Yankees Finish Off A's, Aceves Continues Slide

Coming into this series in Oakland the only match up the Yankees didn't like was last night's between Brian Anderson and Chad Gaudin. Gaudin was roughed up during his last appearance against Seattle, but with Sergio Mitre struggling and the Yankees needing extra arms to protect Joba's innings Gaudin was gonna get the ball to start the game.

Gaudin was effective despite five walks. He managed to get around those free passes by only allowing one hit and striking out five. Alfred Aceves bailed him out of a jam in the fifth, but Aceves gave up a couple of runs in 2.1 innings of work. If Joe Girardi has abused any arms in his bullpen this year Aceves is that arm.

Since the Yankees spot started him against Minnesota back in July, his numbers have gone from great to awful. He has worked 18 innings and given up 14 runs over 10 games. Part of that abuse is that Girardi likes to run Aceves out there for 2-plus innings on many occasions. 10 of his 31 relief appearances have gone for more than two innings including three that have topped the four inning mark.

Aceves has been a big piece of the puzzle for the Yankee bullpen and it would do Girardi well to take it easy on him and get him right before the stretch run and postseason.

Part of that plan should involve giving Phil Hughes more innings out of the pen or working in the newly reliable Dave Robertson or Brian Bruney into the late inning mix. With the off day today everyone should have been available with the possible exception of Robertson who had pitched a labored ninth inning the night before. The question begs to be asked as to why Girardi would attempt to stretch Aceves out for three innings?

Last year Girardi did an excellent job at managing the pen, perhaps with a division title on the line he finds himself converting to Joe Torre-like desperation to preserve leads. He needs to use a plan to protect Aceves the rest of the way.

When the rosters expand in September some of these more reliable relievers should get extra days off. Until Alfredo Aceves' shoulder beware, Joe Girardi is looking at you with ill intent.