Unfortunately, the Yankees lineup is aging and so I think that’s why they tend to be slow starters. You’re right – they should have done much more against a mediocre Jackson (and even against Sonnenstein), but to be fair – if they’re just not seeing the ball, then they’re not seeing the ball (regardless of who they’re facing). I don’t expect them to break out and do particularly well in the next few games because when they slump, they slump badly. Unfortunately, I suspect it will take a week or so (hopefully, that’s all) for them to come out of their funk. They really need good pitching or else they are going to put themselves behind the 8 ball again…..in a very tough division.

I’m thrilled with the performance of the bullpen (mostly); what’s nice is that Bruney and Ohlendorf (and Alby, who will be back up at some point) are young. We may be able to count on them for years.

Wang and Andy will be themselves and I think Hughes can be relied on for the most part. I think he’ll have some bumps, but mostly I think he’s going to be very good. I LOVE this kid – as good as his stuff is (and what a sick curve – a good curve is my favorite pitch), his demeanor and poise are what impress me the most. He’s 21 and he looks like he belongs out there – he’s not intimidated and just overall pitches like a veteran.

I love your posts, CB, so keep him coming!

You know certain guys are gonna come around so I you should wait a while before getting on their case.

Its not panic time…..yet, so don’t.

In Sheilds career vs. the Yankees:
8.58 ERA 1.69 WHIP .336 BAA

UGLY. Maybe this is the one that wakes the bats up for good. I don’t believe it will though. Depressing.

Has it been disastrous. No.

It’s been mixed. They were fortunate to take 2 of 3 with the way the Jays pitched.

To put that series in some context – the yankees faced the Jays best 3 starters, got shut down and still took 2 of 3.

The Sox have faced the Jays #4 and #5 starters (Marcum and Litsch) and got shut down (outscored in the first two games 16 to 5).

The sox are trying to stave off a sweep today and have Beckett making his season debut. You have to think they’d feel good about taking today’s game. Unfortunately for them the Jays are throwing Roy Halladay.

To me the biggest story in all of baseball over this initial first five games is the blue jays pitching staff and the improvements McGowan and Marcum appear to have made.

If BJ Ryan can come back and just be decent and they can move Accardo to the set up role this is going to be the most brutal season in the AL east in memory.

The only really disappointing game the yankees played to me was yesterday’s game. Jackson has a great arm but is still a thrower not a pitcher and they should have scored some runs. The game before with Tampa is going to happen with young pitchers – Kennedy was just lost. You move on.

This offense will click – Just as it did last year. It’s very difficult to make anything in baseball from any 5 game stretch.

Unfortunately the two times of the year where 5 game stretches come under the microscope are the postseason and the start of the season.

The most encouraging thing so far has been the performance of the bull pen (excluding Hawkins and Farnsy…) Ohlendorf has thrown the ball very well. Bruney has as well (though he threw well last april as well so I’m still reserving judgement…)

Let’s give Hawkins some time. These calls for the team to cut him are completely premature. He’s not the fulcrum of the bull pen – he’s a complementary guy.

And if people want to keep criticizing the move – it was either him or the Viz. And Hawkins was the only one willing to take a one year deal.

And the Viz just went on the disabled list with a sore shoulder. And remember they got the 45th pick in the draft for letting the Viz go.

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/.....yank-2498/

SHeffield doesnt play for the Dodgers so he has nothing to worry about on that count. The issue is this is now a rule he was warned 3 times according to the ump.

FYI HBO Real SPorts is going to so a piece this week on Mike Coobaugh (sp?)

Murph– I believe Damon and Matsui are both signed through next year as well. Both signed before the start of the 06 season for 4 x $52. After next season, they will be free agents.

But I agree with you. Five games in is waaaaaaaaaaay too early to write off the season.

For example, look at 2005. The NYY started 11-19, and won the East.

Only ‘heart attack fans’ like ANTI Mussina push the panic button five games in. Heck, even Pete Abe last year was for trading Cano in June and blowing up the team….

ast year he probably would’ve walked the guy, gave up a run or 2, and then consoled himself with a doughnut afterwards