Tuesday, April 04, 2006

1 Down, 161 to go

Well, certainly nothing to complain about in Yankee-land after Game 1 of 162. The bats erupted. Randy was more than good enough. The Yankees typically hit Zito fairly well but last night Barry was obviously not himself. The only good thing about a 47.25 ERA is that is goes down really quickly.

Tonight's another story, and maybe a big story all year. Mike Mussina seems to be a very old 37. And while on paper the Yankees went into the season with "seven" starters, if Carl (Ouch!) Pavano can't get/stay healthy, and the league figures out Aaron Small, Mussina being ineffective/injured leaves us a starter short. Toss in Wang's surgically-repaired shoulder, Wright's inability to dodge flying objects directed towards the mound, and Randy's age, and things potentially could get very tricky this summer.

But I worry too much. It could all work out.

Remarkable restraint by Randy last night. Three Yankee batters were hit in a blowout game and Randy came close to a few people but didn't drill anyone. Kudos to the home plate ump for not warning the benches, preserving Randy's "free shot." None of the three HBPs were intentional. Oakland's pitchers were clearly in "get this over with" mode after Zito's early exit and Searloos' arsonoist routine.

Digital cable folks: MLB Extra Innings is free on digital cable for the first week of the season. Sometimes when you can't sleep, that KC-Seattle game works wonders.

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