Yankees Bridge To Mariano Is Only A “Draw Bridge”
What can you say about the "Magnificent" Mariano Rivera? The man is simply amazing. For the first time in 10 years, "Mo" came in a regular season game and logged 3 innings of work. In those 3 frames, Rivera allowed no runs on one hit, while striking out 3 hitters. Thanks to Mariano’s effort, the Yanks were able to beat the Tigers in 11 innings by a score of 11-5.
While the Yankees are ecstatic with the way Rivera has been pitching lately, the team has to be concerned that they still haven’t found that solid "bridge man" that can hand the lead to "Mo". Right now, the Yankees only have a "draw bridge" for the best closer in the history of baseball.
The reason why the Yankees "bridge" is sometimes "open" and "closed" for Rivera , is because Kyle Farnsworth has been very inconsistent this season. Last night, Kyle was unable to hold a 1-run lead going into the eighth inning. Farnsworth’s problem is he’s walking too many hitters, and that’s the worst thing a late inning reliever can do.
In last night’s game, Kyle walked two hitters in the eighth inning which resulted in the Tigers tying the game at 6. Because Farnsworth was unable to give the ball to Rivera with a lead, the Yanks had to use Mariano for three innings. That’s something the "Bombers" don’t want to do often in this long season.
The "draw bridge" that the Yankees have right now, may become a "stationary bridge" in a few weeks when Octavio Dotel comes back. When healthy, Dotel is a better pitcher than Farnsworth. The Yankees just need to see if Dotel can throw his slider in competitive games, and once that happens (time table is now a couple of weeks) he will be called up to "close" this bridge.
Yankee Tradition Notes
Remember just a few weeks ago when some Yankee "fans" were booing Melky Cabrera? Well today, Melky is hitting .328 with 10 RBI. He is playing a better outfield and gaining more and more confidence every day.
Something tells me two more Yankees will go on the DL soon. Both Johnny Damon (foot) and Gary Sheffield (hand) were not in yesterday’s lineup. Damon’s foot has been a problem for most of the year, and I think it would be wise for the Yanks to DL now, before it becomes a serious matter.
The Yankees have to find room for Terrence Long on this team. "T-Long" is a pro, and if the Yanks elect to keep Cabrera in left, it will be nice to have Long on the bench and part-time outfielder.
God bless Bernie Williams. With all the Yankee outfield turmoil, Bernie has done a solid job both at the plate and in the field.
Let’s hope Jason Giambi’s winning blast last night will get him rolling again.
Ramiro Mendoza had another fine outing with Columbus on Tuesday night. "Doza" pitched 6 scoreless innings, giving up only 2-hits while striking out 4. I think he may be ready for a call up to help the Yankee pen out.
Yankee Tradition 
Mate, check out my idea to help the Yankees injured players. Its an unashamedly stolen Idea off Red Sox Chick.
http://psycho.mlblogs.com/