Joba Chamberlain returned to the Yankees. That's the only positive to come out of Saturday's contest.
Ian Kennedy labored, the bats were silent and Ramon Hernandez and Aubrey Huff drove in two runs each as the
Orioles shutout the Yanks 6-0 at Camden Yards. The tone of this game was set in the first inning when Johnny Damon was doubled off first on a line drive to short and Derek Jeter failed to score from third on an infield hit by Alex Rodriguez. The loss was the third straight for the Bombers and drops them a game under .500 for the year.
The Good:Ross Ohlendorf. The righty reliever came in for an ineffective Kennedy in the third and gave the Yanks innings and kept them in the game (in theory). Ohlendorf's box score won't dazzle anyone, but it looks like the Yanks have found a reliable arm in the pen who can take the ball when a starter falters. Let's hope it doesn't happen that often. Ohlendorf's night: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K.
The Bad:Ian Kennedy. The young righty struck out the first batter he faced, but that would be the high point of his night. It seemed like Kennedy went to a three-ball count on every hitter and he wound up tossing a whopping 85 pitches before getting the hook in the third inning. It actually could have been worse -- Melky Cabrera made a nice running catch with the bases loaded to end the first inning and Kennedy picked off Brandon Fahey at second with one out in the second. It's got to get better than this. Right? Kennedy's horrid outing: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 5 BB, 4 K, 1 HR.
The Ugly:Suspend me for what? The hammer fell on
Kyle Farnsworth Saturday as former Yankee GM and current vice president of on-field operations for Bob Watson suspended the reliever for three games for throwing behind Manny Ramirez Thursday night. Ridiculous. Farnsworth was clearly trying to send a message to Manny even though he said the pitch "slipped." But Farnsworth wasn't tossed from that game for his actions so how can Major League Baseball suspend him? It doesn't make sense. Farnsworth isn't one of my favorite Yankees, but this isn't just. Farnsworth will appeal the suspension.
The Yanks will try and salvage a game, snap a three-game losing streak and avoid the sweep Sunday with Andy Pettitte (2-1). Baltimore will hand the ball to veteran Steve Trachsel (1-2). Pettitte pitched well in his last start against Tampa and has had tremendous success in his career against the Birds. In 32 starts the big lefty is 22-6 with a 3.90 ERA, including a 13-4 mark in Baltimore. Trachsel has decent numbers in his career against the Bombers -- 10 starts, 4-4 with a 3.63 ERA -- but he lasted only 2 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays in his last start. Stevie has quickened his pace, but he still likes to take his time on the mound.
The Yanks will look to make him pay for his insolence and climb back to .500.
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