SMOKED MEAT

The Big Bad White Sox continued to beat up the Yankees at home last night, crushing the Bombers, 11-2. Actually, the Yanks didn't get crushed, they were creamolished. David Wells took it on the chin, while Bartolo Colon shut the Yankees down with ease. Yankee pitching coach, Mel Stottlemyre had some cherce words for Boomer. According to The New York Times:

"He just needs to do more work," Stottlemyre said. "He hasn't been throwing in between starts, and I think he needs that. I think it's showing. The last two games, at the same point in the game, he hasn't made very good pitches."

..."I don't know if he has a bad back," Stottlemyre said. "If he has a bad back and it's bothering him, for the sake of the ball club, he should say it."

..."I would say he's not in as good a shape as he was early in the year, because he's not throwing between starts every time," Stottlemyre said. "The only reason I bring that up is because I feel that's part of the problem."

..."If he was pitching all right, I would never address this situation," Stottlemyre said. "But it's very unusual for him to make that many location mistakes. Boomer has very good control, the best control of anyone on the staff."

Asked if he and Wells were at odds, Stottlemyre said: "We may be now, but we haven't been. I'm normally pretty easy to get along with. Most of my pitchers have differing programs, and I usually go along with that until it doesn't work. And obviously, it's not working.

"I'm going to talk with him about it. If he does it, he does it. He's got the ball in his hand. I can't make him. He's going to do what he's going to do."

Stottlemyre did not seek out the reporters he spoke to last night, but he answered the questions willingly. He only wished he could have talked to Wells first. "Actually, I shouldn't even be talking about this before I address him," Stottlemyre said, standing by a locker close to Wells's stall. "But he isn't here."

Joe Torre took the game in stride:

"I can't be angry at this," Manager Joe Torre said. "These are just bad outings by our pitchers. If I felt they didn't care, that's one thing. But I don't feel that way."

While Jorge Posada tried to blame himself:

"I'm just angry," Posada said. "I'm that kind of person. I just care; 11-2 and 13-2 are not scores you can go home with and think about. It's tough on me. I'm calling the game and I'm making suggestions, and I'm getting hit."

The loss cost the Yanks a game in the standings as Boston rallied to beat Doc Halladay and the Blue Jays, 6-3. The Yankee lead is down to four games (five in the loss column). The Bombers play an afternoon game today and look to Mike Mussina to end the hurt before heading up to Boston for a big, three-game serious this weekend.

I'm up to my ears in boxes here in the Bronx. I'm in the middle of moving, so I fear that blogging will be light over the weekend. Still, I'll try the best I can to take a few moments to make a comment or two.

I was thinking last night about how much I enjoy writing about baseball on a daily basis. I want to thank the people who have been reading Bronx Banter this year. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the feedback and comments you've sent me as the season has rolled along.

On that note, I'd like to ask for some help. Anyone who has any impressions or thoughts about the Yankee-Sox games this weekend, please feel free to send them over. I'm going to have to rely on you guys, because I don't know how much of it I'll be able to catch myself.

Thanks in advance.

Alex