A Test for the Yankees..

With the offense struggling and the starting pitching being fairly suspect, the last thing the Yankees need is more bad news..

But right now this is a Yankee team that seems to have a lot working against.

First, they are in the middle of a brutal schedule, which has them traveling all over the country, without a day off in between. They are professional athletes, but traveling so much can take a lot out of anybody.

Second, the injury bug has come into the Yankee club house and begun tossing around a plethora of annoying little injuries. Jeter is scheduled to start tonight, but is he 100%? Posada's shoulder still hurts and Molina has gone down with a hamstring injury. Who knows how long he'll be out. And recently the Yankees announced that Wilson Betemit will have to hit the DL with a bad case of Pink Eye. That explains a lot...

A-Rod and his wive are due to have a child any day now, which would cause the Yankees to lose his bat for at least a few games. Thats the last thing this struggling offense needs. But, somethings are more important.




Finally, Joba's dad isn't doing well, or so it sounds. Everyone remembers Harlen Chamberlain watching his son pitch for the first time in a Yankees uniform. He was so proud of his son, that was easy to see. From listening to Joba talk about his family and his upbringing, it's clear that his father means a great deal to him. I know we're all certainly hoping and praying he pulls through this.

It's easy to forget sometimes that Joba is just a 22 year old kid.

Jeter's Injury Opens the Door...

A good game last night by the Yankees was marred only by Jeter leaving the game in the early innings. Moose and the pen combined for a 3 hit, 1 run effort, which is just stellar.

We'll hear more about just how serious the injury is, but the feeling seems to be that Jeter could miss up to a week, although they do want to keep him off the DL.

So, of course everyone wants to know who plays shortstop?

Jeff Passan has an article here, where he suggests that we might see A-Rod take over at short.

Really what other choice do the Yankee have?

If Jeter doesn't hit the DL, then they can't really call someone up to play short. So Girardi would have to pick from whats on the bench, or use A-Rod.

Betemit is technically their utility infielder, but hes a big guy who doesn't have the greatest range. He is much better suited at first or third base. Ensburg could maybe do it, since hes a bit more agile and has played third his whole career so he would be use to throwing across the field. Of course he has played a grand total of 2 innings at shortstop and hasn't really been knocking the cover off the ball. That leaves Shelley and Molina... Right, moving on...

I think A-rod would make the most sense, but I think at least for a few games, we'll see Betemit field the position. Girardi won't make to drastic of a change if Jeter is only going to miss a couple games.

Looking Back at This Weekend

If you couldn't tell, this weekend felt a lot like October. The weather has changed, the wind has picked up and the leafs are looking like they're ready to turn into the colors of the fall. Saturday and Sunday the tempratures dipped into the 40's...

And of course, its only fitting that the first signs of the fall happen just as the Yankees and Red Sox play their last series of the regular season.

Fridays game started slow. You could tell the Yankees were tired. According to ESPN, the Yankees didn't get into Boston until 3:30am that day. At 7-2 going into the 8th, it seemed like it was over. I'll admit, after Giambi hit his homerun all I could say was "Great, a solo shot. That helps". Of course I was wrong in being sarcastic, as it did help and the Yankees pulled off a great come from behind win.

Saturday, I was at an annual celebration in Boston held by Samuel Adams fittingly called Oktoberfest. Yes, there I was, at 5:00PM, relaxing with friends and listening to some live music. Of course it would have been a little more fun if the band didn't stop playing every 10 minutes to give updates on the score of the game. I think there were more 'Yankee suck' chants at this event then there normally are at the games themselves.

And of course, last nights game was also great. The temperatures dipped again, it was chilly but there was still that electricity in the air. The Yankees put runners on second and third with Damon stepping up. The last thing I expected from him was to swing at the first pitch. And I was disappointed until I remembered who was up next. We all know what happened. Jeter hit a "no-doubter" way back into the seats over the green monster.

Then, as the bottom of the ninth came around, we all became slightly sick to our stomach. Close calls, a line drive and some walks.. Suddenly the bases are loaded for Bostons hero. Then he hits a looper, and we all watch as Cano, Melky, Abreu and Jeter rush towards shallow center field. In years passed these little loopers have killed the Yankees and Mariano.. But not tonight. Ortiz hit under it to much. It stayed in the air long enough for New Yorks hero to get there and put the game in the books.

The Yankees are 10-8 against the Red Sox now. They would own the tie-breaker, but catching the Sox does seem unlikely. Then again, anything can happen...

Detroit is putting the pressure on the Yankees though, as they have now gone 8-2 over their last 10 games. They now go play Cleveland in what will be the Central divisions biggest series of the season.

The Yankees need to focus on bearing Baltimore, who they are somehow only 4-8 ageist this year. There's only 13 games remaining. It's going to come down to the wire. This is exciting. This is what being a baseball fan is all about.

Go Yankees!