Without a swing and miss pitch (Trevor Hoffman changeup), extraordinay movement (Greg Maddux), top of the line command (Ben Sheets), or great velocity (Valverde), you have an extremely small margin for error which is why you don’t often see sustained success without one of those four.

He could be valuable if he were a long man, or if like you say he starts innings. It is very hard to have a relief pitcher that you can’t be confident in if there are runners on. You can’t normally script when a bullpen arm comes in the game.

I hope he does well, but my original point is that I think fans have the wrong idea about what Cox can do for this team.

This will be the first legit test of Joba as a starter – the highest scoring offense in the league. (His second test will come on Sunday against the Sox, the second highest scoring offense in the league). Add in to that Ponson, who could just as easily be so amped up playing the team that released him that he’ll get hammered, and Mussina, whose stuff doesn’t scare anyone any longer. I mean, does anyone fear facing Jamey Moyer? No, they just hope that they don’t get embarrassed. And how long has it been since Mussina gave up a 1/2 dozen runs? He’s overdue for a stinker and its more likely to come against a great hitting team.

Yanks should be ecstatic to win the series. A sweep would probably necessitate a minimum of 30 runs scored, for 10-9, 10-6 and 10-8 wins.

Thanks

This is the second altercation involving him this season. Fining him means very little, a suspension sends a message to the whole team, not suspending him for those actions sends a message as well, and not a good one.