OK, I'm back. What did I miss?

Once again, the Yankees fail to hit a pitcher they've never seen before. It seems like a problem that has persisted even when the lineup has changed. It leads me to believe there is a scouting problem. Thoughts?

That Hunter double couldn't have been any cheaper. I'd even say an outfielder with a little speed would have caught it. Posada's the one putting down the signs. Maybe I wasn't looking closely enough, but I didn't see Farnsworth shake him off. Here's the thing with Farnsworth: he can't win with people. When he threw Frank Thomas fastballs, people said he should have used his slider; when he throws his slider, people say he needs to get beat with his best pitch, his fastball. What I don't understand is why he only seems to be throwing his four-seam fastball (the one that comes in at 98, 99). Farnsworth gave up two hits and a walk, and he got some unlucky breaks. Torre should pat his ass the way he pats Sturtze's, instead of openly doubting him, by bringing in a lefty before he enters the game -- as if a former closer can't get out a lefty hitter.

People hated Farns before he got here. Maybe it was the pitch sequence, maybe it was Posada's fault, maybe his head is screwed on backwards because of how Torre's treated him. Who knows. But sometimes -- even with a public enemy number one like Kyle -- people have to realize that you make a good pitch and balls fall in front of your rightfielder and skip by on the artificial turf. It's not always a sign that you "can't get it done."

The key to the game for me is whether we get a quality start out of Jaret Wright. Over at Catfish Stew, Ken Arneson has just written about the stat, and I have at least alluded to it in my own writing at Canyon of Heroes.

The Yankees are 3-3 in quality starts this year, all by Johnson and Mussina. They are 2-2 in non-quality starts. If we can turn around the offense a bit and actually win those quality games by Johnson and Mussina, we'll be able to get our record straightened out. If we can't rely on anyone else, better teams will pass us by and it could be a long season.

In my own piece at COH, I talk about the fact that the Red Sox, at 7-3, have 5 wins in games where their starter gave up only 1 run. Schilling and Beckett have each done it twice and Wakefield did it once. We need a few more stellar games like that.

I hate these wasted opportunities when our starters pitch well. Who knows how many nights like this we'll get from Moose? Although, he has been very encouraging so far.

Lemme guess, the offense sucks against one night, then goes and demolishes their ace the next (see Oakland, Anaheim).

And I really hate seeing the Sox and the unfortunately healthy Schilling win close games.

should read "the offense sucks against a back-end starter one night,"

what is it with you calling guys "meat"? :-)

really nice observations on farnsworth. i'm not familiar with him myself, but i enjoy your insights. will have to pay more attention to him when the sox / yanks face off this season.

I'm thinking Octavio Dotel has surpassed Farnsworth on the mental depth chart of Torre and Cashman. Dotel will slip exactly into the slot that Tom Gordon filled for Rivera when he is ready. That would explain some of the bizarre bullpen patterns early this season - Torre doesn't want anyone getting comfortable in Dotel's role.

Great. Since Dotel isn't coming back until June, what are we supposed to do? Write off the first third of the season? Great strategy. Another stroke of genius.

Sturtze came in and nearly melted down yet again. Yet Torre insists on bringing him in in critical situations. Why?

I haven't seen Farnsworth enough to really get a decent read on the guy. When the Yanks signed him, all I read about was how he has this electric stuff but that he sometimes fell in love with his slider. From my POV, that fastball looks pretty damn straight, a la Scott Proctor. Is it possible that he's overrated?

And leave Cashman out of it, will ya? This is all on Torre. What? Cashman signs Farnsworth to a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal so he can be turned by Torre into the second coming of Ken Holtzman? Gimme a break. As our President says, this is just revisionist thinking.

JohnnyC's powers of persuasion have finally worked on me. I just don't understand Torre's use of Farnsworth, Sturtze, Cairo, and Phillips this year. It's baffling.

10 JohnnyC - Take it as a positive. Dotel looks to be healthy and throwing better than anyone could have expected. How much difference does it make what 'roles' Farnsworth, Sturtze, Villone all play for one month? My guess is Villone ends up being Torre's favorite because he has a clue (but no stuff). Innings are innings.

I know these games count as much as September but if the Yanks can stay with a few games of first until June with a mix-and-match setup crew then they will be lights out the rest of the way - assuming Dotel is solid.

joejoe, you're assuming Dotel will be healthy and effective (not a given) and you're already writing Farnsworth off. How about we wait until he's actually used properly? Let's see him just once come into the eighth inning with a 1-to-3-run lead and hold it. I'd love to see that just once. Not coming in with men on, not coming in to face one right-handed batter, not having a lefty retire a lefty ahead of him. Let's see Farnsworth do the job he was paid for and then decide if he's a bust or not. The guy gave up a couple of cheap hits last night. Why he came to New York and this madness is beyond me.

13You know, I think you're right on the money. Even though Farns has looked a bit spotty, we should really withold judgement until Torre uses him in the way that he was supposed to be used.

13 I'm not writing Farnsworth off - I'm trying to figure out the hows and whys of his usage to this point. Based on this season's bullpen usage and past patterns I'm speculating that the setup seat is being held open for Dotel. It's Joe Torre that seems not to know what to do with Farnsworth.

If I was managing the Yanks I would roll out Farnsworth in the 8th of every game where NY was tied or a save situation and live with the results. I'd also call the pitchs from the dugout because while he has electric stuff, he's shown he has no clue how to use it.

Great call on the Castro short pop in the seventh, Alex.

The classic bit is Jorge gave G a look that could kill like "Come on man! You couldn't get to that!?".

Right then I knew that was the Yanks last chance - seems silly but I just knew. Most every other 1B makes that play. That Jorge was even close said it all and esp. why we lose these close games - exactly those kind of plays kill us over the long run.

Great work on Farnsworth, Alex. As last night's comments attest, I instantly thought of you when I saw Farnsworth's pitch selection last night.

My bad then, joejoe. I misunderstood you. But we agree then: Torre should allow Farnsworth to settle into a role. If he really is holding the setup role for Dotel, then 1) Cashman wasted a bunch of George's money paying Farns, and 2) I'm right when I speculate that Torre never liked or trusted Farns, even before he saw him pitch.

Signed Pena today to a ML contract, he's going to report to Tampa. He has an out if he's not called up in a couple of weeks. The report in Newsday says that we want him as a defensive replacement which is good because Rob 16 makes a good point.

He may bump Phillips which is bad. He's a power guy who is 5 for 30 at the Stadium with 1 double and 4 singles. He's a former Baseball America poster child who has achieved 400 some strikeouts in 1600 some MLB ab's. I recall BBA going to some great lengths to criticize Nick Johnson in comparison to Pena. Guess they blew it on that one. He is what he is I guess.

Glad Smith made it to the Bronx, well Min./St. P. anyway. It'd be nice if we could figure a way to keep him with the big club. He can be very valuable and can be more than just a LOOGY I think. It's going to take a little while for them to figure out what roles they fill in the pen. It would be nice if they had some interchangeable parts they could mix and match with especially if some of them have big arms.

Just saw in yesterday's LoHud that Andy will start today at 1B. Here's hoping he throws a nice 2-for-4 on the board with a BB and a R. This could be his only chance this year (gag - choke - bile vomit).

19 You know though wsport - not a damn thing can be done about it either. In that situation over that game you've got to have G in there for his bat. And he's not a DH - he's a 1B plain and simple.

I can't get worked up about last night. It was what the team is - until they prove otherwise. Unless I start thinking about the GM...[IRS pencil into eye]

20 Yeah saw that too. I've got my fingers crossed for him but the guy he's facing is no picnic. Santana has been stinking it up so far this year so I guess he'll have his ears back and be ready to go tonight. He could be a big problem.

And I'm sure Joe will base Phillips' current and future woth based on 3-4 ABs tonight against a determined Santana.

Guh.

For the record, signing Carlos Pena makes little to no sense. He can no longer hit, his glove is suspect, and, apparently, his personality's no walk in the park either. What we need right now is a Kevin and a Clemens.

24 Right on. How much of an upgrade is he over Phillips? Note that with pena, we'd have two lefty hitting 1B (I'm right, right?).

25, PECOTA projects Pena at an EQA of .293, Phillips at an EQA of .262. Also, take the Torre factor into account; if Torre won't use Phillips, Pena would instead be replacing Cairo's .228 projected EQA.

Wow, thanks Maniakes. But is Pena really ahead of Cairo on the Torre 1B Depth Chart? Or is he just an LIDR?

Peter Abraham has confirmed that in addition to Pena the Yankees signed pitcher Jesus Colome. They'll eventually get sent to AAA. I don't get the Pena signing, but the Colome deal seems like a smart enough move. It's low risk, costs the Yanks nothing, and he can actually be an effective reliever. The only problem is that he recently left a game with an arm injury and was cut the next day. He throws 100 miles an hour, so it wouldn't be shocking if his arm was damaged.

Looks like Giambi rests tonight. Cairo is playing 1B. Andy Phillips is...DHing?

Pardon me, did I hear that right?

You guys have MIGUEL Cairo playing first base?

Played for the Mets last year. That guy? At first base for the Yankees?

Wouldn't the entire city of Cairo, Egypt dropped onto 1B have a better range and chance of getting on base on offense? I watched him for our guys ALL last year.

Miguel Cairo?

Here we go! Lets get this started strong! I have a good feeling about this game.

31 Hope you're on the money tonight, Storm! Even through Santana is tough, I think we're going to get to him...

We have to make him work.

Exactly, just about to say: "patience". Make him throw pitches...

Just like that! Good job, Cap!

Damon! Watch Jete and Learn! Leadoff hitters don't do down 1,2,3 you putz.

I'm shaking my head on this Cairo deal-- Phillips seems like a pretty good fielder to my eyes.

Oh Sheff! WTF?

Jeremy,

Joe goes with what he knows, and he knows Cairo. I am not particularly averse to Cairo, he performs in pinstripes, just not blue ones in Queens.

That was weak. The pitch before that looked like a strike, too, and he steps out and pouts. He needs to get focused!

Althogh I still say starting Wright is a mistake. 4 days rest is plenty for Wang. Do today's pitchers get gold plated baby bottles?

How can he focus not knowing if he will have a deal next year? Goodness. He has to feed his family.

Bklyn,

He is focused, focused on a contract extensoin and ensuring he gets his "due" in the press, anathema to Yankee tradition. I love the guy's production, but isn't the money enough, you need attention too?

Jeremy,

Right on! How can they live with only 3 in-house Chef's and 30 cars?

I hope Phillips goes 4-4 with a couple homers.

42 LOL! Chris Rock bit: "I take care of my kids" 43 You never know which Sheff you're gonna get on any given day. You can put up with that if he's hammerin' the ball.

Wow. Wright just channeled Ankiel!

There is the Jatet Wright as a starter that I know. Put him in the pen Joe, where he belongs. Clearly his emotional state is not suited to starting. How many years have to go by before some manager gets that?

Allright, Miggy! Damn, Joe is a genius...

Bklyn,

If Wright gets to the 5th, I'll be plenty happy.

Excuse me, he has to put food on his family, to quote the former owner of the Rangers.

I don't see that happening, Storm. Either way, we need to start pounding Santana.

Sheff is an enigma, a great HOF caliber hitter who just cannot keep his mouth shut. Remember who his relaitives are!

Ok, Phillips get a start at DH, but seriously what is Cairo doing starting? If you want to "rest" Giambi, surely you can play Andy at 1B and DH Giambi. Even with his DH dropoff Giambi has to be a better offensive player than Cairo, no?

I don't understand why Cairo is in the game except as a late inning defensive replacement and the occasional spot start for Cano/Jeter when they are tired.

If Wright manages to avoid being hit by a ball, bat, or crashing UFO, I'll be happy.

Now here we go. At least Arod may put some pressure on Santana on the base-paths, no thanks to Joe I'm sure. I'm sure Joe would be perfectly happy if he just stands there and waits for something to happen.

50 Though you were referring to Sprewell, who turned down a $14.7 million per year offer from the Timberwolves, saying, "Hey, I got a family to feed"...

I happen to like Cairo, so I cannot bash him.

Steal the bag Alex! Do it! We're not facing Bartolo Colon damn it! Move your freakin feet.

They're both pretty good comments that deserve equal shine I think.

God, he hasn't even drawn a throw. Come the hell on. Why not grad a barcolounger and bring it to the mound? Make his as comfortable as you can. Maybe bring him a fruit basket?

Just stopping by, can't stay, but just wanted to say that Phillips is a vastly superior defensive corner infielder to Cairo. Oh, snap, here's his first AB of the night . . .

Come on Andy! Dom it for yo Momma!

WHAT AN AT BAT BY PHILLIPS!!!!!!

Andy was flat out over-matched there. At least he got the cobwebs off his bat...

Andy swings through a 93 MPH and then 95 MPH fastball up to K on four pitches. Sigh. Getting his first start vs. Santana . . . as DH. Redheaded stepchildren have it better than Andy Phillips does under Torre.

Matt,

He needs to get some starts on a regular basis so we can put this grass is greener garbage to bed re: Phillips.

Stormer, it's kinda funny how you think Torre doesn't hit & run, bunt, or steal bases enough while most of us stat guys probably feel he does those things way too much.

57, I like him too, but it just makes no sense to start him at 1B when Phillips is available.

BTW, I feel compelled to point out that however bad people may think the YES announcers are (I happen to like them myself), they are infinitely better than the Minn. ones. Last night they were actually rooting for the Twins, loudly last night. It was like watching a game with your annoying drunk friend yelling in your ear.

nycfan,

Not that he doesn't do it, he ust never does it when he actually should. Like on a day when you will have few base runners and you're facing a stud pitcher. He'll wait till we're at Tampa.

65 If people are going to tear Bernie apart for every at bat he has, I feel its only fair to do it for Phillips too. Besides, he looked so unimpressive in his at bats last year that I don't exactly have a long leash for him this year. I think he may just be an AAAA player.

Are Giambi's numbers that terrible against Santana? Or does he think Cairo can become the Enrique Wilson to Santan's Pedro?

Matt,

I'll take Bernie any day, night, afternoon, or twilight over Phillips. No doubt. To think Phillips is a better option is simply misguided.

Wow! What's that? A runner drawing throws and pressuring the pitcher. Does Joe see that or is he taking a leak?

If Wright had a move to first, he would have gotten Hunter twice already...

Wright in the pen I said! 4 days was good enough for 100 years, it's plenty now. Puss puss puss pussy.