All Things Bubba: Avoiding the Sweep

Sunday, August 27, 2006

August 27, 2006: N.Y. Yankees 11, L.A. Angels 8

I gotta hand it to those pesky Angels. They never give up. Even down 4-11, they played to win...and almost pulled it out yet again. Joe Torre was forced to empty the bullpen to preserve the victory. (Jeff Karstens' first in the big leagues.)

I really hope the Angels don't make the playoffs, because I don't want to see them again. They're our nemesis. Though part of me wants Bubba to get another chance at them, most of me would be very happy to see the last of them.

Bernie had an amazing day, at least at the plate: 4 for 5 with a double and a homer, with 2 runs scored and 6 RBI. Wow. Too bad it didn't happen in Yankee Stadium. The fans would have gone absolutely crazy.

He was pretty awful in left field, but today, at least, his bat did make up for his glove.

As for why he was in left field...Melky is having dental problems. He's in a lot of pain, and they were planning to bench him today and possibly Tuesday, too. He needs a root canal. But Joe ended up putting him in as a LIDR. (Gee, Joe. Wouldn't it be nice to have a backup outfielder who's actually a defensive upgrade??)

Johnny Damon was also sick today. Not sure what the problem is, but he was dragging, and later admitted that he was afraid he was going to throw up during the game.

Only a few days until rosters expand. Will Bubba be a September call up? They certainly need a backup outfielder and pinch-runner. OTOH, there are a lot of other considerations when it comes to the 40-man roster. Kevin Thompson might have the inside track, just because he's already on it. I hope they go with Bubba, though. He's better on defense and a better baserunner. And he's earned it, dammit.

posted by BubbaFan, 9:56 PM

3 Comments:

They need to put him back on the 40-man before September 1; otherwise, he won't be eligibile for the postseason even if the Yankees elect to go with one less pitcher and one more position player (which is usually what they tend to do in the ALDS).

The Yankees are going way overboard with this notion of the only way to win it all is with a team comprised entirely of All-Stars. Their current 25-man roster just isn't going to cut it come postseason time. They had much better chemistry back when they had a few All-Stars, thrown in with a bunch of guys who really wanted to win: Tino, Brosius, Shance Spencer (remember him?)...

Bubba was an exciting player when he first made the club a few years ago. Right now, the Yankees could use a spark for a team that has been flat for the most part.

Trade A-rod back for Soriano. He was a cool Yankee. Trade Abreu back for prospects. Take oft' injured Johnny's $$ back, and use it for a few YOUNG pitchers. Let Sheff and his egotistical ALCS comments about the Red Sox (which probably cost them the Series) just disappear and/or retire. Here could have been the Yankees exciting, less expensive, 2006 lineup:

3B Soriano
SS Jeter
2B Cano
LF Matsui
C Posada
DH Williams
RF Cabrera
1B Sardinha
CF Crosby

They could put Kevin Reese on the 60-day DL to clear room on the roster for Bubba. Reese collided with Russ Johnson in the outfield and had to have season-ending surgery.

The question is whether they want to use that slot to help them win this year, or to protect some prospect for the future. I imagine they'll wait until the last minute to decide.