On the Yankees beat

Believe it or not, that's a good thing. That's what, 3 or 4 starts?
Those few games will have little bearing on the race but the time off will make him stronger for the playoffs.
These are the little things that can make a difference in the postseason.

The Yankees better hope Mussina's time on the DL helps him recover because hamstring injuries are tricky and can linger...as for Ponson, he along with Jose Lima are the "mulligans" of baseball.

Forget Ponson, we didn't pay anything to get him (imagine how dumb the Yankees would've looked had they did though).

So that was no harm, no foul as far as he was concern.

Let's move on.
Win the last two against Seattle and take two from the halos?

Mussina on the DL could be a good thing. At 37 he needs the rest for his injury and the arm. Give the young pitchers some playing time. Its better than having the has beens pitch for us especially from what we have seen. The younger guys will grow from their experiences. And as long as they keep us in the game, why not.

I see no point in bringing up Hughes based on the Mariners 20 yr. old Hernandez. It could be very detremental to his development if it includes outings like last night. The kid was hit and wild and look bewildered.

Good thing we are 7 up in the loss column, or the Yanks would be forced to keep Mussina in the rotation and risk further injury. Hughes should be a September 1 call up, and used for a batter or 2 if a "blow out" should occur. Give him a taste of life in the "bigs," without damaging his confidence at this stage in his career.

To Roy: As far as Hughes, a taste of the bigs is fine. If he is our star of the near future than let him enjoy until the time is right.

Hughes is too raw yet. Bring Pavano around for a couple of spot starts and see what he's got. If he has regained his old form, we benefit and if he bombs then we know what to do with him over the winter. He make look real good. Torre says so, and he doesnt gush about a guy like Pavano unless he is showing something. He lost his velocity and movement when he hurt his arm, and now he may have them back. A strong, rested Pavano with movement would be huge. I know nobody wants to see him suceed and thinks he's a bum, yet if he rips off three straight and goes deep innings I think he will be forgiven enough to gain a spot on the playoff roster. Go six man rotation in September when we have a softer schedule and be reaarmed for October! Maybe then we can reclaim what is rightfully ours!

Andy, I would love to see Pavano succeed just as BC expectations. He would be one less issue for next year's rotation.

I saw Brian Bruney pitch for the first time today against the Angels and I'm impressed.

Sure, he gave up a solo HR but he looked like he had good command of his pitches and was often around the plate, always a good trait for a reliever.

The Yankees should give him more opportunities so we can see what he can do.

Certainly can't be any worst than the other stiffs out there in their pen.

Well, apparently the 16 man bullpen that can only go 1 inning at a time and then needs 4 days rest can't seem to get it done. Maybe we should go with a 6, or even 7, man rotation? Then maybe the starters would be rested and could go 8 innings. How do all the other MLB teams get by with 10 and 11 man staffs??? It mystifies me.

I just had a great idea. Why don't the Yankees get a knuckleball pitcher for the staff (or even a college girls fastpitch pitcher)? Either one could pitch everyday for several innings with no drawbacks. Then the rest of the pitchers would be well rested for when they are called upon.