The series didn't go as the Yankees hoped, but they averted a complete meltdown by beating the Red Sox 3-2, courtesy of Jason Giambi and Mike Mussina. Mussina got a no-decision, allowing two earned runs in seven innings. Giambi was not in the starting lineup, but hit a game-tying pinch-hit two-run homer off Hideki Okajima. He won the game with a walkoff bases-loaded RBI single off Jonathan Papelbon.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Giambi's pinch-hit home run: "You're looking for him to pop one out of the ballpark. That's what you're looking for."
Giambi himself said: "We've been stale. We needed something to jump-start us. We've got a pulse."
Alex Rodriguez said: "We're taking it one day at a time. You really don't want to think too much big-picture."
So the Yankees are six games out in the wild card race. That's a lot, but clearly not as insurmountable as eight. Still, the Red Sox weren't exactly yukking it up afterwards, given that they had just scratched Josh Beckett from his start tomorrow due to continued elbow numbness. In fact, Beckett is going to see Dr. James Andrews.
Last game between Yankees and Red Sox at the current Yankee Stadium. Will it go down as a classic? Mussina had an introspective view on that one, saying it might depend what they do down the stretch. If the Yankees get back in it and make the postseason, this game could be viewed as a jump-start. If not, it might be forgotten.
Comments (6)
I was able to watch Jason's heroics in the seventh and ninth inning. He's a good guy to the fans and tries his best on the field. But, I cannot see the yankees taking his option.
The Yankees must go in a different direction and get younger with a true first baseman at the position if possible. If they get Tex.or Posada can't catch will determine the moves the Yankees will make but one thing is certain. Kennedy, Hughes and Joba have to pitch this September if healthy. The Yanks must find out if there thoughts on Hughes and Kennedy warrant more experiment.
I for one find it strange that Hughes is not back up unless he can't get by AAA lineups than we're in real trouble with our duo of three.
Yanks need pitching besides issue with Cf, RF, catching and first base. It will be a wild hot stove and winter meetings. I doubt Cashman if he's around will state we're OK with this guy or that guy at a position. This card has been played and played poorly.
I agree. I say if Hughes is ready, bring him on up and let him get some more major league innings under his belt.
And I really do like Giambi, but unless he's going to take a major pay cut, I don't see a real need for him here. Texiera on the other hand...
Josh Beckett + Dr. Andrews = soiled undies in RSN
I agree with Larry.
If Hughes and Kennedy aren't ready to pitch in the major leagues the sooner the Yankees find out the better. No point in kidding yourself.
Jim A,
Beckett or no Beckett this team is still going all the way. The only soiled undies are yours for the lost 2008 season you just had while you wasted your time following your sub-par .500 team in the Bronx!
Halliday and Burnett will have you at 12.5 by Sunday night and then it's off on the "road to 20 games out!" (Didn't Bing and Bob sing about that one?)
Yesterday's game was a present so you wouldn't kill yourself today!
Your welecome. Don't say we never gave you anything!
Uh....Tooth,
I have news for you, the Yanks ain't going to the playoffs is right, but your boys aren't going very far in the playoffs- yep, you heard it hear first.
I am not losing any sleep over the Yanks season and as I've said time and time again on these very pages, this was a transition year for the team and I'll take one bad season every 13 or so, wouldn't you there Molar man?
Now go brush yourself......