Darrel Rasner was having minor control issues and walked 5 batters last night. Fortunately, he only gave up 3 hits and 2 runs. The usually steady Edwar Ramires came in and pitched a beautiful 6th inning, then proceeded to give up 2 home runs in the 7th. Kyle Farnsworth likewise gave up a homer in the eighth.
The good news was that the Yankee offense was swinging away and getting the job done. Damon went 3 for 5, A-rod went 3 for 4, and even the oft-maligned Wilson Betemit went 3 for 4.
The Yankees signed Sidney Ponson yesterday and will have him available as another option in the starting rotation. We'll have to wait and see what Geise does and keep a close eye on Rasner. If either one of these guys doesn't produce results, Ponson will bet a quick start. I don't have any early predictions of how Ponson is going to do in NY. He was pretty horrid the last time he visited, but has had a decent year in Texas so far. The exact issues that caused him to be released haven't been made public yet, but appear to be related to behavior. I think there's really no way to know what's going to happen if he gets a start in NY - which Ponson will show up. I hope it's the one with the lower ERA.
With Boston winning, the Yankees weren't able to close any ground, but they are tied for 2nd in the wild card race. Despite injury after injury, Boston keeps coming up with more and more starting pitching. Jon Lester has emerged as one of their best, and Justin Masterson has been doing well since he was called up and looks very promising for the future. The Tampa Bay Rays have been working the Cubs over pretty well the last few days, just beating Chicago in hard fought games that can take their toll on the losing team.
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