09/05: NYY 12, KC 5: 8th Inning Tsunami Floods Kansas City
Posted by: Jason
During last night's series opener in Kansas City, many Yankees fans were likely muttering a familiar question:
Why do journeymen pitchers seem to perform well above expectations against the Yankees?
A relevant question, as for 7 innings Luke Hudson rose to the level of his competition and held the New Yorkers to a lone run. The Yankees stranded at least 9 baserunners as Hudson's fastball found late movement and his curve was sharp.
As he sips a cup of coffee this morning and prepares himself for the day, Royals' manager Buddy Bell might be reconsidering his decision to pull Hudson in the top of the 8th last night. The Yankees laid waste to the Royals' bullpen as home runs by Posada and Cano combined with RBI hits by Damon, Abreu and Posada (again) totaled 10 runs, stunned the Royals faithful and effectively ended the game.
Chien-Ming Wang was cruising until the bottom 6th, when "Moneyball" darling Mark Teahen and Emil Brown both hit RBI singles. In the bottom 7th, Ron Villone might have exhibited some wear-and-tear from his many previous appearances as he surrendered a walk and an RBI double. T.J. Beam relieved Villone and gave up the 5th Royals run on another double.
Thankfully, the top of the 8th rendered the Yankees' bullpen problems irrelevant. These problems should not go unaddressed, however: perhaps Villone needs an extended break similar to Rivera's.
Tonight Mike Mussina's performance will be under the microscope as he retakes the hill after his stint on the 15 day disabled list - against Jorge De La Rosa, another Kansas City journeyman pitcher...
P.S.: The Yankees' magic number stands at 17 after last night's game.
Why do journeymen pitchers seem to perform well above expectations against the Yankees?
A relevant question, as for 7 innings Luke Hudson rose to the level of his competition and held the New Yorkers to a lone run. The Yankees stranded at least 9 baserunners as Hudson's fastball found late movement and his curve was sharp.
As he sips a cup of coffee this morning and prepares himself for the day, Royals' manager Buddy Bell might be reconsidering his decision to pull Hudson in the top of the 8th last night. The Yankees laid waste to the Royals' bullpen as home runs by Posada and Cano combined with RBI hits by Damon, Abreu and Posada (again) totaled 10 runs, stunned the Royals faithful and effectively ended the game.
Chien-Ming Wang was cruising until the bottom 6th, when "Moneyball" darling Mark Teahen and Emil Brown both hit RBI singles. In the bottom 7th, Ron Villone might have exhibited some wear-and-tear from his many previous appearances as he surrendered a walk and an RBI double. T.J. Beam relieved Villone and gave up the 5th Royals run on another double.
Thankfully, the top of the 8th rendered the Yankees' bullpen problems irrelevant. These problems should not go unaddressed, however: perhaps Villone needs an extended break similar to Rivera's.
Tonight Mike Mussina's performance will be under the microscope as he retakes the hill after his stint on the 15 day disabled list - against Jorge De La Rosa, another Kansas City journeyman pitcher...
P.S.: The Yankees' magic number stands at 17 after last night's game.
