Nothing like a series with the Twinkies to get the Yankees back on track.
Chien-Ming Wang was on again, the offense banged out 14 hits and the Yanks may have found some bullpen help as they drubbed Minnesota 8-0 at The Stadium. The Yankees are 27-9 against the Twins since 2002.
The Good:
Chien-Ming Wang. I was playing a little game recently with a couple of my friends and my brother: Choose a five man rotation if you were starting a team. Go ahead. Pick from both leagues. Wang's name came up every time and not just because we're all Yankee fans. When Wang is on, he's one of the best pitchers in the league and on Tuesday night he was on. His bowling ball sinker kept the Twins off-balance all night. The Wanger moved to 8-4 with this gem: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K.
Robinson Cano. Cano's Yankee Stadium two-run homer in the fourth gave the Yanks a 3-0 lead and gave Wang the breathing room he needed. Cano has looked sluggish at the plate lately, but I have to believe that he's gearing up for a big second half. Robbie finished 1 for 3 with two runs scored and the 2 ribbies.
Bobby Abreu. Abreu collected three hits for the second consecutive night. I guess it's going to be all or nothing for Abreu this year. Either he's hot or he's not and the Yanks will have to live with whichever player shows up. Right now, he's El Comedulce. Abreu went 3 for 3 with a walk, 2 runs scored and an RBI.
Edwar Ramirez. Who? Well, infielder Chris Basak was sent down to the farm on Sunday and the Yanks brought up the 26-year-old reliever from Scranton to take his place. Man, where has this guy been hiding? I realize it was Ramirez's first big league appearance, but he looked fierce on the hill. He looks like he's about 15-years-old and probably weights about 160 pounds soaking wet, but he struck out the side in the top of the ninth with a devastating change up. Maybe the Yanks have found some bullpen help at last.
The Bad:
Alex Rodriguez. I guess A-Rod possesses Wolverine's recuperating powers because his hammy looked fine on Tuesday. He looked spry in the field and ran with no noticeable limp. Outstanding. Still, he was the only starting player not to get invited to the party as he finished 0 for 4.
The Ugly:
Tick-Tock. I don't want to piss on this parade, but the Yanks are still under .500 for the year (39-41) and the All-Star Break is next week. The Yanks haven't been under .500 at the All-Star Break since 1995.
Mike Mussina will get the Fourth of July honors on Wednesday and will go up against the reigning Cy Young Champ Johan Santana. Somehow Santana went only 3-2 in the month of June despite posting an ERA of 1.98. Mussina is 20-5 in his career against Minnesota.
Let's see if Mussina and the Yanks can make it a Happy Birthday for The Boss.
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You gave Edwar Ramirez a little too much credit. I looked it up when they brought him up. He's 6'3 150 pounds. And I think he kept his shoes on. But if he can throw that change consistantly like he did last night I think they have found a very important bullpen arm. By the way I like the fact that you brought up 1995 as the last time they were under .500 at the All-Star Break. Keep in mind they made the playoffs that year. It has happened before.