Every five or six days, for better or worse, it will be a big start for Phil Hughes. While that might be unfair, it’s reality. With every poor start, the detractors grow in numbers and increase in rabidity. Phil can’t make them go away with a quality outing, but he can certainly piss on their fire.
As noted earlier, Johnny Damon has something of a hot streak brewing, as he’s 7 for his last 14, with a pair of doubles and a pair of dingers. The guy hitting behind him has six fewer hits in his last 14 at bats. But if they get going at the same time, whoo-boy, we’re in for an offensive explosion — not that we’ve been lacking over the past three games.
After a stellar night, Jorge sits. It seems like a good idea at this point to give him some rest. You don’t want to risk anything with his shoulder. So Hava Molina gets the start behind the dish. One has to wonder how much longer Chad Moeller will hang around, especially since the Yanks face two lefties this weekend. Shelley Duncan could prove useful.
A-Rod is with the team. Not sure what his status is, though. Maybe he could pinch hit?
Your lineup:
1. Johnny Damon, DH
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Hideki Matsui, LF
5. Morgan Ensberg, 3B
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Jason Giambi, 1B
8. Melky Cabrera, CF
9. Jose Molina, C
And on the mound, number thirty-four, Phil Hughes