This script is getting a little old.
Ian Kennedy didn't transform into a new pitcher and the offense continued to frustrate as the
Rays downed the Yanks 5-2 in St. Petersburg. Tampa scored at least one run in four of the five innings Kennedy worked and the Bombers managed only three hits against Scott Kazmir. I listened to the first half of this mess at work and then caught the rest when I got home. But it was like watching a bad movie when you already know the ending so my attention span was lacking. But, I've got a job to do so I'll recap this like any other red-blooded American would -- really half-assed.
The Good:The pen. It's too bad the Yanks aren't hitting, because the way the bullpen is pitching a game can be shortened to five innings. The trio of LaTroy Hawkins, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez combined to toss three perfect innings Thursday afternoon. It's really a crying shame that this type of effort was wasted in a loss. The troika's vitals: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K.
The Bad:Ian Kennedy. Akinori Iwamura led off the bottom of the first with his third homer of the year and well, to bastardize a line from a
guy no one has ever heard of, the die was cast. Kennedy managed to retire the next six hitters and wiggled out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam by giving up only one run in the third, but a two-run homer off the bat of Shawn Riggans in the following inning squashed any hope of victory. I usually try to stay upbeat, but I can't say I'm as optimistic about Kennedy as
some fans are. Maybe I'm just in a sour mood. At least
Kei Igawa's reign of terror is over. The Yanks really have no one else to turn to, so I-Kenn should get at least two more starts. There's nowhere to go but up, right? Kennedy fell to 0-3 with this penta-like line: 5 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR.
Johnny Damon. The Yanks aren't scoring runs and Damon isn't hitting. The two seem to go hand and hand. It's not fair to jump on Johnny D (there's plenty of blame to go around), but he's just 2 for his last 23 with zero walks. The guy at the top of the lineup sets the tone and right now that tone is off. Damon finished 0 for 5.
The Ugly:A view from the bottom. It's still early and I don't really start paying close attention to the standings until after Memorial Day, but the Yanks are dead last in the AL East. And Tampa Bay is sitting in the catbird's seat. I never thought I'd live to see the day. Still, it's no reason to stick your head in the oven. The Bombers may be bringing up the rear, but they're just two games under .500 (20-22) and only 4.5 games back. At this date last season, the Yankees were also two games under (17-19) and in second place, but they trailed the first-place Red Sox by eight games.
The Yanks will head back to the Bronx and host the Metropolitans for a three-game set starting on Friday night. Almost Yankee Johan Santana (4-2, 3.10 ERA) will get the start for the Mets and will go against Darrell Rasner (2-0, 3.00 ERA). Santana hasn't lost since April 12 against the Milwaukee Brewers, but has had two no decisions in his last three starts despite giving up a total of six earned runs in that span. Rasner has been a gift from above and has posted almost identical stats in his first two starts -- allowing two runs in six innings of work against both the Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers. I'm sure
Loge13 will be keeping tabs so give him a look-see if you want a Mets perspective on things.
Friday's weather forecast in New York is supposed to be soggy, but I hope they manage to get the game in. The Yanks have an off day on Monday, but I don't think either team is gung-ho for a doubleheader.
C'mon Mother Nature, be cool.
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So much for all that excitement about Kennedy and Hughes. Althought they're still very young, they're going to kill the Yankees if they continue like this. I don't think the Yankees are a team that should be "growing" right now.