Yanks Take 2 Out of 3 from Tampa Bay

It didn't look too promising for the Yanks after losing game 1 of the Tampa Bay series 15-5. But the Yanks showed why they figure to be an improved team this year. They got excellent starting pitching in games 2 & 3. Add to that shut down relief work and timely hitting, and you've got a recipe for success.

The negatives you take from the series are the continued struggles of Chien Ming Wang and what looks to be a season ending injury to Xavier Nady. Wang pitched batting practice yesterday and it was noted that he was keeping the sinker down. However, I won't feel comfortable until I see him do it in a real game. Keeping the sinker down in spring training, or bullpen sessions or batting practice just doesn't mean much to me.

As for Nady, I feel bad for the guy but with the way Swisher has been playing, it seemed that Nady was in danger of losing his starting job anyway. For now it weakens our bench and versatility but the Yanks will call someone up to fill his spot. Maybe Juan Miranda (He's hitting .375 with 3 HR and 12 RBI in just 7 games at Scranton) . The Yanks have already said, though, they have no intention of bringing Austin Jackson up, whose been playing great in AAA. They want him to play everyday and not just be a 4th or 5th outfielder with the big club. I think by the All-Star break Jackson could be the starting center fielder for us.

Season Opener today at the New Yankee Stadium. CC Sabathia vs. Cliff Lee. Should be a good one.

What's Wrong With Wang?

Chien Ming Wang was totally useless last night. I understand he couldn't get the ball down and his mechanics were off...Again!!! But, Dude, you have to give me more than 1 inning. You have to find a way to battle thru and get some outs.

One of his problems is he seems to throw every pitch the same speed. His sinker, 4 seam fastball & slider all come in between 87-93 miles per hour. So, if he doesn't have his control the hitters can just sit on something up and crush it. It would really help him if he had a slow curveball or change up to keep hitters off balance a little. But the guy has had two 19 win seasons and was 8-2 last year before injury. So, it's easy to criticize him now. Fact is, he's proven he can win, and win big, with the stuff he's got. Maybe he's injured or just doesn't feel confident yet, throwing off the foot he broke last year.

Not much positivity from last nights game. Wang gave up 8 runs, the bullpen 7. The highlight was when everyone's new favorite Yankee, Nick Swisher, pitched a scoreless 8th, even picking up a strikeout. It was definitely a night when a long reliever would have come in real handy. If Wang gets another start, and I expect him to unless he's injured, no doubt Brett Tomko or Alfredo Asceves will be in the bullpen just in case.

I don't think it's time to consider bringing up Phil Hughes. I'd really like him to stay in AAA and perfect some of his secondary pitches before coming to the big club. The next time he comes to the Majors I want him to stay for good.

AJ Burnett goes tonight. Hopefully our starters can get back on a roll and give the bullpen a much needed rest.