File this in the non-shocker file – the Yankees only eked out two hits against a no-name pitcher, Fernando Nieve. Squawker Jon and I both called this!
I remember there used to be a time when the Yankees did the little things, like having advance scouting on other teams. Gene Michael and his scouting team got a lot of credit – and deservedly so – for scoping out other team’s weaknesses, and providing detailed scouting reports. Back then, the Yanks would have two scouts at opponents’ games – one to look at offense, and the other defense.
But in recent years, either the scouts aren’t doing those sort of reports any more, or the team isn’t listening. When was the last time the Yankees succeeded against a starting pitcher they didn’t know? I literally cannot remember.
The Star-Ledger’s Marc Carig, who is doing a great job in his first year on the Yankee beat, writes about what he calls the “All-Anonymous Team” of no-name pitchers to beat the Yankees this year, from Koji Uehara to Matt Palmer to Anthony Ortega to Nieve. This inability to succeed against unknown pitchers is getting ridiculous.
I mean really. The Mets don’t need to use Johan Santana today. Just call up some minor league pitcher the Yankees have never seen, and they’ll win. Good grief.
In other news, I’m officially concerned by Andy Pettitte’s pitching. He was short of breath and laboring on the mound yesterday – he gave up 12 hits in five innings. I’m not sure if it’s his age, his back, or it’s his trying to adjust to hard to the new Stadium’s dimensions, but he’s been pretty bad as of late.
If he is hurt, he needs to go on the DL. Phil Hughes can fill his spot in the rotation. Incentive-laden contract or not, Pettitte’s not doing the team any favors with putting the team in the hole each time if he’s hurt.
What do you think is wrong with Andy Pettitte? Leave us a comment!
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