October 07, 2007
Yankees Win
The Yankees offense makes a comeback, but they only picked up two more hits than the Indians in the game and the same number of walks. Damon was the hero on offense with a three-run home and four RBI. Hughes was the hero on defense, coming in when Clemens' hamstring forced him out of the game and shutting down the innings, giving New York a chance to come back. I'm showing Byrd and Mussina tomorrow, but that's subject to change. Cleveland could bring back Sabathia on short rest, then have have Carmona on proper rest for Wednesday if C.C. can't get the job done. The Yankees can bring back Wang on short rest as well, especially since he's pitched much better at Yankee Stadium this year. Stay tuned.
Torre said in the post-game interview that Wang will start tomorrow, with Moose ready to back him up. I guess that way they don't have to use any relief pitchers (having used all the decent ones today, though Rivera only threw nine pitches so he must be available tomorrow).
Yeah, Wang tomorrow. Moose in the wings, but also the Yanks might replace Clemens on the roster, which means maybe Ian Kennedy would be available to throw a few innings if needed.
I found myself wondering why Torre used Chamberlain and Rivera in a game that wasn't especially close. He might regret it tonight. Yes, it's postseason, and all hands on deck... but does he distrust the rest of his bullpen so much that he has to go straight to his power arms?
Rhetorical question, that. Of course he distrusts his bullpen that much.
When your job's on the line, you call your best pitchers no matter what the scoreboard says.
I cannot see any possible justification for throwing Byrd tonight, especially considering that Carmona would be on regular rest should they lose tonight.
Tom: Apparently, Wedge wants to save one of his two aces for the ALCS. Which strikes me as exactly the same kind of thinking that got Lou Piniella in trouble: looking down the road, instead of trying to win the game in front of you now.
I can understand wanting to pitch Carmona against the Red Sox rather than Westbrook or Byrd... but you've got to win this series before you get to play for the pennant. As it stands, Wedge has handed the Yankees a big edge in tonight's game, and the Yanks have to be pretty confident if they win tonight and have Pettitte for Game 5.
jvwalt: I just don't get it. I completely agree with your comparison to Lou Pineilla.
For what it's worth:
Byrd's component ERA, based on his careeer numbers against current Yankee players, is 5.43.
Wang's component ERA, based on his career numbers against current Indian players, is 5.98.
he'll also have CC and Fausto both available on wednesday, should one of them start to get hit around.