Injuries and Accusations
By Cole Hoyt, Contributing Writer and loyal Yankees fan
Looking back to the beginning of the season, the starting roster looks almost not recognizable due to the enormous amount of injuries that has plagued the New York Yankees this season. The latest victim is pitcher Ivan Nova, who was put on the 15- day DL with inflation in his right rotator cuff. Team doctors instructed Nova to not throw for five days. The roster opening is a great sign for the Yankees fans though. It is predicted that Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia will be activated from the DL and start against the Cleveland Indians in the upcoming series.
Manager Joe Girardi showed his patience after being swept by the White Sox, when a Chicago fan shouted, “Yankees Swept? Yes!”. After telling the fan to “politely” be quiet, Girardi went back to the interview as if there was no interruption at all. While this incident means nothing in the wins or loss column, Giradi has proven to be able to handle the media and take the reins of the team.
ESPN announcer Skip Bayless told the media that he believed Yankees long time captain Derek Jeter was using preforming enhancing drugs when he was quoted saying, “If you’re Derek Jeter, would you think about using HGH right now? Because I would. How would you not? Would you not think about it?”
This comes after Oakland A’s pitcher Bartolo Colon was suspended 50 games for using HGH. Without any proof, Bayless claim on Jeter is out right disgusting. Jeter has been the role model for character and class as an athlete since his rookie year. Jeter is having quite an impressive year! He has 13 homeruns and has one of the highest averages in the American League at .324. Jeter was his classy self when he responded to Bayless’ claim, “”What do you want me to say?” he said. “Maybe Skip should be tested. I don’t know him, but…”
View here: ESPN
With all of these distractions, the Yankees need to keep focus and change the tide. The Yankees travel to Cleveland to face the Indians and then are going to host the Toronto Blue Jays. While it is important how you start, in baseball it is all about the finish. The Baltimore Orioles have been silent, but Tampa Bay is a different story. The Rays have caught fire and are now only three games back of the first place Yankees. The Yankees play three away and then three home games against the Rays before the season ends. Even though the Yankees are most likely going to be in the playoffs, last year has proven that nothing is certain. The Yankees now have to look forward to sweeping the Rays and run away with the American League East division.
More Inside the Chatter’s Box and More Yankee’s at Cleveland Indians