CC Sabathia Likely To Opt-Out At Midnight

The New York Yankees have until midnight Monday night to sign pitcher CC Sabathia before he can opt-out of the last four years of his seven-year deal with the team.  When the clock strikes twelve tonight—and there is no last minute agreement—Sabathia and his agents will void the remaining four years and $92 million of his original seven-year, $161 million contract.

Call him CCinderella.

The Yankees are believed to have made a last-ditch attempt at signing Sabathia to a new deal over the weekend, but it seems likely the 300-pound ace will exercise the option making Sabathia a free-agent, according to a report in the New York Daily News.

The team hoped to strike a deal with the 19-game winner before it got close to the deadline but, as of Sunday, it hasn't happened.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman—who's expected to sign a new contract of his own on Monday—was unavailable for comment this weekend.

Cashman offered the former-Cy Young winner the opt-out clause in 2008.  It gave Sabathia the option to leave the Yankees if things didn't work out in New York.

Sabathia has said in the past his family is happily settled in New Jersey and is satisfied where they are living.  Now, it looks like the 31 year-old pitcher is just looking for more money and a longer contract.

This is a problem which the Yankees brought upon themselves.

The Yankees starting rotation is pretty unsettled after Sabathia and last year's rookie sensation Ivan Nova.

A.J. Burnett is undefeated in April but a head case after May, Phil Hughes struggled through "dead arm" and Bartolo Colon's return is improbable since the 38 year-old wore down in the second half of 2011.  The team may bring back Freddy Garcia—who won 12 games last season—but that's not a given either.

Sabathia, the hefty lefty, led the Yankees to a World Series title in 2009 and began last season 25 pounds trimmer, but his expanding girth matched his fattening ERA down the stretch last season and he was less than overwhelming during the last two postseasons.

The Yankees are one of a handful of teams that could afford signing Sabathia.  He is expected to ask for a new deal with a minimum of five-years at $125 million (more likely seven years at $150 million) which would leap-frog him over the $120 million that 32 year-old Cliff Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies last year.

The Yankees will probably go all-out in making a deal with Sabathia today.  The free-agent market for top-notch starters is slim and Sabathia would be hard to replace.

C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle and Roy Oswalt lead the pack, but are all considered No. 2 starters and Yu Darvish—the Japanese phenom—has yet to prove himself in the U.S..

If Sabathia flies the coop, Cashman will be thrust into a difficult position.  He may have to trade one of his prize prospects like Jesus Montero for a No. 1 starter.

Well, if any time is a good time to turn into a pumpkin, it's the day after Halloween.

A.J. Burnett Will Get Third Spot In Yankees Rotation By Default

It's a good bet A.J. Burnett will be the New York Yankees' No. 3 starter in the playoffs, unless he totally gets blown out of the water in tomorrow's start against the Boston Red Sox.

After CC Sabathia and rookie Ivan Nova, the Yankees will have no other choice but to give the job to Burnett due to old injuries and older age to the other starters.  The pivotal spot won't be awarded to Burnett based on his performance, as much as by default.  

It's more like a Two-and-a-Half Men rotation with Burnett being as welcome as Charlie Sheen on that show's set-- with a paycheck to match.

Only difference, Winning is definitely not in Burnett's vocabulary.

Everything was looking pretty rosy for the Yankees and their six-man rotation up until only a few days ago.

Leading up to the playoffs, Phil Hughes had thrown three strong games and was ready to take over the No. 3 spot until an MRI showed that the back spasms which forced him from pitching on Wednesday were an old spine injury flaring up again.

Up until then, Hughes (5-5, 6.00 ERA) had been the most consistent starter after Sabathia and Nova and appeared to be the logical No. 3.  Now, a herniated disc injury from seven years ago has reared its burning head and has to be a concern to the team regarding Hughes' long-term prognosis.

The Yankees are confident he can make one more start in a meaningless game before the playoffs, but they need a fully healthy Hughes on the mound and probably won't take a chance on the disc flaring up during a pivotal playoff game, so it looks like the bullpen for the 25 year-old.

That leaves Burnett, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia looking for on spot behind Sabathia and Nova; and none of them have been spanking any teams over the past few weeks. 

It looks like Colon and Garcia have just plain run out of steam.  The two veteran pitchers played beyond any one's expectations and carried the Yankees for a good portion of the season but it looks like Father Time has come a calling.

Colon's chances of making the New York Yankees playoff rotation took a big hit last night when he was pounded by the Tampa Bay Rays for seven runs (five earned) in three innings.

The one-time No. 3 front-runner, Colon (8-10), is winless in his last nine starts and has an ERA of 5.09 since the All-Star break.

Manager Joe Girardi has already hinted at being unsure about Colon's future and it looks like the pitcher's stock has fallen off the chart.

The 38 year-old Colon was, at times, brilliant this season and the Yankees off-season pick-up exceeded all expectations.  The beefy hurler came back after almost two years of inactivity and hasn't pitched a full season since 2006 due to injuries. 

Garcia is more of a mystery.  The other bargain basement pick-up was consistent up until a few weeks ago.  The 35 year-old was always hittable but seemed to pitch himself out of any jams until recently.  Now, opposing players are using him like a batting tee and that won't do in the third game of a playoff series.

Over his last two starts, Garcia has been rocked for 11 earned runs in seven innings.  Not good enough for a short-- or long-- series.

Which leads us to Burnett.  What hasn't been said about the $82 million dollar enigma that wasn't a headline on the back page?  From funny haircuts, cussing out the manager and mound meltdowns, the tattooed Burnett has done it all-- and badly.

The inconsistent pitcher has been given a second life by Girardi, oh...  about half a dozen times.  Two weeks ago it looked like the bullpen for the cantankerous righthander but, like some pinstriped vampire, he keeps arising and sucking the life from the team. 

Over his last 10 starts, Burnett has been lit up like a Times Square billboard.  He has allowed 46 earned runs over 52 innings and it would have been more if Girardi didn't yank him in the fifth the other night.

Through it all, Girardi has come to bat for Burnett too many times to let his whipping boy stew in the bullpen.  After all, the Yankees are already loaded in that department.

So it comes down to attrition after the big gun Sabathia (19-8) and the white-hot Nova (16-4).  

Expect Girardi to go to Sabathia in a game 4 on short rest--  even if the ace of the staff has not been a sure thing over the past month.

Garcia will get one more shot against a reeling Red Sox tonight in a desperate bid to win the No. 3 spot.  Unless he throws a perfect game, expect to see old A.J. warming up for Game 3 in two weeks.

Funny, the Yankees started the season worrying about their starting pitching and head into the playoffs with the same concerns.  How did they manage to win in between?

Girardi Sticking With Yankees' Six-Man Rotation

It looks like the New York Yankees have finally made a decision on who will be left off the five-man starting rotation and it is...wait for it...no one.  That's right, chopping a pitcher from the overcrowded rotation-- which seemed so important just last week-- is now a non-issue as far as manager Joe Girardi is concerned.

On Sunday, after the Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 9-3, Girardi said he'll stick with six starters at least for another week and maybe longer at his post-game interview.

Girardi said he spoke with all parties involved before Sunday's game and claims he is in "no rush to make the decision."

"I let them know who was pitching and when.  People like to know where they're going to be every five days, six days,' Girardi said.  "Life's not always like that.  The good thing is they're getting another chance."

For A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes, who've had more chances than Lindsay Lohan in court, D-day could come by next weekend.

Girardi denied any of his starters are on the bubble, but referred to those two pitchers' last outings at his press conference.

"We want to see it again," he said.  "We liked what we saw in Boston.  I know Hughes gave up some runs but threw better than he did.  We liked what A.J. did and want to build on that."

Girardi commented on Burnett's new mechanics and thinks the erratic pitcher is on to something.

"I love what I saw in Boston," he said.  "He had a tough August.  It took guts, but he went out and did it."

The manager addressed his concern about keeping CC Sabathia (19-7) on his regular five-man turn.  The Yankees ace, who won today's game,  is pretty adamant about keeping his routine, so Girardi may adjust the six-man rotation accordingly.

"It's designed so if we want to give CC an extra day, we can do it, said Girardi.

What CC wants, the big guy gets.

"It's possible I might keep him [Sabathia] on his normal turn," said Girardi.  "Or move him back to Saturday.  I'll see how he feels."

Girardi announced his starters for the upcoming home series against the Baltimore Orioles and Burnett (9-11, 5.25) and Hughes (4-5, 6.75) will give it another shot.

Freddy Garcia (11-7, 3.09) will start on Monday followed by Hughes on Tuesday and Burnett on Wednesday.

There has been speculation about Bartolo Colon (8-9, 3.72) being sent to the bullpen.  Questions about the 38 year-old running out of gas have been swirling about during his past four starts.  The rotund righty is 0-3 in those last four outings after getting a no-decision yesterday, but it looks like Burnett and Hughes are the ones on the hot seat.

Whatever Girardi decides to do, it looks like the six-man scheme has been working.  The Yankees have won seven of their last eight and are tied for first place in the AL East.  The manager said nothing is set in stone...for now.

"I am allowed to change my mind," he explained.  "I may want to go to a five-man, but we'll see."

Here we go again.

Moth Blamed For Phil Hughes' Walk To Red Sox Batter

Joe Girardi must be buggin' out when it comes to figuring out his starting rotation.  After last night's 9-5 loss to the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees manager blamed the game's turning point on a moth which flew into starting pitcher Phil Hughes' eye.

Hughes (4-5) delivered a 3-2 pitch to Josh Reddick-- a ball-- setting up Jason Varitek's double where Reddick scored the tying run.

The Yankees had finally showed some measure of success against Red Sox starter Josh Beckett and were leading 5-4 when the moth ball incident occurred.  Hughes was even up 0-2 against Reddick before walking him.

If you look closely at the video, you can see a lone moth buzzing around Hughes' head before the fatal toss and the pitcher wiping something from his eye as Reddick jogs towards first base.

Yankees fans might recall Joba Chamberlain and the "midge" attack in Cleveland in 2007.  Those little buggers swarmed the sweaty pitcher and were blamed for the Yankees loss to the Indians and early playoff exit.  At least you could see the bugs covering Chamberlain that night.

"From what I heard a moth flew into his [Hughes] eye when he made the 3-2 pitch," said Girardi.  "You can't stop it and can't get a redo."

Call it The Mothman Prophecies  because it may be a prediction of things to come.

Hughes showed signs of improvement last night but his fastball, which started out at a crisp 95 mph, wilted to 91 mph before he was pulled in the sixth.  It still looks like he runs out of steam.

The struggling Hughes may have just pitched his way out of the starting rotation-- and not because of the moth.


"I really didn't want to tell you guys that, but, yeah, a moth flew in," said Hughes.  "That's when I yanked it."

The Yankees might want to invest in some bug spray tonight when A.J. Burnett pitches because there's sure to be a lot of flies-- some of them over the Green Monster, as well as,  that other little pest called Dustin Pedroia.

Yankees Beat A's With Record Three Grand Slams and Posada Playing Second Base

Robinson Cano, Russell Martin and Curtis Granderson each belted a grand slam as the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Oakland A's, 22-9, at Yankee Stadium today.

The three bases-loaded home-runs are a MLB record for most grand slams by a single team in one game.

Phil Hughes started the game and was hit hard early.  He went 2 2/3 innings and gave up six runs.

After a rain delay of almost an hour-and-a-half, the Yankees were looking up a 7-1 A's lead.  After four innings, the home team then scored 20 runs to rally for the victory.

Cano hit the first grand slam off A's starter Rich Harden, in the fifth, to knock the deficit down to one and Russell Martin followed up with his slam in the sixth to put the Yankees in the lead.  Granderson put the game in the record books with his home-run in the eighth.

The wild and lengthy game ended with the appearance of Jorge Posada grabbing a mitt and playing second base in the top of the ninth inning.  It was garbage time, with a big Yankees lead, and there was no chance of blowing the game because A.J. Burnett was no where near the mound.

Posada, the former-catcher, appeared rusty.  In the game's final at bat, he fielded a routine grounder and almost, single-handedly, made it look difficult.  It seemed like he was gunning out a base-stealer at second from behind the plate, after he drilled the ball into the dirt in front of the first baseman.

Nick Swisher, playing first, scooped up the ball and rolled over the base for the out as the hitter jumped over him.

Posada and Swisher had a good laugh afterwards.  Posada, who played second base in the minors, volunteered to take the position in the top of the ninth and the Yankees leading by 12 runs.

"I wanted to give Russell [Martin] a break and grabbed a glove and said put me in," said Posada.  "It's been a while since I've been in the middle of the infield."

Martin had two home-runs and the catcher recorded a career-high six RBI's in the game. 

Too bad Hughes couldn't have reaped the rewards of this historic slugfest.  He had won his last two outings but it took 78 pitches to get eight outs in this game.

Derek Jeter got his 3,056 hit to pass Rickey Henderson as No. 21 on the all-time hits list.  He is now batting .299.

The game lasted four-hours and 31 minutes.

A.J. Burnett Has Words For Girardi: Could They Be His Last As A Yankees Starter?

A.J. Burnett had some choice words for Joe Girardi after the New York Yankees manager pulled the frustrated pitcher out tonight's game against the Minnesota Twins.  Girardi had seen enough after the ineffective Burnett had already given up four runs and left the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning.

As Burnett walked towards the dugout, he turned back, glared at Girardi and let loose with a public diatribe directed at the manager.

Those words could be Burnett's last as a Yankee starter.

Girardi called in Luis Ayala to relieve the useless Burnett with two outs.  Ayala promptly gave up two hits to the Twins batters and padded the Minnesota lead to 7-0.

After a few moments of mulling over Burnett's verbal assault, and the yanked Burnett's bee-line to the clubhouse, Girardi himself made his way into the same Yankees lounge from the team bench.  Girardi returned to the dugout rail a few minutes later and, miraculously,  Burnett reappeared on the dugout bench a couple of minutes later-- pouting.

The snarling Burnett abruptly returned to the clubhouse after watching Ayala deposit the three runs into Burnett's already bloated ERA.

What was said in the locker room between Girardi and his frustrated pitcher to make him come out of the clubhouse is unknown, but it probably had to do less with Burnett's feelings than a spot in the starting rotation.

This isn't the first time Burnett (9-9 before the game) has showed up Girardi-- his biggest, and maybe only, supporter.  There have been other instances of Burnett barking at Girardi or slamming the ball into the manager's hand when he was being pulled from a game-- which has been a common occurrence this season.

Girardi has always defended Burnett from the fans and media who have called for the $82.5 million starter's head during his six-week losing streak.  Before the game the manager said he just wanted "A.J. to compete."

Now, Burnett pays back Girardi with an embarrassing display of self-entitlement.

Tonight, it looked like the maligned Burnett has totally lost his control, his temper and his manager's respect in one game.

I guess Burnett thought Girardi was supposed to let the underachieving starter-- who almost let a 12-run lead dissipate a couple of weeks ago-- continue to get clobbered until he found his groove.

The bad news for Burnett is he pitched badly after a serviceable outing last week.  The worse news is he probably yakked his way out of the rotation.  There is no good news.

Burnett might have just made Girardi's daunting and long-awaited task of trimming his starting rotation down to five men a lot easier, and Burnett has no one to blame but himself.

Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are veterans who have been consistent, if not overpowering, and young guns Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes look like everything the Yankees hoped they would turn out to be.  CC Sabathia is the ace, so that leaves Burnett as the odd-man out.

Odd man is the right term in more than one way.

Ivan Nova Makes Case For Permanent Spot In Rotation; Yankees Win, 9-3

Ivan Nova pitched six strong innings tonight and has made it almost impossible for the Yankees to send the pitcher back down to Triple-A.  Nova's workman-like performance guided the Yankees to a 9-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels and snapped New York's three-game skid.  It was Nova's seventh straight win.

You can add the word "stopper' to the 24 year-old Nova's  resume.  He is 3-0 this season in games after a Yankees loss.  The only problem with Nova's victory, it didn't do anything to clear up the six man logjam in the team's rotation.

Nova was consistent, if not as overpowering as in recent games, through the first six innings.  He gave up a couple of harmless singles and a hanging fifth-inning slider cost him a solo home-run to Peter Bourjos.

In the seventh, Nova started to lose his fastball.  Up until then, it was clocked in the mid-90's and his slider was mostly good.

Vernon Wells' RBI single knocked in a run in the seventh, leading to Nova's exit with the bases loaded and no outs.  He received a warm ovation from the fans in Yankee Stadium as he exited the diamond.

Enter Rafael Soriano into the precarious situation.  The former-closer has been lights out since returning from the DL.  Soriano didn't disappoint.  He got the first batter to hit into a run-scoring double-play and the next batter, Jeff Mathis, popped up to end the threat.  He threw a total of four pitches

Since returning from the DL, Soriano hasn't allowed a single base runner in four appearances.  He pitched a critical inning in last Friday's win against the Red Sox and tonight, quite possibly, saved a trip to the minors for Nova.

"He's back to himself," said manager Joe Girardi when asked about the difference in Soriano at the beginning of the season and his appearance tonight.  "Sometimes, coming here could be an adjustment.  What he did tonight was huge for us."

Nova's final line read:  six innings, three runs, three walks and no strikeouts.  In his last outing, Nova dominated the White Sox and struck out 10.  Still, since returning from the minors on July 30, Nova (11-4) has three quality starts under his belt but Girardi did notice a slight change from Nova's last outing.

"He [Nova] had to work a little harder tonight," said Girardi of his pitcher's adjustments.  "It's a sign of maturity.  He's made great strides as a starter since last year.  He's more consistent and developed another pitch."

Nova agreed.  "My fastball wasn't there, my slider wasn't there," he told the YES Network.  "I battled to the end and got the win."

Luis Ayala came in to pitch the eighth and ninth innings.  He allowed three hits and struck out three.

Offensively, the Yankees didn't make Angels pitcher Garrett Richard's major league debut a red carpet affair.  The newbie walked the first two Yankees batters he faced,  before Curtis Granderson hit the first of his two home-runs on the evening.  Welcome to the big leagues Garrett.  It could be Grandy was trying to atone for his base-running gaff which ended the game last night.   Robinson Cano came up one single short of hitting for the cycle.  He had a double, triple and home-run.

The Yankees victory was the first against a pitcher making his debut in seven years.  Oddly, the team has lost the last six meetings to starters making their debut.

Nova's victory-- with Soriano's assist-- is sure to keep Girardi awake at night thinking about how to slim down his six-man rotation.  Or at least until Saturday, when Phil Hughes goes to the mound.

How can the manager send Nova-- who has the second most wins (11) on the team, behind CC Sabathia (16)-- back to the minors?

 Hughes got rocked by the Red Sox, in a relief role, last Sunday, and hopes to rebound this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The righthander needs a good outing to keep him from returning to the bullpen.

Meanwhile, Sabathia has been grumbling about the over-stocked rotation, and the extra day between his starts, and wants Girardi to "make a decision on who to pitch."

Tonight, Nova didn't make it any easier.

Is A.J. Burnett the Villian of Yankees Six-Man Soap Opera

For all the baseball fans who have been following the soap opera which is the New York Yankees six-man rotation saga-- otherwise known as Search For Tomorrow's Starter-- tonight's episode brings us another cliffhanger.

A.J. Burnett, who is the the Yankees' version of Susan Lucci at the Emmys-- because it seems like he has one win in 23 tries-- faces the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium tonight.  The struggling righthander is winless in his last six starts and the fan's cries for rookie Ivan Nova to take Burnett's spot in the rotation are getting ominous.  Now, they're basically just screaming.  Tonight's game is Burnett's version of One Life to Live.

For all the fans of the soaps and the impending disappearance of the dying format from television, the Yankees can always be counted on some bring drama in to your mundane lives.  Even if you think Peyton Place plays for the Colts or  Lever Brothers are the Jewish siblings who played on the 1950 Brooklyn Dodgers, things are never dull in Dallas--I mean the Bronx.

The spirit of Jock Ewing (played by George Steinbrenner) has been passed down to the unscrupulous J.R. (Brian Cashman) and earnest Bobby (Joe Girardi).  TV Guide says tonight's episode should be a good one:

'Burnett is trying to rebound from an almost disastrous last outing, when he didn't get a win after the Yankees batters fronted him with a 12-run lead against the weak hitting Chicago White Sox.  Burnett proceeded to allow seven run and didn't qualify for the win because he was pulled from the game before five innings.  He was last seen ripping the jersey off his body while hitting the locker room.'

Yesterday, Burnett told the New York Post he vowed to reverse his fortunes on the mound and said, " I have to find a way to have fun."

Wait...did he just say, " I have to find a way to win one?"  What?

Sounds like the erratic No. 2 pitcher, Burnett, is living in Another World  because he hasn't seen a 'W' in 40 days, after starting the season 4-0.  The only thing bigger than Burnett's ever-growing ERA is his $82.5 million contract and, as every one who follows their daytime stories knows, the rich always get away with murder.

Right now, if Joe Girardi had to fill out his rotation in a five-game playoff series, Burnett would be lucky to be throwing out of the bullpen in a game five.

In reality, Girardi would open with CC Sabathia, then Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia and Nova-- with Phil Hughes waiting in the wings.

Tomorrow, 24 year-old Nova gets the start against the Angels and a chance to make a statement.  Call him The Young and the Restless.

The rookie is having a breakout year, since his return from the minors to make room for Hughes in July.  Nova's last outing was an outstanding 7.2 inning, 10-strikeout win.  He gave up one run and no walks and has won six straight.  Nova is 10-4 with a 3.81 ERA this season.

Only on the sound stage that is called Yankee Stadium could a pitcher with Nova's fine stats be fighting for a job in the rotation against a pitcher with Burnett's losing numbers.

Hughes and Nova are like the Luke and Laura of this whole drama-- two young faces the fans really want to see together in the rotation.  Will they, or won't they.  It's been a long and heartbreaking journey.

The 25 year-old Hughes looked like future ace they Yankees protected from trades since his arrival.  Last year's breakout 18-8 season put him in the rotation until-- cue the downward-turn-of-fate music-- an undiagnosed and debilitating "dead arm" injury (it even sounds like a soap opera ailment) put him on the DL after losing his fastball early in the season. He has lowered his ERA to 7.11 from a sky-high 13.94  before going on the DL.

Hughes' comeback had been slow and steady until, finally, a brilliant (six innings, three hits, no runs) outing last week brought his recovery full circle.  Cue triumphant music.  But then, a failed relief appearance and game-winning hit against rivals, the Boston Red Sox, made his future unsettled again.  Cue doom-and-gloom music then cut to commercial.

Hughes thirteen-pitch outing cost him a start this week and, now, Nova is the pitcher who takes his place.

The irony.  Wow, General Hospital couldn't have scripted it any better?

As a sub-plot, there is the resurrection of Bartolo Colon in some sort of Dark Shadows theme. We're talking about Barnabas Collins-like mystical shoulder and elbow treatments in the Dominican Republic and Colon's incredible resurgence.  He even has a goth haircut.

The 38 year-old Colon made a miraculous return to the majors, after missing two years and still,  no one knows the circumstances.  Spooky stuff.

Now Girardi has to solve the mystery of getting six pitchers into five rotation slots or risk upsetting Sabathia's rigid five-day throwing schedule.

Cue announcer Macdonald Carey:  "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the Days of Our Lives."

Stay tuned for The Bold and the Beautiful starring Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly.

Nova Will Get Start Over Hughes When Angels Come To Yankee Stadium

It's official, but not really a shock.  Phil Hughes' 13-pitch relief appearance against the Boston Red Sox, when he gave up the winning run in the tenth inning,  cost the pitcher a start against the Los Angeles Angels this week.  Hughes' spot will be filled by Ivan Nova.

Manager Joe Girardi tweaked the starting rotation for the upcoming three-game home series because of Hughes short stint in Sunday night's game.  Hughes came in, after Mariano Rivera blew his fifth game of the season, and gave up two hits and Boston's walk-off score.

Hughes was set to open the series on Tuesday but struggling A.J. Burnett will be moved up one day.  The ineffective Burnett will try and rebound from a disastrous outing against the Chicago White Sox, when the Yankees batters staked him to a 12-run lead, that he almost couldn't hold on to.  Burnett gave back seven earned runs and was yanked before he could go five innings to qualify for a win.  He will square-off against Dan Haren.

Nova will start Wednesday and is coming off an impressive 10-strikeout, six-hit and  one earned run performance against the same White Sox team.  Nova has won six of his last seven starts.

Bartolo Colon will close out the series on Thursday after a shaky outing (six-hits and two earned runs) against the Red Sox.  He was pulled in the fifth after loading the bases and the bull pen took over.  The Yankees won that game, 3-2.

Girardi's biggest concern had to be giving CC Sabathia an additional day off.  Sabathia, who is notoriously fickle about throwing with extra rest,  will now open the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.  Girardi thinks the rest is good for his ace after being banged up by the Red Sox on Saturday.

The manager said there wasn't anything in particular that presented itself to be a problem with Sabathia, but it seemed like a good time to give him a break.

Hughes, on the other hand, has to be wondering if the thirteen pitches he threw on Sunday are a bad omen.  In his previous start, he gave up three hits and no runs in six sparkling innings and his ERA has dropped to 7.11 from a dismal 13.94 when he came off the DL.

"It's always disappointing if you're no starting," said Hughes.  "I feel like I made some good progress in my last start, so if I have to wait around, it won't be something that's fun to deal with, but again, I don't make these calls or anything like that."

Yankees Still Have Questions About Hughes, Soriano and Posada After Red Sox Series

Things looked pretty good for the Yankees after Brett Gardner slammed a seventh-inning pitch over the centerfield wall in Fenway Park on Friday Night.  The hit gave New York a come-from-behind win over the Boston Red Sox and manager Joe Girardi looked like a genius for his bullpen moves.  The Bombers were riding an eight-game win streak and their best pitcher, CC Sabathia, was scheduled for the next afternoon.

Girardi looked like he had all the answers that night.  He made all the right moves by pulling Bartolo Colon with the bases loaded  and using his bullpen to almost perfection.  The Yankees were in first place for the first time since July 6.  Everything looked sweet for the men in pinstripes.

Two nights later, by the end of Sunday night's typical Yanks/Sox marathon, there were more questions than answers after the Yankees dropped the final two games of the series and got knocked back into second place.

Neither of those losses were pretty and now Girardi is facing big questions regarding the starting rotation, the bullpen and the DH roles.  How fast things change.

If Girardi thinks he had a bad weekend, think about old Jorge Posada.  The veteran catcher could only watch from the bench Sunday after he was replaced by off-season acquisition, Eric Chavez.  The newly-appointed right-handed DH went 0-for-4.  Chavez is deserving and batting .304 so far this season

Posada didn't take the news as badly as he did when he was benched in May.  After the first benching, he actually followed his temper-tantrum by hitting .326 with three home-runs and 12 RBI's over the next 32 games.  Since the beginning of July, Posada has slumped and is hitting .205 with no home-runs and four RBI's in 26 games.  He might not get a second chance this time.

Girardi's benching can't be going over good with the one-time power-hitter, who is slowly being forced off the roster.  Reality struck hard yesterday, after the manager told the 38 year-old Posada his services as DH would no longer be needed.  Girardi hasn't exactly been subtle when sending his message. In both instances, the Core-Four member was demoted to the bench before nationally-televised games against the Yankees bitter rivals, the Red Sox.  That's gotta hurt.

"We're going to see how this works," said Girardi.  "We're going to try some different things.  We'll see how this works, and I told Jorge, 'You're still going to be a big part of this, and we're going to need you.' We're just going to do some different things."

And the check is in the mail.  It sounds reassuring until Posada realizes that Triple-A slugger Jesus Montero is breathing down his neck.

The relationship between Girardi and Posada should be interesting the rest of the season.  And the final chapter doesn't look good for the ex-catcher who first lost his backstop gig in spring training.

The bullpen's performance in last night's game opens up a slew of analytic equations.

Mariano Rivera blew his fifth save of the year--and at a most inopportune time.  Marco Scutaro laced a lead-off double against the Sandman which led to the game-tying run.  Getting to Rivera was instrumental in the Red Sox win.  It was a moral victory as well.  Sox manager Terry Francona put it bluntly," Getting that hit off Mo was big."

A situation which leads to the appearance of Phil Hughes in the 10th inning.  Girardi made it clear his righty would be available from the bullpen all weekend, if that what it took to beat the Red Sox.  After last night's game goes into extra innings, it gave Girardi the excuse he needed to use Hughes. The move ultimately takes Hughes out of this week's rotation, giving Ivan Nova one more chance to prove himself as a starter again this week.

Hughes showed nothing last night.  He followed his best start of the season by giving up a confidence-breaking game winner in the rubber-game for first place.  That 1/3 of an inning cost Hughes a shot at starting on Tuesday and possibly in the future.

Now Girardi has to decide what to with Hughes and Nova...again.

If Hughes allowed two hits and can't get three outs in relief, what does Girardi do now? The starting rotation and bullpen are both overstocked as it is and Hughes can't be feeling too secure.  It appears to be a situation Hughes couldn't win.  If he does well, he heads to the pen but that one out cost him a start.

This leads to the question of Rafael Soriano.  After a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of a season in New York, is the $35 million man finally showing his true talent?  Two perfect relief appearances in important games this weekend say 'I want a more prominent role.'

Since returning from the DL last week, the temperamental Soriano has retired all batters he has faced--including the 2-3-4 batters in the seventh last night.

The question surrounding Soriano is how long before the former closer mopes about his role on the team.  Last year's 45-save pitcher for the Rays has been demoted from that esteemed spot to set-up man and now middle relief.  After his fine performances this weekend, does Girardi move him up the pecking order to replace the All-Star Dave Robertson at times or even--this is blasphemy to Yankees fans--sometimes use him as an occasional closer?  He would have fared better than Hughes in the tenth last night.

Soriano has a history of erratic behavior, beginning with his days in Tampa Bay, when he refused to shag flies or take batting practice on Sundays, leading up to his slipping away from the New York media, because he refused to answer questions about a bad outing in April.

How long until Soriano's well-known frustration boils over into wanting more?  Girardi has to face the fact that Soriano could be a valuable weapon if the pitcher keeps his head.

Here's some extra credit questions for Girardi.  Will CC Sabathia ever beat the Red Sox this season?  The hottest pitcher in the American League--and the Yankees ace-- turns ice-cold against Boston.  The big man is 0-and-4 vs. the Red Sox this season and it's no secret how he dominates the rest of the league, as his 16-2 record will attest. 

Finally, where were all the fireworks between these two sworn enemies?  Fans want Charlie Sheen-Chuck Lorre acrimony, not Alec Baldwin-John Krasinski cuteness.

This Yankees/Red Sox series had it's share of intensity-- especially in games one and three-- but something was missing. There was too much mutual admiration. Sure, the teams were only playing for first place in the beginning of August and it looks pretty much like both teams are headed to the playoffs, but where was the nastiness... the Pedro Martinez knocking down Don Zimmer hatred? 

Oh, he was on the DL and his name is Alex Rodriguez.  This rivalry needs A-Rod like Obama needs McCain or Osi needs the Giants.  Every one's whipping boy is expected off the DL by August 15.  The next meeting between the two teams is August 30 at Fenway Park.

Hope the Yankees have answered a few questions by then.

Phil Hughes Headed to Yankees Bullpen This Weekend

New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said today that Phil Hughes will be used out of the bullpen, if necessary, in this weekend's series against the Boston Red Sox.  Hughes, who is thick in the mix of the Yankees six-man starting rotation drama,  will be available from the bullpen for the next three days as insurance,  the manager told the YES Network.

According to the YES, Hughes is tentatively scheduled to start  Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, but all that could change if he throws this weekend.

Meanwhile, Ivan Nova, who had a spectacular 10-strikeout performance against the Chicago White Sox last night, will be kept with the team and may start Thursday.  The team is 13-5 in Nova's starts.

The six-man soap opera just keeps getting better and better every day.

One thing was made clear by Girardi; the the team's least effective starter, A.J. Burnett, will not be going to the bullpen.

In his last start on Tuesday, Burnett had a chance to pick up his first win since June 29 after the Yankees staked him to a 12 run lead, but the struggling hurler didn't last five innings. He is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.

"We are not going to jump to conclusions due to one good start or one bad start," said Girardi.

Meanwhile, it's hard to figure out why the manager would make Hughes available from the bullpen during a mid-season series, other than that's where the pitcher started his Yankees career.  The Yankees already have seven pitchers in the bullpen and Hughes threw a three-hit, six-inning gem in his last outing.

Girardi doesn't want anyone to start putting too much thought into which pitcher is the odd man out with these moves-- especially Hughes.

"I would love to get distance out of starters and not use him [this weekend]," said Girardi of Hughes.  "But as I said these series get a little crazy at times and you've got to protect yourself."

It's not really the DaVinci Code, if you believe Girardi, it's about beating the Red Sox.

Nova is still hanging around on pins and needles about being called into Girardi's office.


"It's hard, especially in a moment like what if they call you into the office," said Nova.  "I hope they don't call me today or the rest of the month because September is almost here."

If anyone thought last week's pitching performances by Hughes, Burnett and Nova against the White Sox cleared anything up, they were wrong.

Stay tuned for for more of the Yankees six-man drama for at least another week.

Yankees To Go Old School On Red Sox With Colon and Garcia

Everything is just like it was scripted.  The New York Yankees roll into Fenway Park to battle the Boston Red Sox for first place.  Sporting the same records (68-42), both teams are on sizzling hot streaks headed for a collision course to claim supremacy in the AL East.  In the Sox corner: Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and John Lackey.  For the Yankees:  CC Sabathia, Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon...huh?

Many people rolled their eyes when the two aging hurlers were picked up in the offseason for a song and slow dance and now, the two veterans figure mightily into the Yankees playoff hopes.

The 38 year-old Colon, who hadn't even pitched in the majors since 2009 while he was rehabbing his repaired his shoulder and elbow in the Dominican Republic, has been the Yankees real No. 2 starter this season after undergoing some kind of mysterious treatment for the injuries.

Garcia, 34, almost didn't make the team after spring training.

Now, the two elder statesmen are being called the adhesive which kept the shaky Yankees rotation from collapsing this season.  Funny, at the beginning of the season, skeptics talked like Colon and Garcia were ready for the glue factory. They were right.

Colon and Garcia wouldn't have been the first names mentioned, as the pitchers picking up the slack when Phil Hughes went down with dead arm for most of the season and the inconsistent A.J. Burnett went into his annual June/July funk-- but they were.



For a couple of guys picked up as consolation prizes after the Yankees inability to land Mr. America, Cliff Lee,  the old guys are the keys to the Yankees season.

Most experts wondered if the rotund Colon (8-6, 3.30 ERA) and the undervalued Garcia (10-7, 3.22) could make it through a whole season and-- two-thirds through-- they are actually getting better.

Colon opens the three-games series tonight against a 27 year-old toddler, Jon Lester (11-4, 3.17 ERA) and sandwiched around Sabathia is Garcia, who will square off against that "tweener," Josh Beckett.

Lester is a Yankee-killer.  He boasts a 8-1 lifetime record against his division rival but Colon comes into tonight's game with a 2-1 record with a 2.45 ERA over his last three starts.

Garcia has won three in a row but has two losses this season against the Sox.  He faces Beckett on Sunday night.  The last time the Yankees saw Beckett, he was spectacular.  He struck out 10 and allowed two runs in eight innings in an ESPN Sunday night game in April.

Both Yankees hurlers will have their hands full.

Don't let Boston's 8-1 series lead over New York this season fool you.   In 2009, the Sox won the first eight games between the two bitter rivals, then dropped eight of the final nine meetings. 

The Red Sox have their problems right now.  Lackey has been inconsistent.  He lost Monday after giving up five runs and eight hits against the Cleveland Indians.  Now, Boston's last minute trade-deadline deal to snag a reputable starter, Erik Bedard, doesn't look as good as advertised last week.

Last night, Bedard posted a no-decision after allowing three runs and seven hits in five innings during his Red Sox debut.  It threw cold water on a Boston eight-game win streak.

The Yankees come into Fenway sporting a seven game win streak themselves-- with lots of offense to boot.  The Bombers scored 63 runs during that run.

It looks like the Red Sox and Yankees will be seeing a lot more of each other this season.  They play three more series this year and it looks like both are headed to the playoffs.  So count this series as a preliminary round.

As for Colon and Garcia's success so far.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman deserves a lot of credit for taking chances on them.  He heard the snickers and AARP jokes, then watched as Boston loaded up their line-up with the acquisitions of young talent like Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford.  Cashman stayed patient while fans screamed for the big names.

Cashman has been through this before.  He knows when it comes to the Yankees/Red Sox rivalry, it's pitching that matters most.

Maybe that's why the Yankees GM also stayed pat at the trade deadline.  He went against public opinion and refused to give up  prospects for the suspect Ubaldo Jimenez and stuck with Ivan Nova.  Looks like a brilliant move right now.

Cashman knows it's all about the arms-- sometimes they just happen to be a little older.

Could Ivan Nova Knock A.J. Burnett From Yankees Rotation?

If Ivan Nova is super tonight, does the young right-hander deserve a spot in the New York Yankees rotation?  After A.J. Burnett's implosion last night, it might be a credible thought; although Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed Burnett would make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.

When last seen last night, Burnett was headed to the locker room, popping buttons all over the dugout as he ripped off his Yankees jersey.

Burnett's seven-run debacle against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field had to concern Girardi. 

The Yankees pounded out 23 hits--five players had at least  three apiece-- and handed the struggling Burnett a 12-run lead and he still couldn't get a win.  It would have been his first W since June 29.



The Yankees were ahead, 13-1, and Burnett allowed five runs in the fourth-inning.  In the fifth, Girardi made the decision to yank his inefficient starter with two men on the corners.  He gave up seven earned runs in all.

Girardi did the exact thing with Phil Hughes a couple of weeks ago when the Oakland A's started to chip away at a big Yankee lead.

This four-game series against the White Sox was originally an audition for the No. 5 slot in the rotation between Hughes and Nova but now, with Burnett's flame-out, it could now be a rotation casting call.

Hughes passed his screen test with flying colors.  His six-inning, three-hit, no runs, rain-shortened gem probably secured the slot for Hughes handily. 

Tonight is Nova's turn to be seen.  In what was essentially a go-see could possibly turn into something more important-- a spot on the roster.

Nova is making his second appearance after being sent down to Triple-A to make room on the roster for Hughes.  He has won his past five decisions by sporting a 3.26 ERA, with 28 strikeouts and 12 walks in 38 2/3 innings.  Nova has been the beneficiary of a robust Yankees offense.  The team has averaged nine runs during those starts while Nova has given up six home-runs and 34 hits during that span.  Amazingly, the 9-4 pitcher is fighting a demotion back to Triple-A.

Burnett is going in the opposite direction.  His ERA has steadily climbed every month since April and his 4-0 start.  He was 0-4 with a 7.80 ERA in July and is now 8-9 with a 4.56 ERA for the season.

A couple of things keep Burnett in the rotation .  One, his huge contract ($16.5 mil-a year with two more to go) and two, the underlying hope (and capability) that the Sybil-like righty can throw a brilliant game.  Still, Burnett is untradeable and will never see the bullpen for that price.

When Burnett is on, he is great but when he is alternately off, he is horrible.  It's not uncommon for Burnett to strike out a side one inning then, in the next, throw a wild pitch, hit a batter and walk in a run.  I'm not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he's done all three at the same time.  Baseball's first Triple-Bobble.

Girardi has said all the right things regarding his overstocked starting rotation.  He didn't pass judgement on Hughes until Tuesday night and it looks like the manager's support paid off.  He's showing the same respect for Burnett.

"His day will be on Wednesday," said Girardi, putting the kibosh on any talk that Burnett's position is in jeopardy. "His numbers aren't that bad.  We look at the whole year, and A.J.'s been decent for us.  He's starting on Wednesday."

Girardi had that same 'look at the past' outlook with Hughes the past few weeks until Hughes came through.  The Yankees are winning, even with the rotation distraction, and are only one game behind the division leading Boston Red Sox and have an eight game lead in the wild card race.  So Girardi doesn't want to rock the boat.

As for last night's benching, Burnett was already off the mound when Girardi came out to relieve him.  The embarrassed pitcher slapped the ball into his manager's hand and stormed off-- only two outs from a win.  Girardi didn't take it personally but, didn't take chances either.

"I'm frustrated for him," said Girardi.  "Because that's a night that he should be able to go out and get a win."

Burnett meanwhile, knew what was coming.

"I was a little upset, but then again, you got to look at how I'm pitching too," said Burnett.  "I wasn't exactly doing anything out there.  You've got to stop the bleeding somehow."

If Nova picks up his 10th win tonight, he may be the tourniquet the Yankees need.

Yankees-White Sox Game Has Rain Delay Without Rain

Phil Hughes was ready to make his most important start of the season when officials at U.S. Cellular Field delayed the start of the game due to rain--only problem was, it wasn't raining.  The New York Yankees pitcher was warming up to face the Chicago White Sox when the grounds crew started rolling out the tarps and it was announced that the start of the game would be evaluated 45 minutes later because radar showed rain.  The sky was dark but the only moisture was the sweat on the players and fans in the sweltering humidity.

It was unusual, even by baseball standards, to delay a game before even one single raindrop fell or a pitch was thrown.

The game finally started at 7:55 CST, with nary a drop of moisture, and the skies looked a lot more threatening while the tarps were being rolled up, then when they were laid out earlier.  The temperature dropped 9-degrees in that hour of time.



Broadcasters speculated that the delay was a way to keep a storm-break in that hour from affecting the pitchers once they started throwing.  A long break in the action could stiffen their loose arms.  Look what happened to CC Sabathia the other day--twice.

Hughes might even be most grateful for prolonging the start of tonight's game.  The struggling righthander has a lot to lose with a bad outing and a real rain delay, after he threw, could hinder his motion and, more importantly, his comeback. He comes into the game with a 1-3 record and 8.24 ERA and is competing with Ivan Nova for the fifth spot in the starting rotation.

Nova (9-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a fine performance against the Baltimore Orioles (7 innings, 2 earned runs) in his first game back with the Yankees after coming off the DL.  He faces the same White Sox team on Thursday.  It's fair to say the pitcher who fares the worst in this series will be demoted--even though manager Joe Girardi won't say so.

"Let's [Hughes] just pitch well tonight," said Girardi.  "And [I] have a tough decision later."

Tonight Hughes' fastball was hitting 94 mph with good control and the Yankees hitters staked him to a 6-0 lead.  Then the skies opened up.

In the middle of the seventh inning, a second rain delay was called--with real rain this time.  By then, Hughes went six strong innings and gave up three hits and no runs.

Ironically, if the first faux-rain delay wasn't called, the whole game would have been over.

Next time screw the radar and just stick your head out the window.

Phil Hughes Pitching for Final Spot in Yankees Rotation

Now that New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman didn't acquire any new arms before the trade deadline and we can finally put those Andy Pettitte un-retiring rumors to rest, manager Joe Girardi has to figure out what to do with the six starting pitchers he has left.  His dilemma, who is the odd man out after he whittles his rotation down to five--the dead arm of Phil Hughes or the hot hand of Ivan Nova?

"We just talked about tweaking our rotation a little bit.  Do you give guys an extra days rest?" was Girardi's rhetorical question.

Girardi hasn't made any decisions, but it is a sure bet he won't be going with a six-man rotation.  That scenario wouldn't bode well with CC Sabathia or A.J. Burnett-- who both prefer to pitch on normal rest and what the ace CC wants, he's going to get.

On the other hand, Hughes has to pitch a near perfect game against the Chicago White Sox this Tuesday night to keep a slot.  The righthander's sparkling 2010 season can only carry him so far.

Girardi seemed defensive when asked about Hughes' 1-3, 8.14 ERA this season since returning from the DL for an inflammation of his right shoulder.  Hughes fastball has hovered around the 92-93 mph since coming back.

"You're evaluating [Hughes] on his last three or four starts," Girardi said.  "We believe this guy still has a huge upside; he won 18 games last year, and we want to see him continue to progress.  How many guys won 18 games last year?  Not too many.  We have to continue to evaluate him, if we think he's going in the right direction."

There's a lot wrong with that statement.  Maybe Girardi is waiting for Doc Brown to pull up with the "Back to the Future" DeLorean.

First, Girardi can't live in the past and,  has to put a lot of consideration on who stays in the current rotation on a pitcher's last few starts.  Secondly, Nova still has the slight chance of winning 18 games this season, even with time spent on the DL.  Hmm...let's see, 18 W's last year or 18 this season?

Nova pitched well in the night-cap of Saturday's double-header-- his first start since being called up from the Yankees Triple-A club in Scranton. Staked to a comfy 12-run first-inning, Nova held the Baltimore Orioles to six hits and two earned runs over seven innings. He is 9-4 with a 4.01 ERA including going 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA over his last five starts.  Nova knows how the business works.

"That's a decision I don't make," he said.  "Of course, I want to be here."

If Hughes pitches lights-out on Tuesday, Nova could be going back down to the minors.  Girardi indicated it would be "a natural move" to send down but would weigh other options.

Now if Hughes gets rocked, it would leave Girardi no choice but to demote Hughes to work things out.  The only rationale for keeping a struggling Hughes in the rotation is if either Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia gets injured or falter badly and that doesn't look like it's going to happen.

For now, Girardi is standing by Hughes.

"We'll talk about this after Sunday," said Girardi.  "His stuff in his last [start] was closer to where it was last year.  I'm not ready just to throw away what he did last year."

It looks like we should have some answers after the road trip to Chicago.

Yankees Seeing Red Flags In Ubaldo Jimenez Deal?

Colorado Rockies pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez has become a very hot commodity in the AL East these days.  The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox have all considered a trade for the flame-throwing hurler, according to reports.  Only now, the Yankees are wondering why the young (27) and relatively inexpensive ($2.8 million contract this year, $4.2 million in 2012 with an option in 2013 for $5.75 million) ace of the Rockies is being unloaded.

Does the Rockies organization know something about Jimenez that others don't?

Jimenez is regarded as the best starter available before the July 31st deadline.  Other pitchers like Wandy Rodriguez and Brett Myers of the Houston Astros are out there but don't have the numbers or name recognition of Jimenez and the Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez is off-limits to anyone, according to the organization.

The red flags being thrown up by Jimenez begin with his second half slump last season after starting the season 15-1.  He finished the season by going 4-7 down the stretch.

At the 2010 All-Star break, Jimenez was considered one of the best starters in the game until it seemed his fastball seemed to fade quicker than his CY Young hopes.

This season, the rightie is 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 122 innings.  After a slow start, Jimenez is 5-4 since June 18.

Sure the Rockies are asking a lot in return for their pitcher and that has already pretty much scared off the division-leading Red Sox.  The second-place Yankees may follow. Toronto is just hoping for a steal a deal for the future.

New York is balking at the Rockies asking price of three prized minor-leaguers-- Manuel Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero.  Even Ivan Nova's name has been thrown into the mix.  No way that's going to happen.

Why the Yankees are hesitant to give away some prospects for a stud like Jimenez--who could give them the 1-2 punch they desire-- isn't apparent as it looks.  His age and past history don't include any major breakdowns--physically or mentally.  Jimenez's only time on the DL was for a broken fingernail-- not exactly career-ending-- and has never had any shoulder or elbow injuries that the Yankees are aware of.

One of Jimenez's flaws is his wildness and a high-maintenance throwing delivery.  The fact that he is a product of the NL is a negative too.  The Yankees have had previous problems with pitchers who switched leagues. Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano come to mind.

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd has said his team is willing to trade Jimenez only because they underachieving and it's time shake some life into the roster.  The GM also cited the lack of other blue-chip starters on the market and trade-bait like Jimenez will bring the Rockies a high return.

He may be thinking a Bernie Madoff type exchange.

Some experts think Jimenez's problem is emotional, and he is bitter at the Rockies for not signing him to a long term deal like teammates Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.

Another reason the deal should send flags up all over.  Why wouldn't a team sign their ace to a long-term contract in the first place?

"Even if this is his floor, then he is still good enough to pitch in a rotation in the AL East," said an executive that inquired about Jimenez.  "He has value at that level, especially with a good contract.  And if he pitches like he pitched the first half last year, then he's up there with CC [Sabathia, [Jon]Lester and [David] Price among the best pitchers in the division."

Whether or not Jimenez is good enough to be a No. 2 pitcher on the Yankees is debatable.  A.J. Burnett is such a significant drop-off from the No. 1 starter, CC Sabathia, there is definitely an opening for that role. One problem, Jimenez's wildness has a vaguely familiar A.J. ring to it.

The Yankees rotation could be firmed up this afternoon.  Phil Hughes gives it another shot to see if his dead arm issues are over.  Hopefully, the third time is a charm for the struggling righthander and a successful outing would give the Yankees a good inventory of arms while Ivan Nova goes on Saturday.

So far the Yankees haven't been pushing GM Brian Cashman to make a deal before the deadline.  After CC and A.J., the starting rotation is hanging on to the rejuvenated arms of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia-- who knows how long they can hold out--and rehabbing Hughes and Nova.

 If Cashman does push the button for Jimenez, it could come at too high a price. 

Today, the Yankees GM will just watch his real trade deadline Holy Grail, Seattle Mariners Felix Hernandez, face his team at Yankee Stadium.

Did Colon and Garcia's Last Outings Quell Yankees Trade Talks

Last week the New York Yankees seemed desperate to add another reliable starter to their rotation.  All eyes seemed to be focused on Colorado Rockies flame-thrower Ubaldo Jimenez.  Only problem was, the Rockies would literally be asking the Yankees for the farm to make any kind of trade for their 27 year-old righthander.

The Yankees remember all too well last year's lack of starting pitching in the playoffs and have to be wondering if they can pin four-fifth of their October hopes on Phil Hughes--a pitcher on the mend, A.J. Burnett--who has reverted back to his inconsistent self, Ivan Nova-- who just went on the Triple-A DL for a foot injury, and Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia--two aging veterans picked up during the off-season winter-sale.

Funny thing, outside of CC Sabathia, Colon and Garcia, have been the most impressive this season.  Now the question is can the 38 year-old Colon and 35 year-old Garcia hold up?

Both pitchers combined for a total of two earned runs in 13 innings in two games against the Tampa Bay Rays this week.

Garcia out dueled David Price and struck out seven Rays hitters over 6.2 innings last night.  Last week Garcia was battered in Toronto where he allowed five earned runs in five innings after a 12 day layoff.  Manager Joe Girardi said the layoff was responsible.

Colon's masterpiece the night before was spoiled after centerfielder Curtis Granderson lost a fly ball in the roof of Tropicana Field.  The hefty hurler went 6.1 innings and struck out nine batters.

Reports continue to swirl that the Yankees are still interested in Jimenez, but there hasn't been any official comment from management. Girardi seems content on keeping things as they are.

"This is what we have and we've gotten to this point because of them," he said.  "There's no reason that can't continue."

Well, many fans will dispute that sentiment and the Yankees reportedly have scouts buying more Rockies tickets than usual.

The reasons to add a player like Jimenez, who has 50 wins over his last three years and has over 33 starts in each of his three full seasons.  He had 214 strikeouts last season-- third in the NL-- and the durable pitcher who has thrown 845 innings without any real troubles.  Jimenez has only been on the DL once in his career for a broken fingernail.  The Yankees have to like the thought of getting a pitcher without shoulder, elbow or "dead arm" problems.

Jimenez could come cheap in contract but steep in trade.  He is making $2.8 million this year, $4.2 mil next season and an option of $5.75 in 2013.  Compare that to the $33 million the Yankees will be shelling out for A.J. Burnett over the next two years.

In exchange, the Rockies will probably want Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances and Jesus Montero--three of the Yankees top prospects.

Jimenez's bi-polar 2010 season has to be on the Yankees mind after he started 15-1, then sludged through the second half of the season.  He is 6-3 with a 2.61 ERA in his last 10 starts.

The Yankees could wait until the end of the season to get Jimenez and hang on to their prospects, much like they did with Sabathia in 2008, when they held on to Hughes and got the big pitcher they wanted anyway.

The questions now are if Hughes is back to form and  if Colon and Garcia can keep it up for another two-and-a-half months.

They will each get at least another start before the July 31 trade deadline--one more chance to show the Yankees the first half of their seasons weren't a fluke and the team can hang on to their prospects for the future.

Phil Hughes Might Have Only One Chance To Prove Himself

Derek Jeter's quest for 3,000 will, unrealistically, take a backseat to another New York Yankees moment tonight. This evening, all eyes of the Yankee Universe will be focused on Phil Hughes return to the mound when the Yankees meet the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field.  Hughes' performance tonight might determine his chances of rejoining the Yankees starting rotation, permanently.

Hughes is returning from the disabled list and hopes to put his first three nightmarish starts of this season behind him.  What would have sounded like deja-vu in spring training is now a reality-- Hughes is once again fighting for a position on the over-stocked Yankees rotation.

Maybe the Yankees are hoping that the Jeter milestone will obscure their struggling starter's long-awaited return and take the pressure off.

After Hughes earned the starting spot last season in spectacular fashion, his "dead arm" issues early this season have transported him back to an uncertain future--for now.  A poor outing tonight could land him Yankees Limbo.



The righthander has vowed to put his early season struggles to rest and live up to early-career expectations.

"I know it'll be good.  I know my stuff is there," Hughes said yesterday.  "I just have to execute pitches.  I know if I can do that, I'll be fine.  I'm not going out there with any wonder or curiosity or doubt."

Hughes may not have any doubt, but the Yankees will be keeping a close eye on tonight's performance.  His fastball's average speed dipped below 90 mph before his arm gave out in April.  A 0-1 record and 13.94 ERA after three starts still haunt the Yankees hurler.

After three rehab starts, Hughes fastball was once again topped-out at 93 mph and, in his last outing in Trenton, Hughes went threw 88 pitches in six innings and gave up one earned run.

If Hughes doesn't blow up this evening against the Indians, his position on the team could still be in jeopardy, even if the Yankees remain committed to the 25 year-old who won 18 games last season.  The team sent Ivan Nova down to the minors to make room for Hughes.  And Nova's last few outings didn't make it an easy decision.

Nova seemed to have locked up the No. 5 spot after picking up his game over the last six games.  The current starter was 8-4 with a 4.12 ERA before he was put on ice.

Hughes will have to show some better-than-average stuff tonight.

All of the Yankee starters have been pitching well and, with Hughes return, the rotation was six deep.  Nova became the odd-man out but could be jettisoned back if Hughes gets blown out tonight.

Hughes has always benefited from a high-scoring Yankees line-up.  Last year,  during his All-Star season, Hughes had a 4.19 ERA but got 6.75 runs per game support.  This year's offense is even more potent but Hughes sounds like he will be alright carrying his own weight.

"The difference is like night and day," he said.  "The way the ball's coming out of my hand now, I'm  actually getting swings and misses.  I don't know exactly what went wrong, but I know something went wrong, so now it's fixed.  I'm just happy to have my stuff back and be able to compete."

Yankees manager, Joe Girardi, who coddled Hughes last year by limiting his innings, will surely have a hook ready if Hughes falters.

If Hughes struggles, it's just a matter of how quick Girardi pulls the rightie and where he decides to put his pitcher afterwards.  The Yankees are in a playoff race and only a game or two could decide the  outcome, so every win or loss is important.  Nova is a nice backup plan.

Yankees pitching coach, Larry Rothschild, feels three rehab starts were enough for Hughes and the anxious hurler is ready.

"The velocity's better.  The arm speed's better," said Rothschild.  "And I think all of his  pitches, his command should be better."

Hughes endured a battery of inconclusive testing in April and thinks the 82-day lay-off was a blessing in disguise.

"It's not like I'm at the end of my career, I knew I have  a few good years left in me," said Hughes.  "I figured it didn't just go away, that something had to be up.  That's why I went and got it checked out.  And ever since I took that rest and the cortisone, it's been a different story."

 The story tonight was to be Jeter's quest for 3,000 hits and, unless Jeter gets three quick hits tonight, all concerned eyes will be on Hughes pursuit of his fastball and the length of Girardi's hook.

Bartolo Colon Set To Start Saturday Against Mets

Bartolo Colon, who has been on the 15-day DL since June 12, is set to return as the New York Yankees starter against their cross-town rivals the New York Mets on Saturday.  On Thursday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi claimed Colon threw well enough in a bullpen session earlier that morning to be activated for Saturday's inter-league game.

Colon threw the ball and ran through some fielding drills before the Yankees Thursday afternoon game against the Milwaukee Brewers to Girardi's satisfaction.  If everything continues to check out, the hefty righthander will start the second of the three game series at Citi Field.

Colon strained the hamstring on his planting leg against the Cleveland Indians back on June 11 but says he is more than ready to get back to throwing.

 "I felt good," Colon said through a Yankees source.  "I'm ready to come back and help the team.  My bullpen went well.  I'm happy to be back with everyone.  I'm looking forward to Saturday."

Barring a freak accident, Colon will be on the mound for Saturday's 4 p.m. game.

While Girardi was not so confident about Colon's return last night, Yankees GM Brian Cashman painted a brighter picture and said Colon would return if Thursday's bullpen session went according to plan.

"I think there's a good likelihood you'll see him back this weekend," said Cashman.  "That's our mind-set."

To make room in the rotation, the 38 year-old Colon will replace Brian Gordon, who was 0-1 with a 5.13 ERA in two starts.

Colon, who was out of baseball since injuring his elbow and shoulder in 2009, was a surprising 5-3 with a 3.10 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 78 innings before he went to the DL.

If Colon's return is a success, the Yankees will have the luxury of five good arms in the starting rotation and one sitting on the back burner.

The anticipated return of Phil Hughes next week might lure the Yankees into the extravagance of having too many live arms for the team to go around.

Not so says Girardi.  He knows the overabundance of starting pitchers is better than too few.  Girardi looked at the situation like an artist surveying his canvas.

"Do we feel a guy needs an extra day off, do we skip a guy to give him a little rest?," said the manager.  "There are some different things you can do to be creative with a six-man rotation, if you do a six-man."

Too many pitchers, it's a problem any team would like.

The Yankees are 14-4 over the last eighteen games, their starters have a 3.15 ERA and the team has overtaken the Boston Red Sox for first place over that span.

Imagine, the Yankees with a surplus of pitching arms.  Take that Phillies.

Phil Hughes Should Join Bullpen When He Returns To Yankees

 New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes pitched today for the first time in an organized game since April and he didn't disappoint.  The right-hander, who was diagnosed with "dead-arm" two months ago, threw 3 2/3 solid innings against minor leaguers in an intra-squad game at the Yankees minor league complex and struck out six while allowing two hits.

Hughes' fastball topped out at 93 mph and was consistently throwing in the low-90's.  He retired the first eight batters.  Good news for Hughes and the depleted Yankees pitching staff.

The New York Yankees starting rotation has turned into one of the most bizarre collection of pitchers in recent history.  It's a combination of an old work-horse, schizoid fastballer, young hopeful and a couple of old retreaded former All-Stars--one who just went down and will be replaced by Hector Noesi from the bullpen or David Phelps.  Hughes' return will add another question mark in that motley crew.



This rotation may be as reliable as Harold Camping and getting nearly as old.  While the bullpen is shaky and has more injured players than Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark; where does Hughes fit in when he comes back to Yankee Stadium?

Hughes underwent a battery of tests in April and, truthfully,  hasn't been the same since last year's All-Star break.  Hughes' breakout 2010 season was still memorable and he finished 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA.  He slumped a little down the stretch when it looked like he was emerging as one of the best young hurlers in the majors, but never looked good in 2011.  This season he is 0-1 with a fat 10.94 ERA.

Now, with Bartolo Colon on the 15-day DL,  the $35 million Rafael Soriano looking at another 4-5 weeks and Joba Chamberlain out for the season; it opens up the quandary of where to put Hughes when he returns.  Chances are, it will be about the same time as Colon and way before Soriano.

Right now, Dave Robertson has played the part of set-up man with the flair of Houdini, but does manager Joe Girardi continue to bite his nails and Mariano Rivera grind his teeth every time Robertson loads the bases and goes to his great escape routine?  Boone Logan is just a mop-up pitcher right now and Girardi has to be wondering which pitcher who can get an opposing batter's knees knocking in the eighth.  Hughes could be the man.

Hughes is scheduled to leave Tampa and is scheduled to pitch for Class A Staten Island on Sunday.  Physically, the rested Hughes is getting closer to Yankee Stadium but still has a ways to go.

The 24 year-old Hughes knows it's a long process but is thankful surgery wasn't an option so far.

"It [his arm] felt good; a lot better," said Hughes after this morning's game.  "I thought the ball was coming out pretty good and that's all I can ask for at this point.  I'm just trying to build it up and make sure I don't have any set backs."

The Yankees have said this morning's outing was technically not a rehab start and is just another way of getting Hughes' pitch count up.  It will take about three or four rehab starts for Hughes to strengthen his arm and build up his stamina.

If Colon returns from his strained hamstring injury on schedule, the five-man starting rotation should be intact.  That still leaves room for a steady set-up man like Hughes for a few weeks.  A perfect opportunity to limit  Hughes' pitch count until he builds up his arm and Soriano returns--and that's no guarantee.

For the time being,  Hughes seems happy to be throwing in a game situation again.

"Really, until I get to the 100-pitch mark, there's no way of knowing [when I'll rejoin New York]," said the optimistic Hughes.  "I'm hoping it won't be much longer, but it's kind of out of my hands."

Girardi must weigh his options after Hughes does return.  What will be the former-number three starter's role?  It seems logical to slowly work him in from the bullpen and allow him to get back to form.