Afternoon Baseball

It's been seen throughout today's game, but especially in these later innings as the Yankees have been trading the lead with the Devil Rays.
Hideki Matsui tagging from first on Robinson Cano's warning-track drive. Then, being aggressive and again exposing Carl Crawford's arm on Andy Phillips' single, which he turned into two bases on more aggressive (and a bit lucky) running.

A sign of improvement was seen on a bunt attempt leading off the ninth. A-Rod let the ball go, let it go foul. Several weeks ago, he picked up such an attempt prematurely and it cost the team (and I can't remember the circumstances, sadly). Granted, Mariano Rivera then gave up a single, but it was still a good sign of A-Rod's senses at third base.

Andy Phillips has certainly improved, too, and he may be this year what Bernie Williams was to the team last year: a guy who didn't belong on the roster, but because of injuries and poor planning, was the only option left. The mantra of experienced veteran is often overplayed, but in those cases may have actually been important. Phillips and Bernie both knew they had some talent left, but also knew they were on their last chances, and they'd better focus and produce.
While it should have never gotten to this point, and he shouldn't be in next year's plans, if Andy Phillips can deliver some solid fielding and hitting, it says a lot about his on-field character. And maybe some other suitor will notice.

Unfortunately, Mike Mussina was more lucky than good today, Ron Villone dispelled any sense of optimism built up yesterday, and Kyle Farnsworth was Mr. Consistent in giving up baserunners and runs. And even Mo Rivera is struggling at the moment in the ninth, though he just got a double play and then closed it out.

The other weird thing about this series: I always forget how pro-Yankees this crowd is. What a depressing place to play home games in (besides the general lousy conditions of this cookie-cutter dome).

Labels: Yankees