Yankees Series Recap #2 (@Royals)

Yankees win series 2-1

Over-management cost the Yankees a sweep in this series. Sure, maybe Tex is injured (maybe), Jorge needed a rest, and Johnny Damon hasn’t been much of a factor either way, but under no circumstances should Phil Coke ever inherit a runner in an 8th inning during a 1-run ballgame. NEVER! Joe Girardi f’d up, and while I’m sure Joe G would admit that, I’m still posting it as a fact in my mind. Coke has been the worst part of the bullpen in this short year, and I don’t care if you perhaps want to give him a confidence boost by showing him you trust his stuff in this situation. This isn’t the Florida Marlins, and the Yankees play to win every game. Learn that now because Torre knew this from the get go, and that’s why he had a bullpen of three guys with about 100 appearances each. If it works, keep it going.

The rest of the series was rather pleasant from a Yankees standpoint. Andy Pettitte went seven innings in game one, gave up a mere three hits, and 1 run on a 2b by Mike Jacobs. The Yankees scored four times that game, and Mariano “Mo” Rivera achieved his first save in his second appearance, but first save opportunity. Derek Jeter didn’t have a hit, but grounded out for an RBI, and stole two bases with his thirty-seven year old legs. I still think he’s going to end of being the Chris Chelios of Baseball, by going well into his forties, but maintaining a high level of quality play.

It’s nice having multiple lefties again

Game two saw the pitching performance we’d all expected from C. C. Sabathia, which saw the Hefty Lefty achieve his first strikeout of the season against Kansas City’s lead-off batter (that cereal named guy). Sabathia found his way two outs into the eighth before Joe Girardi pulled him. He could have gone the distance, but Joe Girardi likes to have something to do, so he went to the bullpen. Mark Teixeira sat out his first game as a Yankee with a wrist injury (missed game three also). This wasn’t a factor due to Nick Swisher’s hot bat, quality glove, and overall charisma that he’s been supplying the team with this young season. Jose Veras finished the job on the mound, and the Yankees were above .500 for a handful of hours.

HOT

Yankees Pitching Staff (sans Phil Coke): Three starting performances that I’d take under any circumstances, a bullpen who was going strong for 5+ innings of work in the series, until Jose Vera was pulled five pitches into his Easter appearance. I’m still in awe of C. C.’s performance on Saturday, that’s the kind of pitching championships are made of. He and Andy P both managed six strikeouts against the Royals, Joba had five. I’m hoping for a bounce back performance from the Wanger (Chien-Ming Wang) against the Rays tomorrow.

Swisher and Nady (who has a hit in all 5 games he’s played)

Nick Swisher: Had an OBP of at least .545 in all three games against Kansas City. He also added four RBI in the first two games, and touched home in all three games (3 times in game 2). He makes the pick at first, and is seemingly comfortable in every position they put him in. Swisher may end up being the steal of free agency, and he’s the only player whose contract I haven’t heard any of the haters complain about. Go figure. Every World Series team needs a Tino Martinez or Paul O’Neil, and Swisher seems to be able to fill in as either whenever necessary.

Jorge Posada: I questioned his plate work in the first series on the Mykey and Ghost Show on Friday, and Jorge came back in a big way. He called the best two games of the season so far, and most importantly C. C.’s 2nd, and most majestic start. Jorge also contributed five RBI in his two games against Kansas City. The roles have been reversed for Jorge and Jose Molina in regards to series 1 and 2, but I feel the Yankees got three solid games behind the plate this go around (instead of the 1 in Baltimore).

Step Your Game Up

Phil Coke? Really Joe G?

Joe Girardi: I’ve already said most of my piece on this, but I just want to make sure everyone knows I mean it. Last year everyone let Joe G slide for his lackluster team performance, but if he doesn’t make the playoffs this year, he’s done. Also, if you keep making moves like that you’ll always be Joe G instead of just Joe, like Torre was.

Cody Ransom: Again you’re here? Zero hits in the Kansas City series (only 1 all season). The rest of the team is making things happen, but Cody Ransom is like a blank spot on a Mad Lib. Guess it won’t matter if A-rod returns before the end of April. Will Yankees Stadium boo Cody on opening day? All signs point to yes. If he kills himself a (Devil) Ray or two on this fisihing trip to Tampa, all will be forgiven.

Phil Coke: You ruined Easter.

Yankees 2009 Series W/L Record: 1-1