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.

Walking Away With A Win

Well it took 11 innings and a few casualties, but the Yankees persevered and finished their homestand with a victory. The win gave the Yankees a 6-1 homestand and nine victories in their last 10 contests.

But the price might be a steep one for the Yankees. Derek Jeter got plunked on the foot in the first inning by a Ricky Romero curveball and you could tell from his run from first to third on Johnny Damon's single that he was not right and after his next at bat Girardi pulled the plug.

X-Rays were negative, but you would have to imagine that the Yankees will play it safe and probably sit Jeter for tomorrow's opener in an attempt to protect his health down the stretch. That could be detrimental to our other HBP victim today.

In extra innings A-Rod came to the plate and after falling behind 0-2 Toronto reliever Shawn Camp plunked him on the elbow. In spite of his protective gear A-Rod dropped like a sack-o-potatoes. He managed to stay in the game and perhaps the ball just caught his funny bone, but we all know that A-Rod needs to rest that troublesome hip. Jeter's foot contusion will complicate that rest schedule.

Even without the Captain the Yankees rode home runs from Johnny Damon and Robinson Cano. Before A.J. Burnett wild pitched away his two-run lead. The bullpen came on and kept a weak Toronto lineup on the mat for the three more innings. Chad Gaudin came on for his first appearance as a Yankee in the 10th, and after two solid innings of relief and the always rare Cano hit with runners in scoring position, he collected his first win as a Yankee.

Gaudin could be very important for the Yankees going into this stretch run. No matter what Girardi is hoping for, his old friend from the Marlins Sergio Mitre is not long for the rotation. Gaudin could step in for Mitre in the five spot or, what is more likely to happen, he can step into the bullpen and assume Alfredo Aceves role while Aceves transitions into the rotation.

It is a minor flaw with the Yankees to quibble over, but the more games they win now the sooner they can start controlling Joba's innings to keep him fresh for the post season and even continue to rest the regular starters aside from A-Rod as the Yankees endure these final two grinding months they are scheduled for.

Burnett Survives Wildness

I knew A.J. Burnett had a wild streak in him but three wild pitches and four walks is pretty impressive. But Burnett battled and managed to pitch into the seventh to get the win. Aside from Burnett the bullpen did a decent job. Joe Mauer touching up Phil Coke for a home run was something you could see coming. Coke has been good in the pen, but you knew the Yankees couldn't hold Mauer down for and entire series.

After that Phil Hughes and Mariano continued the dominance from the Yankee bullpen throwing 2.1 scoreless innings. It was more in of the same from the bullpen, which has become one of the Yankees strengths since May.

Today the Yankees go for the season sweep of the Twins. They will face Francisco Liriano. Liriano, of course, was to be the next Johan Santana and he would ease the lose of Santana to the trade market and a huge contract. But midway through 2006 Liriano went down and after Tommy John surgery he missed all of 2007. Since then he hasn't been the same. He can still strike out batters at a good rate, but he has lost some control and he has become a little more hittable.

Here's hoping Alfredo Aceves continues his dominating ways back in the starting rotation. Aceves has proven to be quite adapt at throwing all his pitches for stikes in just about any count. Hopefully that no fear attitude comes in handy against Mauer and Morneau.