At the Break: Sox and Yanks Look to Trade Deadline.

Well, I'm glad that's over.

 

Sometimes I feel the All-Star game has turned into the Oscars.  I like seeing who plays, and who wins, but does it have to take so long?  The Oscars, of course, is plagued by the endless speeches, and the All-Star game by a two hour introduction and more commercials than a foot ball game.  Can't they just play?  MLB, here's a hint:  We don't need introductions and background on these players.  If you don't know who these guys at the All Star game, you're not going to learn that night. At any rate, a natural time to reflect on the season, so here we go.

 

A Long Strange Trip To First

Beckett has been Outstanding

The Sox are where most thought they would be. In first, by a game. But after the start they've made, it's definitely a wonder. If they can keep their pitching injuries from affecting too many games, the way they are pounding the ball, they should finish out in front comfortably. Some notes:

 

A) I'm sure some laughed at my calling Adrian Gonzales the Triple Crown Threat (TCT). Not only might is he a TCT, but he's most assuredly on his way to an MVP. There are many who are surprised at how good he is, but they are obviously not reading this blog! The scary part is, I'm not even sure this is his "best". Look for the Walks issued to AG to skyrocket, and Youkilis to clean up. They'll have to work around him.

 

B) Matsuzaka is a shame. Just when it looked like he might put together a solid season, he wrecks the elbow. I was looking forward to him competing, and salvaging his contract. Guess not.

 

C) Goodbye Cameron. Cameron's transition to platoon player just didn't happen. Shockingly, he was even more ineffective than Drew, and with Lowrie and Reddick playing well, someone had to go. It's a surprise that he just couldn't get hot, but it can take some guys a while to figure out a big change in role (right, Posada?).

 

D) The depth on the Sox pitching has been good - but it won't hold up if Lester, Buckholz, and Beckett can't keep doing DL stints.

 

E) Will they or won't they trade? I don't really see anything on the trade market that's going to improve the team. They have just as much a chance as Drew playing better, Crawford playing well, and Reddick or Lowrie contributing. Bullpen is the same way - Wheeler and Jenks are due for some major contributions. I see the Sox standing pat.

 

How Good are the Yankees

I think if you were looking at the standings, you'd have to say the Yankees are damn good. But I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out how they are compiling these wins. Hughes looks in trouble. Nova is barely better. Can both Colon and Garcia continue to pitch like All-Stars? Somehow I doubt it. How, exactly, are the Yankees going to continue to play at this level with so much whistling past the graveyard? They are definitely doing a high wire act. Some notes:

 

A) Jeter hits 3000. Celebrate Jeter. You earned it. And 3000 is a homerun? How on earth did Price through you a cookie you could hit out? Let's face it, you can still rise to the occasion. Not sure you should be hitting first, but I look forward to seeing you in the 9 hole soon.

 

B) Here's to you, Mr. Robinson. Without a doubt, the emergence of David Robinson has helped the Yankees shorten and win games. With teams pressing to get on top by the seventh inning, he could be the most important part of their bullpen.

 

C) A-Rod status: A-Rod's out. The beginning of a poor season, or a chance to rest and be strong down the stretch? We'll have to see. Either way, Ramiro Pena may be tying up the number 9 spot while the Yankees try to fill a very big hole. Most people think that losing one hitter isn't a big deal, but if that's the guy that turns your line up into one that can't be pitched around, it is. Last year, when the Sox lost Youkilis and Pedroia, they were a different team. Too many holes, despite some strong hitters. That's what the Yankee lineup looks to me without A-Rod - a lot of holes, and they can be beat by teams that throw strikes, like Tampa and the Sox.

 

D) The Yanks have scored a lot of runs, but believe it or not, it's their pitching that stands out. They are 6th in the league in runs allowed, and third in the AL. When you think about the band box that they play in, that's pretty unbelievable. I'm just not sure they can keep it up.

 

E) Can Cashman pull a rabbit out of the hat? The NY papers seem to feel that Colon and Garcia can pitch like this all season, but I doubt Cashman does. Does he have the chips to do a deal? Is someone available? Can he put someone in whose likely to be better before someone blows up? Does he decide to ride it out? If you love the Hot Stove, the Yanks moves will be far more interesting.

 

Should be a good second half.

 

 

 

Do Good Things Today!

Matt Heisler