Lipstick On A Pig: The 2007 Yankees

Free Runs Cost.

The Yankees' recent string of scoring a lot of runs masks the essential flaws of this team, flaws that were prominently on display Thursday and Friday nights.

Each night, the Yankees failed to get two 'free runs," that is, a man on second with no outs or a man on third with one or no outs. Runs that you can get without getting any more hits.

Thursday it doesn't look important because the final score was 7-0. But that was a 4-0 game most of the way, and 4-2, which it should have been, is much different psychologically than 4-0.

Last night of course the two free runs not gotten were the difference in the game.

Note that this has nothing to do with the team's 1-18 with RISP or whatever it is the past two nights. These were four runs we missed out simply by not making the right kind of outs.

This team has been horrible at this all year. The recent run-scoring outbursts against Tampa and KC (coincidence? unlikely) masked how poorly this team does with situational hitting, how ridiculously streaky they are, and how vulnerable the bullpen is.

Jeter, Cano, and Posada all had horrendous at bats in big spots last night (Jeter more than one).

Please Make That Deal -- We'll Throw In Airfare.

Rumor has it that the Tigers are interested in re-acquiring Kyle Farnsworth. Brian, make this deal NOW before Detroit comes to their senses. The arm isn't enough, as impressive as it can be. Farnsworth's fastball is straight, making it hittable at any speed, and he simply doesn't have the feel for pitching effectively in the late innings. He's a crummy teammate and a meltdown waiting to happen.

Hillenbrand Signs With San Diego -- Whew!

Shea Hillenbrand signed a minor league deal with San Diego, thankfully making it impossible for the Yankees to acquire him. As I've written before, offense at first base is not this team's problem -- Andy Phillips is more than good enough for the rest of this season. He plays a great first base and gets some big hits.

I Don't Make Idle Threats, But . . .

Rumor has it that Jason Giambi is close to returning to the lineup. If Giambi's return costs Melky an every day spot, I will have to seriously consider investing in a Mets' jersey. For whatever reason Torre doesn't like Melky too much -- I guess being a huge part of saving last year's season wasn't enough for Joe -- and it won't surprise Me at all if Giambi DHs, and Johnny Damon and his .240 average go back into the outfield until Damon literally drops, since he won't ever go on the DL and heaven forbid Torre ever overrules one of his veterans.

By then it won't matter anyway. We'll be well and truly out of it. Hmmm . . . Wright or Beltran, for the jersey, do you think?

I Think My Clicker Is Broken!

Did Mariano throw 72 pitches in the ninth inning of the suspended game last night or did it just seem that way? Amazing how Torre knew he wouldn't need Mariano in the regular game. The man's a genius, I tell you!