Two Out Of Three, The Hard Way (Of Course)

Caution: Keep Hands And Feet Inside Car While Ride Is In Motion.

After Thursday's shocking loss, I honestly was caught by surprise by the lackluster effort Friday night. This team keeps sucking me in like this -- making me think they've turned some corner, then wrenching me back to reality with a game like Friday night's.

It is going to be a roller coaster ride with this bunch of Yankees this year, and where it ends up is anyone's guess.

But there was one wonderful moment Friday night, and one subtle blown opportunity by Torre to take even more of the sting out.

Late in Friday's lopsided loss, Shelley Duncan got his first major league hit, and as is customary, they take the ball out of play to save for the kid. Always a nice moment, and I felt good for Duncan after striking out in his first two at bats and looking pretty bad and overwhelmed in the process.

The next batter up, Damon, gets a hit to break an 0-for-20-something skid, and, with brilliant comedic sense, calls for the ball!!!!!

I was laughing my head off . . . Damon's move was perfect.

Now, because Torre had earlier put the DH into play a position, our pitcher had to bat, and Ron Villone's spot was up next.

This is where Torre missed his chance: Let Villone bat. We weren't scoring 10 runs to come back and tie the game -- carry the laughs from Damon's calling for the ball forward. Give the guys on the bench something to laugh about, watching Villone trying to make contact against major league pitching.

Am I Psychic, Or What?

During the first game yesterday, with the Yankees down 2-0 and looking pretty blah, A-Rod walked. I told iris, "that was the turning point. Not just of this game but of the whole season."

The next pitch Matsui jerks into the stands to tie the game. Since I said that to iris we've scored 24 runs.

I scare myself sometimes.

Breaking News.

Yanks acquire Molina from Angels for minor-league pitcher. Not earth-shaking but for someone who's going to play once a week it's fine, and Molina is a significant upgrade from Will Nieves.

Breaking News, Part 2.

Will Nieves traded for two fungo bats. The fungo bats are reportedly extremely upset.