Even when the Yankees win this year, they lose.

Roger Clemens pitched 8 outstanding innings for career win number 350 and the Yanks finally scored some meaningful runs, but Alex Rodriguez left the game in the sixth with a hamstring injury as the Yanks downed the Twins 5-1 in the Bronx.

It just gets worse and worse.

The Good:

Roger Clemens.  The Rocket had his best start of the season on Monday night as he picked up his 350th win.  He worked efficiently and economically and gave the Yankee bullpen some much needed rest.  His outing also showed me that he still has something left in the tank.  Clemens improved to 2-3 on the year with this: 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 K.

Bobby Abreu.  Abreu was dropped to the number 7 spot again, but this time he responded with 3 hits.  His long, high, twisting homer to right helped ignite a four-run rally in the sixth.  I really don't know what to expect from Abreu day-to-day (and I'm guessing the Yanks don't either), but maybe Torre should keep him at the bottom of the order from now on.  If he hits, he'll be one of the best number 7 hitters in the league and if he doesn't, he won't be the team's designated rally killer.  Abreu finished 3 for 4 with a run scored and 1 RBI on the monster home run.

Melky Cabrera.  Speaking of number 2 hitters, Cabrera looked comfortable sandwiched between Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter on Monday night.  Maybe Melky hitting second will be the spark this offense needs.  With Cabrera batting in the number 2 hole, it gives the Yanks four speedy runners at the top of the lineup (in theory, anyway).  I hope Torre sticks with this plan for at least a few games.  Melky went 2 for 4 with a walk and 1 ribbie.

The Bad:

Hideki Matsui.  Matsui's struggles at the plate continue.  He finished 0 for 4 and left 7 runners on base.  Matsui has seen his average drop from .290 on June 21 to .266 after Monday night's game.

The Ugly:

When MVP's collide.  You knew it was going to be trouble the minute A-Rod slammed into Justin Morneau's leg on a fielder's choice in the sixth.  There are a few everyday players the Yanks simply cannot afford to lose if they want to make a run at the postseason and A-Rod is one of them.  The offense has been struggling with him in the lineup and I shudder to think what it would be like without him.  Rodriguez rubbed his hamstring and limped around after the play at firstbase, but stayed in the game.  A-Rod tried to battle through it, but was taken out of the game a batter later.  Hammys can be tricky, but let's hope this one won't keep A-Rod out of the lineup for long.

Chien-Ming Wang will try and make it two in a row for the Yanks on Tuesday and will go against Twins righty Carlos Silva. 

Let's see if Wang can make a win feel like a win.

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