On the Yankees beat

Karstens should be releived he's been waiting around for the last week just in case. I hope Seattle doesn't decide to get off their backs. I assume a letdown may occur and we could have a rough outing for his debut. I have read so many accounts of last nights game and nobody seems to question Francona? Was I the only one watching? If I am making too much of the move let me know, yet I still think it was one of the worst mangerial moves I have ever witnessed.

Pinch runner for Ortiz, the Red Sox are not that deep in hitting. I would not take my best clutch hitter out of the lineup. Now, I'm down to one, Manny. Just my thoughts on the situation. How aboput Joe having four relief pitchers in the top 10 of innings pitched. Will their arms have anything left for the playoffs. We went through this in 2004 remember. Joe has to spread it a little more. I can't believe Vallone and Proctor. I know there are 5 other relief pitchers

Is it me or did Papelbon not get a Blown Save last night? Is there a specific reason why?

Totally agree-I hope Joe is a little more cautious w/ the bullpen as he is being w/ Mussina. It seems Proctor and Villone pitch in every game. If he doesn't trust anyone else, better to pitch them longer in a game and then rest 'em for the next one instead of having those guys in the bullpen pitch an inning each. Maybe Dotel helps-Veras wasn't bad,either.
Overall, Torre has done a magnificent job.

This Yankee team showed what they're made of. Grit, determination, and smart baseball. They also exposed Boston's weaknesses for what they were.
Regardless, this is the only the start. If they can clinch at the right time, they can look at past recent mistakes and pace the bullpen so it's rested enough for the playoffs. Joe Torre knows this and will pay attention to innings pitched. Guys like Posada, Giambi, Jetes, Damon, and A-Rod will be spot rested. It's time for the final charge.

A little something that I haven't seen in all the post Sox-sweep hootin' and hollering -- while the division is far from being "officially" sealed, the Yankees have already accomplished something that took them until the next-to-last day of last season to reach. They've won the season series with the Sox, getting their 10th victory over Boston with the win on Monday. Just another small point in the Yanks' favor right now.

The Yanks look good right now and they were solid in hostile territory. For the most part, they got the big hit when they needed it and showed patience at the plate in order to get pitch counts up. I still don't know what's wrong with A-Rod! Maybe his participation in that stupid World Baseball Classic was too much for him. I thought that Francona made a bad move in game 4 when he put Timlin in to start the 8th. He hasn't been pitching good and I would have gone with a rested Paplebon to get the win.
Now the big test. Can we finally beat Anaheim? They bother me more than Boston does.

We still have 39 games to go which is more than enough to be concerned about but Joe must employ rest days for the starting pitching. All starters look like a rest would do them well. If karstens can get it done with4 and 5 days rest. He might be a consideration for next year.

This is probably a showcase start for Karstens. I dont think he figures in the rotation for next year or any year unless he rips off 7 or 8 wins like Weaver. The Yankees will get top flight starters for next season believe me. I dont think they will let Moose go and Randy wants a shot at 300. Lidle will be back, Wang and Pavano and Hughes will be lurking, yet I think a top two arm will be purchased over the winter. I still think they should make a run at Willis and Cabrera from the Marlins payroll before someone else does. Cabrera can DH and play third making either Sheffield or Giambi and Melky available to somebody with enough prospects to entice the Marlins.

To: Andy, Knowing the Yankees, they will be able to pick and choose from FA signings this winter. They have once again reenforced that winning now is the thing. With the outfield positioned as Matsui, Damon and Abreu. Melky is a necessary part for quality rest. Pitching RJ is signed, Mussina will have his option picked, Wang of course, Pavano if healthy will be given as much of an opportunity to make it. Lidle and Wright are suspect because if the Yanks can get a good #2 arm or better than one of the two suspects will pitch for the SP position and the other in long relief. Cabrera only if Giambi is gone and his salary is way up there plus 34+ of age. We will not have alot of needs except for pitching especially relief. We may stay pat unless the guy of the century comes along. If, we don't bring a ring home this year with this lineup than all bets are off.

Watching the game right now -- why is Karstens wearing his hat like a jail thug?

Chacon did that too. Made me nuts.

No goatees, no beards, but street-corner hats?

Judging from your name, why are you complaining?
You should be happy with their "thug-ness."