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Sports Commentary
The New York Yankees injury woes continue after C.C. Sabathia and Andy Pettitte were added to the 15 day and 60 day disabled list, respectively. Brian Cashman's office probably became a war zone with papers and phones flying across the room. The bullpen blew up against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. 3 starters and 1 closer are out right now, but this is not a case of trading for a starting pitcher or a GM move to be the solution. Forget Cashman and the front office making moves, the Yankees just need to continue playing the game.
Injuries happen, it is a part of the game. When someone goes down, you fill in that role. It may work out, it may not work out. Look at the Yankees crosstown rivals right now, a team that has been plagued with injuries in recent years. The Mets have no all-stars with the exception of David Wright in the lineup. They don't have All-Star, hefty contract pitchers with the exception of Johan Santana. But they're doing alright. For a team with not a lot of money and not a lot of star power, they have been the team to watch arguably in New York. Everyone thought they would be in the cellar of the NL East right now during the off season. They work with what they have and don't panic when something happens.
That is what the Yankees must do.
There should be no need for panic. You are leading the AL East by 5 games with a 46-29 record, which is the second best record in the majors right now behind the Texas Rangers. It is only late June so there is plenty of time left in the regular season. Sabathia and Pettite will return. Granted, it is not an ideal situation, but they'll be alright. The Yankees were built to be okay when a player went down due to injury. That is the type of team they are. If there is any panic, it doesn't show much faith in what has gotten the Yankees to first place in the AL East and it is not their pitching.
The Yankees offense is a force to be reckoned with. You go down the lineup and each player is just impressive at getting hits, getting on base, and scoring runs. So why so little faith? Sure it's not great Sabathia and Pettite are out, but if people are breaking down Cashman's door to get another pitcher because it is necessary for the team's success, there isn't a lot of faith then in what has actually produced the results the Yankees are having. Joe Girardi said it himself. The Yankees are a home run team. Not a pitching team, a home run team. This Yankees team is great, but their legitimacy as a real threat to a World Series title will be decided in the face of adversity.
With two starters down, everyone needs to step up. This week, the Yankees have improved on capitalizing on scoring opportunities instead of relying on home runs and that is what needs to be done. When you're pitching isn't performing, you get as much run support as you can to give and hope your pitcher responds positively. The Yankees can now boost their offense by fighting for runs during games and that will assist their ascent to the playoffs when Sabathia and Pettite return.
Also, opportunity is created for young talent. Adam Warren makes his debut Friday against the White Sox and who knows, he could be a big surprise. He has posted a 2.03 ERA over 31 innings in five starts, most recently throwing for five scoreless innings in the month of June in Triple-A Scranton.Wilkes-Barre. Many forget the Yankees also have a great farm system to complement their major league team. Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova will now be called to step it up more and it will be good for the young stars to now be carrying this team. They will be exposed to pressure and success and it will help them grow to be better pitchers for the Yankees when they need it.
Would another pitcher be a great addition to the New York Yankees? Absolutely it would, but if this Yankee team wants to really legitimize themselves, keep smacking the ball, keep playing as a team and feeding off of each other's successes and create opportunities for your team to keep growing. You are only as strong as your weakest link.
The New York Yankees have all they need to succeed. This can just be another testament to how great the Yankees are if they respond in the appropriate manner. Thursday's loss against the White Sox isn't the ideal potion, but Girardi tried something new, and that is smart on his part. Learn what doesn't work now and make the mistakes now so you don't do it later in September or in the playoffs. So Cashman, relax for now, and wait till the trading deadline draws near. Let your team play and prove to you, New York, and themselves that they won't bend over and submit. You're team is great as it is and Yankee fans should be suffice and believe in this team. They haven't let you down yet, why would they start now?
