If the Yanks aren’t going to give Melky Cabrera playing time, why carry him on the roster? He’s not the pinch running type, he can’t lay down a bunt, and there aren’t many scenarios, thankfully, where he’ll be the best bat off the bench. His purpose right now is Gardner insurance, but if Gritt proves he’s dependable Melky could find his ticket out of town. There are just other guys in the system who can provide more value in the 25th roster spot — Miranda for a big-bat lefty, John Rodriguez for an outfielder with some power…something along those lines.
For the time being he’ll stick around, so it’s good that Girardi has found time to start him. We’ve never been high on Melky here at RAB, but there’s a difference between not liking what you see from a player and not wanting him to succeed. We want Melky to hit and prove he’s capable of being a 4th outfielder/fringe starter. Here’s to hoping he makes his case today.
Bad news on Teixeira. He was originally posted in the lineup playing first base, but was scratched pretty shortly afterward. PeteAbe reports that he’s in a brace, and that the Yanks will go heavy on treatment today and have him checked out tomorrow in Tampa. This is not good news for the Yanks lineup.
Hideki Matsui, who was supposed to get the day off, slides in at DH, Swisher moves to first base, and Nady, who was the DH, heads out to right. Even with Tex, this was not an ideal lineup against an opposing team’s ace. It looks like the Yanks are content with winning the series.
In happier news, happy Joba day. Hopefully this turns into as big an event for Yanks fans as Felix day is for Mariners fans. There’s nothing quite as exciting as having a young, flame-throwing potential ace on the mound every five days.
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Lineup:
1. Gritt Girtner, CF
2. Cap’n Jetes, SS
3. Swisher for MVP, 1B
4. Godzilla, DH
5. Xavier Nady VI, RF
6. Rod Carew, 2B
7. Hacky McHeadfirstslide, LF
8. Handsome Cody Ransom, 3B
9. Hava Molina, C
And on the mound, number sixty-two, Joba Chamberlain.
Update by Ben (1:27 p.m.): Bryan Hoch asked Teixeira about the injury last night. The Yanks’ first baseman says he may have hurt it diving in Baltimore on Wednesday. If so, that’s more indicative of a jammed or sprained wrist than tendinitis. I’m trying not to get too concerned about this, but wrist injuries can linger and sap power hitters of their strength. We’ll keep an eye on this.