After two heartening wins to open the series, the Yanks
laid an egg tonight. Ponson was putrid, the offense left runners stranded left and right. Pretty much everything that could've gone wrong did, and Lester was more than up to the task.
The fact that Geise went the final 4 innings and gave the rest of the pen an off day is the only positive to come out of this one.
All told, it was a tame affair. No bean balls. It was decided early. The Sox got more than enough offense out of Ortiz and Ramirez.
A sweep would've been ideal, but winning series is what you have to do from here on out. The Yanks picked up a game on the Sox over the weekend, and stayed even with the Rays.
Make sure you check out
Who Made You Mirabelli? for coverage from the Sox perspective. Earlier today I found myself daydreaming about a sweep and a colossal collapse by the Beantowners, a la the five-game sweep in 2005, but it wasn't meant to be. This division is going to be a fight 'til the end. Now, I find myself wondering if Ponson's return to Earth will make the Yanks a little more eager to pull the trigger on the Washburn trade.
Player of The Game: Geise, by default.
Team Record: 58-46
Damon: One glorious exploding bat in the first inning.
A sweep would've definitely been nice, but I think the Yanks sent a message, loud and clear. Coming out of the break they've won against the A's and Twins, so this was really their first test to show if they really are legit. Walking into Boston, beating Beckett with Joba 1-0, then pounding the Sox 10-3 sent a message. I think we have a lot to look forward to over the last 2 months of the season. And hopefully a lot less of Ponson.
Ponson and Rasner need to go. I hope Hughes gets healthy quick and works his way back into things by the beginning of September. I'd give Kennedy another shot right now.
Yeah, I agree about Kennedy. As long as he has regained his control in AAA, there is no reason to think that he would be a downgrade over Ponson. I still stick with Rasner for the time being, I think he has shown a bit more than Ponson. Ponson kind of just had everything that has been going wrong blow up in his face last night so I'd be more apt to insert Kennedy there. How ironic would it be if Pavano rehabs faster than Hughes, and becomes the key addition to the rotation down the stretch? Jusdging by the way this season has gone, I really wouldn't be surprised.