Pitching's been the problem for the Yankees, who sport an ungainly 5.50 ERA and the highest team WHIP in the American League. The bullpen has been a real problem area after being such a significant strength for so many years, and the rotation has been middling (Pavano, Mussina, Unit) to brutal (Brown, Wright).
After the magnificent game that Craig captured so eloquently in today's Game Report, are the Jays due for a letdown? Will they face a post-road-trip malaise game? Not with the Bronx Bombers in town.
On to the Advance Scout!Some folks yesterday suggested that the Jays' relief staff could use a bit of the pixie dust, so here's Jason Frasor:
Here's Vernon Wells, tensing up as the pitch comes in:
Another 3 of 4 for the Blue Jay farm as starting pitching (mostly) rules the day.
Some random facts on the game:
"No, it's the Internet."
-- Field of Names, movie release TBD
You may have heard, there's a little election going on over in Rome. I'm not quite sure if the final Pope candidate debates have been scheduled for CNN or not, or if the various people running for Pope are ...
Here he is on April 9th, taking David Wells deep:
The Red Sox have come alive, winning their last four over the Yankees and D-Rays. What's worrisome in scouting the Bosox is that they are winning with three key hitters -- Millar, Manny and Mueller -- who are not swinging the bat anywhere near their expected level. The rest of the lineup is rounding into the patient and powerful form that makes the Boston batting order so dangerous. Let's see how accurate my scouting reports prove to be for some of these batsmen.
Now's the time to get to Curt Schilling, who will only get stronger once his fastball starts moving today. The good news is that a razor-sharp Doc gets the ball against Bronson Arroyo in a more favourable matchup in the finale of this mini-series.
On to the Advance Scout!
Only one win on the farm, as the bats are unable to take advantage of good pitching. Keep reading for bonus, and double bonus coverage.
Jay’s Ehs maintain narrow leads over Pistol Nine.
Baseball North announces presence with authority.