Most of the Yankees offense was heated up this Labor Day afternoon. Pitching, however, was rather cool. Sidney Ponson gave up 7 runs in 3.0 innings, placing him solidly in the company of other great Yankee starters this season including Ian Kennedy, Phil Hughes and Kei Igawa. Edwar Ramirez boosted his ERA by allowing 2 runs in 1.1 innings of work while Brian "broken foot" Bruney got the win by throwing 1.2 innings with only 1 hit. Coke, Marte and Britton were likewise effective in cleaning up Ponson and Ramirez's mess.
Cano and Giambi continue to struggle at the plate. Giambi won't be back next year but Cano remains an enigma. Coke was the only pitcher brought up with the expanded rosters and it looks like the Yankees are going to let Kennedy and Hughes continue to develop the rest of the season in the minors. Hughes reportedly will be joining the Arizona fall league. This is probably a good idea for both youngsters, if they can truly apply themselves and work on becoming better pitchers.
There's a difference between beating guys in the minors, and using time in the minors to develop your pitches and improve yourself. Hopefully Ike and Phil are doing more of the latter.
It's only September 1st, and I love baseball, but as a Yankee fan this season cannot end soon enough. Ugh.
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