On a day when the Yankees tattoo A.L. ace Dan Haren (he's won 10 decisions in a row and hadn't given up more than three earned runs in a game before today), Andy Pettitte decides to show every one of his 35 years. A weekend that began with promise, however shaky, ends dismally.
The Yankees have to make a decision on what direction this season is going. They have two options: hope or pack it in.
If there's hope:
More moves like bringing up Edwar Ramirez should be made. Trade for Mark Teixeira and even Eric Gagne. Don't sign Shea Hillenbrand, even though he's got his defenders. Here's some other suggestions, of which I agree except for strikeout machine Adam Dunn. Even as a DH. When he goes, it'll be like having old Steve Balboni. Unless the contract length is right, and even then I'm skeptical. Yes, I know about the 300+ walks and 126 HR from 2004-06. Still, I don't feel good about him.
For damn sure, hope this guy's wrong and 2008 and possibly 2009 aren't already lost causes. And above all, hope that these guys just need some spark or something and that they aren't actually playing at their actual level of (un)talent.
If there's no hope:
Fire Joe Torre. Today. Let the team rally this week (or not) and use the All-Star break to ponder what they really want out of this game, this season.
Hire Joe Girardi to a three-year deal, to establish his permanency, or get Larry Bowa to finish out the year. This team needs a kick of the ass regardless of how well they play moving forward.
Trade Bobby Abreu, Kyle Farnsworth and, if anyone will take them, Mike Myers and Luis Vizcaino.
Be prepared to trade Melky Cabrera if he can't maintain at least a .260/.340/.410. I don't care how young he is. This year will show where's he tracking, and if it's bad, he's young enough to bring something of value. And if he can't stop turning the routine into a blooper reel afield and on the basepaths.
As fans, use this to find reasons to watch the team.
Labels: Yankees
First of all, Happy Birthday!
I'd go for a combination of hope/no hope. A trade for Teixeira is a no brainer since that move will help the present as well as the future. But Gagne will probably go to some sucker willing to pay a lot (Cleveland, Detroit). I thought they should sign Hillenbrand as a one year fix at the beginning of the season, but now that move isn't necessary. I wouldn't trade Cairo and Myers for Dunn, he'd be a disaster in New York. Speaking of Myers, he should be traded and pitchers like the recently recalled Ramirez and/or Britton should be given a chance and by that I mean actually pitch in a somewhat close game. Vizcaino could be shoped is necessary and I'd test the waters for Farnsworth and Abreu, trading them at the right price since Abreu would bring a first round pick if he leaves via FA. Because of his age, I'd hang onto Melky unless I'm blown away. Plus, now that he's playing everyday, he had great numbers in June (.300/.369/.444).
I'm not going to make any excuses for him because he's done a flat out terrible job, but firing Torre now doesn't do anything other than make an even bigger mess. Mattingly would be in over his head with this disaster and Pena or Bowa would likely just add to the madness. Girardi is the answer but why would he take this job now? I think he'd wait for the offseason instead of trying to fix a large market train wreck.
I think Torre wire tapped my phone because as we spoke about yesterday, Jeter is hitting third tonight in front of A-Rod. Cabrera hits second behind Damon which on second thought makes more sense than the opposite that I recommended.