So Long, Jose! Hello, Brian!

Brian Bruney officially came of the DL for the Yankees today, and one of their most ineffective pitchers has been DFA'ed. Jose Veras, the reliable set-up man who inexplicably lost the ability to pitch in close games this season, was DFA'ed to make room for Bruney in the bullpen. This gives the Yankees a solid eighth inning bridge to Mariano Rivera for the first time all season.

Sammy Sosa Newest MLB Player Tied To PEDs

As I logged on to ESPN.com today, I looked over and saw a story about Sammy Sosa being named as one of the 104 tests in the 2003 steroid test which nailed Alex Rodriguez. I shook my head, and read the story.

I wasn't surprised Sosa was named to the list, and I wouldn't be surprised if he actually did take steroids. What I thought about was how the player's union screwed up this test terribly, putting former and current players in this position to be blindsided by accusations from these reports.

Let me quote part of the article from The New York Times:

"Under guidelines agreed upon with the players union, the test results were to remain anonymous."

Clearly, someone in the chain of command violated this agreement. Now, I'm not pointing this out to say that we should let all steroid users off the hook. These guys should face whatever penalties will come to them for using performance-enhancing drugs. But, if you're a player, you have to feel as if the union you trust let you down. There needs to be accountability from the union. This is the second name to leak from this so called "anonymous" test. Why is the players union not investigating this leak? If I'm a player, I'm not worried about the results of this test, but about other tests in the future. What if someone leaks that a player has a certain disease, etc?

The players union needs to take a look at these "leaks" and end them. Yes, it has shown some light on those who used PEDs to get ahead. But there shouldn't be people leaking information from an anonymous report. The players union should find the leak and end it, allowing the players to rest easy about their personal information being protected.

The Wang Debate

On the eve of Chien-Ming Wang's third start since returning from the DL with a mysterious foot/leg/hip injury, I wanted to take the chance to look at his unceremonious return and pose a question:

Should he even be in the starting rotation?

Now, if the Yankees want to give him some confidence, then starting him against the Nationals isn't a terrible idea. This is a team with 16 wins and can be used as a nice little punching bag. However, the Nats surprisingly rank in the top 10 in some offensive categories, and they do have guys who can hit the ball (Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn.) The Nationals, for all intensive purposes, are a major league club and can still hit the ball.

No one has really been able to pinpoint why Wang has struggled so much since he's been inserted into the starting rotation. Some writers and bloggers have blamed it on the lingering effects of his injury. Others are discussing shaken confidence, and the list continues on an on. I think the injury argument fails. If he's still hurt, then why has he started to touch his usual speed of 92-94 mph on his sinker.

But let's take a look at the confidence issue. There are times when Wang looks like the vintage, 19-game winner. He's getting the sinker down, and guys are pounding it into the ground. This performance can carry through an inning or only a batter. And then, as quickly as it comes, the ability is gone. The sinker stays up in the zone, and his pitches get smoked all over the field. His inconsistency is maddening for fans and coaches. And so, Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman have leveled an ultimatum - pitch well, or you're getting the hook.

It's not the perfect situation with Chien-Ming Wang, but the Yankees brass should take the blame on this one. Phil Hughes was up and down as a starter, but he's also a 22-year-old kid with limited big league experience. They needed to show some patience and leave him in the rotation. Clearly, Wang hasn't worked out whatever is bothering him. By being rushed up to the big leagues, the Yankees lost that ability to fine tune whatever was bothering him. Now they're stuck in a situation where they are putting unnecessary pressure on Wang to produce.

The Yankees rushed back Wang to face the Rangers (who Phil Hughes has owned in his career, by the way) and Boston. They lined him up to pitch against two very good teams, and teams that have the ability to hit. The timing, etc. was terrible, and the Yankees need to admit their mistake.

If Wang does poorly tomorrow night, I don't know where the Yankees turn. They've already made one mistake by rushing him back early. I can only hope they find a way to bring Wang back to his old self.

Randy Johnson Wins #300

I know this is non-Yankees related, but congratulations to Randy Johnson for winning his 300th game tonight. The Big Unit wasn't terribly impressive with the Yankees (34-19), but he's had a remarkable career. Not only did he win #300 tonight, but he currently has the fourth-best winning percentage of 300 game winners. He's also the sixth lefthander in history to record 300 wins, becoming the first since Phil Niekro. Despite what people think of his attitude, etc., Randy Johnson is a great pitcher.

However, I was a little disappointed with the crowd in Washington, D.C. tonight. I know it must be tough to be a Nationals fan, but there were only a few thousand fans there? If I could have been at a potentially historic game, I would be there in an instant. Shame on the fans of the Nationals. People in D.C. showed tonight that baseball isn't a huge priority, and no Steven Strasburg is going to fix that. If a 300 game winner can't invigorate that city for some baseball, what can?

Game 54: Melky Cabrera Leads Late Charge Past Texas

Melky Cabrera delivers again.

The Yankees outfielder, a bench player on Opening Day, hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers, 8-6, Thursday afternoon in New York.

Cabrera's home run was his fifth go-ahead hit in the eighth inning or later this season. After walking Robinson Cano, C.J. Wilson (3-3) gave an inside fastball to Cabrera, who turned on it and put the ball into the leftfield seats, just out of the reach of a leaping David Murphy.

It was the Yankees 19th come-from-behind victory this season.

Chien-Ming Wang made his first start since coming off the disabled list. The former ace began hot, striking out three of the first six batters he faced.

But then Wang ran into trouble.

Rangers first baseman Chris Davis doubled in the third inning and came around to score when Wang slipped on the mound and threw a wild pitch. The Rangers went on to score in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Nelson Cruz hit a home run that knocked Wang out of the game. The home run was the first Wang gave up to righthander since Adrian Beltre took him deep in September 2007, a span of 22 starts.

The Yankees were able to battle back against Rangers starter Brandon McCarthy. Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena singled to begin the fifth inning, and walks to Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher forced in a run. Mark Teixeira then hit a bases-clearing double to tie the game at five.

Alex Rodriguez followed with a single off of reliever Jason Jennings, giving the Yankees a short-lived 6-5 lead.

The Yankees bullpen pitch 4 1/3 innings, surrendering only one run on a Ian Kinsler home run. David Robertson (1-0) received the win after relieving Phil Coke in the eighth inning with two outs and nobody on. Robertson relieved Elvis Andrus on a fly ball.

Box Score:

Damon: 1-for-3, SOLO HR, 2 Rs

Swisher: 2-for-3, RBI, R

Gardner (PR): did not record an official at-bat

Teixeira: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, R

Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI

Cano: 1-for-3, R

Matsui: 0-for-3

Cabrera: 1-for-4, 2-RUN HR

Cervelli: 1-for-4, R

Pena: 1-for-3, R

Wang: 4 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's (47 of his 69 pitches went for strikes, but by the fourth inning he was leaving the sinker up in the zone and got hit hard. A somewhat encouraging start.)

Aceves: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB's, 2 K's (20 of his 34 pitches were strikes...the only relief pitcher to give up a run this game)

Coke: 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's (11 of his 19 pitches were strikes)

Robertson (W, 1-0): 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Rivera (S, 12): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's (17 of his 24 pitches were strikes)

My Thoughts:

1. Should Wang Have Started? I Don't Think So.

I'll have a longer post on this, but I don't think Wang should have started. The Yankees should not have brought him up so early, and they tried to make up for the mistake by starting him today. After the second inning, it looked like Wang may have tired a bit. Before that, he had good bite on all of his pitches. But then he started to leave the sinker up, and he got hit hard. Meanwhile, the Yankees had Phil Hughes waiting in the wings, who absolutely dominated the Rangers five days ago. I guess there was some progress, but I just don't think it was smart to throw him in today.

2. This Is The Teixeira The Yankees Paid For!

Since A-Rod returned to the lineup, Teixeira has been playing extremely well. Just last month, Tex hit .300 with 13 homers and 34 RBI, and he racked up 38 hits. I know lineup protection is debatable, but the return of A-Rod has been a godsend to Tex. He's showing why the Yankees threw all of that money at him in the offseason, and it's been welcoming to see him doing well.

3. Melky Does It Again.

And to think, Melky Cabrera began the season as the Yankees fifth outfield option. He's really returned to form, and clearly his hard work is paying off. One stat, however, to notice: all six of Melky's home runs have come at home. But when you need a clutch hit, just let Melky Cabrera know. He'll be there to deliver it.

Game 51: Chamberlain Dominates Indians as Yankees Win Series

Not even another attack of the dreadful midges could slow Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain Monday night.

The righthander went a career high eight innings, and the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-2.

Chamberlain (3-1) retired the first 11 batters he faced until he allowed a home run to Victor Martinez in the fourth inning. Chamberlain scattered four hits over eight innings, walking two and striking out five.

Chamberlain also made a dazzling defensive play in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Chamberlain made a diving catch on a popped up bunt by Indian's catcher Kelly Shoppach. The righthander quickly got to his feet and fired to second base to get Ryan Garko for the double play.

He celebrated with a shout and a fist pump.

The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning on a Nick Swisher double. After Indians pitcher Greg Aquino (1-1) walked the bases loaded, Swisher hit a double off the leftfield wall for a two-run double. Alex Rodriguez followed that with a single, scoring two more runners.

Aquino came in after Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers walked the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Sowers breezed through five innings before the sixth. Aquino was able to get out of the situation.

Cleveland pitchers walked 11 total Yankees Monday night. They lead the league with 222 walks issued.

The Yankees set a major-league record by playing their 18th straight error-free game, breaking the record of 17 set by the Boston Red Sox in 2006. The last Yankee error came May 13 at Toronto when shortstop Ramiro Pena misplayed a ground ball.

The Yankees have gone 14-4 during the streak.

Box Score:

Jeter: 2-3, R

Swisher: 2-4, 2 RBI, R

Teixeira: 1-3, 2 BB

Rodriguez: 1-4, 2 RBI

Posada: 0-4

Cano: 0-4 (6 LOB)

Cabrera: 0-3

Berroa: 0-2

Matsui (PH): BB

Pena (PR): 0-1, R

Gardner: 0-2, 2 R

Chamberlain: 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (66 of 106 pitches were strikes, and he set a career high in innings pitched)

Rivera (S, 11): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

My Thoughts:

1. Can This Be The Start of Swisher?

He's already off to a better pace then last month, when Swisher was miserable. The two-run double was nice, especially because it came in a clutch situation. He looked like he had some good at-bats tonight, and maybe we'll see Swisher begin to heat up with the weather.

2. Joba = Greatness

Tonight's start was, by all means, an incredible start for the young righthander. Not only did he make that nice play in the field, but he was able to be economical throughout the game. 106 pitches through eight innings isn't bad at all, and he was able to get deep into the game. I don't think we can or should come to expect this from Joba every time out, but these performances should shut down those who argue that he should be in the bullpen.

3. ESPN's Coverage Team = Not Great

As the "Worldwide Leader In Sports", I feel ESPN should be more responsible in their sports coverage. Their announcers should be knowledgeable and give insightful opinion about the team's they're covering. That's why I find it inexcusable that Steve Phillips made a mistake tonight when he said Jeter was batting first because Damon was getting the night off. He should have known that Jeter has batted leadoff all year. There's no reason to make erroneous statements, especially one as blatant as this example. Anyone could have done basic research and found out Jeter has been hitting leadoff all year. Very irresponsible journalism on Steve Phillips' part.

Game 51: Chamberlain, Yankees Look To Take Series From Indians

Joba Chamberlain will look to win the series tonight for the Yankees as he faces the Cleveland Indians in the rubber game of a four-game series.

Chamberlain (2-1, 3.97 ERA) will return to Progressive Field, where the infamous "midges" incident occurred two years ago. This will be his first start in Cleveland. He pitched two scoreless innings of relief last year, and has not allowed a hit over 5 2/3 innings in Cleveland.

Chamberlain pitched against the Indians April 17, where he gave up five runs over 4 2/3 innings. The Yankees rallied to win the game, 6-5.

The Indians will send Jeremy Sowers (1-2, 7.71 ERA) to the mound in tonight's game. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees.

Sowers will face a red-hot Yankees lineup, featuring the streaking Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter. Texeira has a 13-game hit streak, in which he is batting .400 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.

Jeter is batting .397 during a 14-game win streak, and has five straight multi-hit games.

And now, your starting lineup for the New York Yankees:

Jeter SS

Swisher RF

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez DH

Posada C

Cano 2B

Cabrera LF

Berroa 3B

Gardner CF

And on the mound, the flamethrower, Joba Chamberlain.

Game time is 7:05, and you can catch the action on ESPN or YES.

My Thoughts:

1. Angel Berroa?

Yes, you didn't read that wrong - Angel Berroa will be starting at third base tonight. I don't know why Girardi would use him in the situation - I'd rather see Ramiro Pena. But I guess we'll get the treat (or should I say the horror) of watching Berroa in the field.

2. If You're Nick Swisher, Maybe Your Happy It's June

Swisher had an absolutely horrible May. Here was his stat line - .150 AVG., .311 OBP, .275 SLG. Clearly an abysmal month for any hitter, especially after he started out on fire in April. Maybe with the calendar turning, we'll see Swisher pick it back up.

3. Can The Yankees Keep It Rolling On The Road?

The Yankees are 4-2 on this 7-game road trip, so no matter what they'll finish with a winning record. They're also 15-12 on the road this season. Good numbers so far, especially with their early struggles at home. You know the team would love to finish this road trip with a win.

4. History Can Be Made

Jeter needs two runs to reach 1,500 for his career. He'd be the fourth active player and fourth player in Yankees history to reach that milestone.