again. While trying to “break-up” a double play, he threw a cheap shot at 2B Pedroia. He slid in with a high elbow and then pushed Pedroia while he was throwing. Clearly interference. Clearly dirty. Must be hard for a 6’3” guy to push around a 5’9” guy. At least there was no karate chop. He’s clearly insecure as he continually resorts to this type of behavior. Is it that he hasn’t done enough himself or that he’ll be to blame? The bright lights of NY clearly aren’t helping. Expect some chin music from Schill tonight…

Not sure about the play? Here’s the vid link: mms://a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2007/open/tp/archive05/052207_bosnya_rodriguez_elbow_tp_350.wmv?ct3=5090684&ct4=mlb&ct5=23-May-07

We eagerly await the return of Clemens back to Fenway on June 3rd for Sunday Night Baseball. Getting giddy just thinking about it. Talk about a hostile environment. Duracell is thinking about sponsoring the game. How would any pitcher perform only after a few tune ups in the minors? It’s going to be a loud night at the Fens. Will the hamstring pop be louder than the crack of the bats?

Some Random Yankee questions…

- Will Dr. Kevorkian be performing season ending (and contract ending) surgery for Pavano?

- How late into June/July will it be before the Yanks reach .500?

- When the Yanks terminate/trade “amphetamine boy” Giambi, how many balls will actually be in the bag of balls they get in return?

- How long before Torre gets the ax and Mattingly does worse?

- How much young talent will Georgie force Cashman to pony up for a #4 or #5 starter at the deadline?

- Will the Yanks be 15 or 20 games out in their next meeting with the Sox in the last week of Aug?

Stay tuned to find out…

Who's your Daddy?

Sox take first 5 of 6, and keep Yanks in the basement. The spanking continued on Sunday with the Sox getting the better of Wang and the overused bullpen. The Yanks are a Tampa Bay like 6 1/2 games out in April, yes April. And by the way, Tampa Bay is looking down on you...

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The Sox have the major's best record and 3rd in pitching. The Yanks boast second in runs, but are sitting way back in 27th in pitching. We'll take pitching thank you. The Yanks now take their 3-8 road record - on the road.

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It's an April to remember for Sox fans. It's too bad we don't see the Yanks for 3 more weeks. Back to Yankee Stadium for another whoopin, can wait...

Fireworks at the Fens complete the sweep...

Well Yanks fans, how you feelin? While it is only April, it's nice to put the Yanks a comfortable 4 games back. The MLB tying 4 back to back homers was a nice exclamation point - especially against your bitter rival. How sweet was that? Surprisingly, it was the Sox bats and not their arms that took the series.


For those of you thinking it's not that bad for the Yanks right now, where would they be if A-Rod was not laser hot? At least 3 games worse - which is still in last place (hee hee). What an amazing start for him. We may never see this type of performance again.


The Yanks do get Wang back this week, but Mussina and Pavano still remain on the shelf. It must be frustrating having a guy like Pavano on your team. Now it also appears that Cashman is being forced to rush Hughes to the majors. He better hope that some rough performances won't ruin his pshyche.


By the way what's up with Colter Bean, aka Baby Huey? Schilling is in better shape & he's almost twice his age. Strange body style for a pitcher. Even David Wells has raised an eyebrow.


The season is still in it's infancy, we know. But it's nice to pound your rivals - especially with a sweep. Can the Yanks rebound from the beating? Not unless pitching gets much better. It will improve with Wang, but with 3 rooks in the rotation how much are you expecting? When is Mariano going to get out of his funk? Will Damon be able to overcome back issues and his .250 BA?

This weekend? Now that the Sox bats are getting some life, the Yanks should still struggle to get 1 win. Torre probably doesn't even know what the rotation will be yet.

The Yanks always seem to be able to stay in the race. It looks different this year with their staff. Their bullpen is already overworked because their starters can't go 5 innings, with Pettite already making 2 appearances. If they fall back too far this early, there may be too much ground to make up. They don't have the horses even when healthy to be a dominant staff, and they'll need to be dominant to catch up. Don't think there is panic in the NY Offices? This thing could be over by July. Get out your healing prayer books, or it could be a long summer in NY and a relaxing one in Boston...