Not that we need statistics to prove how lousy he is, but he has given up runs in three straight appearances spanning three innings, each coming in a tie game or a save situation.
Before that, he actually had 5.2 scoreless innings over six games, but only one of those was without a baserunner allowed. That streak started after giving up two runs in 1/3 of an inning. Overall, two runs in six innings is adequate, but the eight baserunners, not so much.
He hasn't pitched more than one inning since June 2, 2006. He hasn't had back-to-back perfect appearances since Aug. 21 and 25, 2006. Despite the lack of innings, he's given up multiple runs five times this year while recording two strikeouts but three times.
He's becoming untradeable, which is almost worse than being unreliable.
Edwar Ramirez, meanwhile, languishes, unused, in the bullpen. Thanks, Joe Torre, and your veterans-over-all methods.
Speaking of veterans, Bobby Abreu's pulled an 0-for-8 after a 14-for-29 stretch. The surprising thing is the Yankees have won twice now without his contributions, bucking this season's trend.
Labels: Yankees
What do you do with Farnsworth?
If you move him out of the eighth inning, he doesn't have the make-up to pitch multiple innings or come in in the middle of an inning and get out of a jam. Therefore, I think you trade him. In this years trade market Farnsworth could be an option for a team that loses out in the Gagne/Lidge sweepstakes. I think he could help many of the National League teams such as the Phillies or the Brewers. I don't agree with the argument that he is untradeable since teams are always desperate for bullpen arms at the deadline.
Then the question becomes who takes his place? At this point of the season you have to go with the hot arm and that's clearly Vizcaino, a reliever I think fits Torre's "pitch the one guy I trust until his arm falls off" mentality.
Anyway, last night was a great win in the type of game they were losing earlier in the year. Cano, who's biggest problem with the Yankees has been situational hitting, needed that hit for his confidence more than anything.
To expand on your Abreu point, Damon and Jeter (0-for-5?!) along with Abreu combined to go 0-13 in front of A-Rod. How many times this year have they won a game with numbers like that, let alone against one of the best pitchers in the league.
I wouldn't be suprised if Damon got a blow tonight and Matsui DH'd with Thompson playing left. Damon looks so lost and, for being at the game, got loundly booed for the first time I can remember.
One final thing that shouldn't get lost in the game, is the two fantastic plays A-Rod made, going once to his left and once to his right.
One more thing. Yankees.com asks "Who was the Yankees' first-half MVP?" These are the poll results as of 2:22 p.m.
Wang 48%
A-Rod 44%
Jeter 4%
Posada 3%
Pettitte 1%
?????