Wang Still Perfect
Chien-Ming Wang is still undefeated in 2008 and the Yankees won a game for the first time since Tuesday when they had that infield single rally against Cleveland.
Remember when Melky Cabrera was almost dealt to Minnesota in the off-season or how Mike Francesa constantly bashed the center fielder all last season saying he will never be a true Major League outfielder? Well where would this team be without the Melk Man?
The Yankees were able to get the big hits once again, but this time the pitching actually held up. It was the third night in a row they took the lead in the first inning and only the first time they actually kept that lead for the remainder of the game.
I don’t want to get too excited over this win even though it stopped a three-game skid, but the Yankees are going to have to go on one of those 11 of 12 tears to start showing they mean business and aren’t joking around like 2007. It wasn’t until June last season when they began to climb out of their black hole when they beat up on the NL in interleague play. Hopefully this time it will come quicker with still 14 of the next 18 in the Bronx.
Robinson Cano is a big part of the what the Yankees need to do over the next few weeks. Without A-Rod and Jorge Posada and without Wang starting every game, Cano needs to be Cano and start spraying the ball and being the future No. 3 hitter everyone predicts him to be. Cano hit .151 in April and is already hitting .250 in May (even if it just 1 for 4). Starting tomorrow I think Cano will begin to right this ship.
Mike Mussina has his work cut out for him tomorrow going against Felix Hernandez and the first inning will make or break the Moose, actually the first batter. If he can keep Ichiro off base to leadoff the game, it will make a big difference. Think that is crazy? Putting Ichiro on as you saw tonight instantly becomes the equivalent to an extra base hit as he will produce a run all by himself without anyone else on the Mariners reaching base safely. I think the Moose can handle the M’s tomorrow and he shouldn’t expect much run support with King Felix going for Seattle.
