The Sommer Frieze

YANKEES (45-32); 2.5 back. 2nd place
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Matsui DH
Cabrera CF
Cervelli C

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (7-4, 3.55).

I like the way Hughes has said all the right things lately about being in the bullpen. Doing what it takes to help the team win. Bruney has said the same. Bruney is struggling a bit since coming back off the DL, and stated that he doesn’t care who pitches the 8th.

The other night, Hughes (great in relief so far) only had a 9-pitch 7th. So why not bring him out for the 8th? Girardi said he likes roles, I hate it. A role? How about being prepared for any role? Sometimes managers think too much.

Go with your eyes, as Pete Abraham says. Or as I say, go with the rhythm. You see someone has good rhythm (as Hughes did with a nine-pitch inning) leave him in. Managers that mess up rhythms are like heavy metal rock bands that want to do polka solos in the middle of “Whole Lotta Love.” … with results just as ugly.

Molina is getting a couple of rehab starts with SWB. We’ll check out how he does in the minor league report tonight.

Day game tomorrow right through Monday. One reason Cervelli is catching tonight.

Recap: CC just didn’t have it tonight, giving up 6 R in his first 4 innings of work. He put the Yanks into a quick 3-0 hole. The Yanks made it 3-2, but CC gave up three more to make the hole 6-2.

CC lasted 5 2/3, 6 R, 10 H, 3 walks and 8 K. ERA jumps to 3.85.

Matsui’s 2-run HR made it 6-4.

Aceves was good again, and kept the Yanks in the game for a while, but an error by Teixeira and a gopher ball served by Aceves to Branyan made it 8-4 M’s. 2 1/3, 2 R, 1 ER, ERA goes to 2.25.

Robertson finished up with a 1-2-3. ERA 2.45.

Streak over.  3 back.