The Yanks lost a tough one earlier today, despite Javy Vazquez’s best efforts. They’ll get a chance at quick redemption, though, in the nightcap. I just wish that Girardi put his team in a bit of a better position.
Normally I refrain from lineup criticism. Guys will get days off, and we’ll see players we don’t like in the lineup from time to time. With tonight’s lineup, though, I have to say something. Jeremy Bonderman is pitching for the Tigers. He hasn’t been good since 2006, and has been pretty bad in the early parts of 2010. Maybe his BABIP signals bad luck, maybe it signals that hitters have a good read on his stuff. I don’t know. The one thing I do know is that Bonderman throws with his right arm.
Despite the pitcher’s handedness, Girardi has decided to start Marcus Thames. With Nick Johnson and Curtis Granderson out with injuries, Thames figures to see plenty of action. That includes, unfortunately, time against righties. He’ll also see time in the field, much to our collective chagrin. But tonight is the ultimate offense. He’s in the lineup against the righty and is playing the field. In spacious Comerica Park, no less. I’m sorry, but this makes no sense.
I would rather see Greg Golson in the lineup and playing the field. At least he’ll track down fly balls to left. Thames, though, gets the double whammy. His bat isn’t valuable against righties, and his defense remains atrocious. I don’t know how Giradi can justify this one.
Thankfully, Phil Hughes is on the mound, and he strikes out guys and induces ground balls. So maybe, if the Yanks get lucky, the Tigers won’t hit any to left. But, because Thames is there, Murphy’s Law clearly states that they’ll hit it to him plenty. It’s just the way these things seem to work out.*
*Yes, I’m kidding. But only kind of.
That’s enough for the rant, though. The Yanks have the pitching advantage. Let’s hope the top of the lineup can get on base and then drive in some runs, because the only guy in the bottom third I’m remotely confident can drive in a guy is Cervelli.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, DH
2. Brett Gardner, CF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Robinson Cano, 2B
6. Nick Swisher, RF
7. Marcus Thames, LF
8. Francisco Cervelli, C
9. Ramiro Pena, SS
And on the mound, number sixty-five, Phil Hughes, number sixty-five.
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