How many of you remember this day? I know I sure do, it was awesome. Coming off of two consecutive seasons of at least 201 IP, Pavano was just entering his prime at age 28, and looked every bit the part of the young, workhorse starter the Yanks needed. It was glorious.
Then the injuries came. First it was rotator cuff tendonitis. Then it was the infamous bruised buttocks. Then it was broken ribs in a car accident. Then it was Tommy John surgery. Aside from the bruised hiney, all the injures were serious. But no one cares. Because of Brian Cashman’s complete and utter inability to predict the future, Pavano’s tenure as a Yankee didn’t go as planned. With a grand total of 5 Yankee wins in 4 years under his belt, Pavano returns tonight right when the Yankees need him most.
Ironically, injuries are what force Pavano to the bump tonight, as Joba and Danny Giese are riding the DL pine. With only 34 games remaining and a 5.5 game deficit in the Wildcard staring the team in the face, Pavano returns at a time in which he can redeem himself the most. All the Yanks are asking of the now 32-year old Pavano is to keep them in games. If he does that, he will surpass everyone expectations.
The Yanks are 4-2 in their last 6 games; let’s keep this little hot streak going.
1. Damon, CF
2. Jeter, SS
3. Abreu, RF
4. A-Rod, 3B
5. Giambi, 1B
6. Nady, LF
7. Matsui, DH
8. Cano, 2B
9. Pudge, C
And on the mound, (I can’t believe I’m actually saying this) Carl Pavano.
Notes: Billy Traber, one of the most useless players the Yanks have had in recent years, was shipped to Triple-A to make room for Pavano … Boston already lost, so the Yanks have a golden opportunity to gain ground in the WC … top prospect Austin Jackson was placed on the DL with a minor back issue …
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.