June 16, 2006: N.Y. Yankees 7, Washington 5
I was hoping Bubba would start in this game. Yes, Bernie's hitting well, even from the left, but RFK is bloody 'uuuge. It just seemed like an awful lot of real estate for the Ghost of Bernie to cover.
But Bernie had such a hot night, any Yankees fan had to be glad he was in. He was en fuego at the plate: 4 for 5, with a double, a homer, and two RBI.
I was very happy for him. But I couldn't help noticing... what his bat giveth, his glove taketh away. He probably gave away two runs yesterday with his play in RF, which balanced those two RBI. :-/
Bernie's bat is hot right now, but it won't stay hot. His his defense is as cold as ever, and it's not going to heat up. It's a long season, and there will hopefully also be a post-season. With that in mind, it might be better to play Bubba more often in RF. That will rest Bernie, and keep Bubba from getting rusty. Bernie should be a DH or pinch-hitter, not the starting RFer.
Bubba did come in as a defensive replacement in the 9th inning, but didn't have to do anything. Didn't get to bat, and no fielding, either.
