MLB – In the Chatter’s Box: Yankees Win Comes With a Loss

First Sabathia, now Pettitte, but Yanks Still Fight On

by Cole Hoyt, Contributing Writer and Loyal Yankees Fan

The New York Yankees have had a tough few days even though they have been winning.  It was announced that Yankees ace, CC Sabathia was placed on the 15-day Disabled List with a strained groin.  The Pinstripes starting pitcher, Andy Pettitte fractured his fibula earlier in the when he was scorched by a lined drive.

Even the with loss of Pettitte, the Yankees win on Wednesday came with the help of the bats.  Robinson Cano continued to put the team on his back with a home run, which gave the Yankees the lead in Wednesday night’s game.

The Yankees continue to be on a tear, in which they have won the last 15 of 18 games.

The Bronx Bombers are taking on the Chicago White Sox in their next series.  Kevin Youkilis has recently joined the White Sox after being traded from the Red Sox.  In his first series playing for the Chicago White Sox, Youkilis heated up and went 5 for 12.  The Yankees will keep in mind that Youkilis has a batting average of .303 at Yankees Stadium this year.  This high batting average is accompanied by four homeruns at the New Yankees Stadium.

With all the injuries to the starting rotation, the Yankees are expected to give the nod to Adam Warren Saturday night.  Warren is a right-hander on the Yankees’ Triple-A team and has a .500 record of 5-5.  The 6’2, 225 pounder went to the University of North Carolina.  Regarding Warren, Yankees starting catcher, Russell Martin told reporters:

“I was pleased.  He’s professional.  I feel like he has command of at least three pitches.”

Don’t be surprised if the Yankees make a trade prior the July 9th All-Star game.  As shocking as this may seem, the New York Yankees are facing budget restraints, which were brought on by Hal Steinbrenner.  Some candidates for the trade are rumored to include Randy Wolf, Kevin Millwood, and Francisco Liriano.  All of these future trade candidates have experience.  Bringing up Adam Warren with veterans could play well for the Yankees both short-term as well as long-term.  Coming up, the Yankees will play 19 games in 20 days.  This incredibly intense schedule calls for rookie youth coupled with the all-important veteran experience.

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Yankees pitcher Freddy Garcia is going to see more playing time after the absence of Sabathia and Pettitte.  Garcia was called into Wednesday’s game and picked up the “W” after pitching 2 and 1/3 innings of perfect relief.

The Bombers have an impressive 5 game lead over the second place Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. The Yankees bullpen continues to be part of the success.  Closer Rafael Soriano is 2-0 with 17 saves.  He has also fanned 26 and has an ERA of 1.88.

Even thought the starting rotation has taken a hit, the Bats hope to continue to soar to keep tallying points in the win column.