Pen Problems

Losing the Stadium Opener to the Indians 10-2 Thursday was bad enough, but ultimately, that one game won't make or break the new Yankee Stadium.

The bigger issue was the bullpen, or more specifically, Jose Veras and Damaso Marte. The two combined to give new meaning to The Bronx is Burning, setting fire to the seventh inning by allowing nine runs on two walks and five hits, including Grady Sizemore's grand slam.

Joe Girardi called on Veras to start the seventh and deliver the ball to Brian Bruney in the eight. But Veras started by walking Mark DeRosa, who is hitting a robust .179. After back-to-back doubles, Veras was sent to the showers in favor of Marte, who proceeded to pour gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane, hydrogen, jet fuel and acetone onto the raging inferno. He completed the inning allowing six runs on one walk and three hits, including Sizemore's slam and a long homer to Victor Martinez that was last seen exiting the Major Deegan Expressway and heading for the George Washington Bridge.

Bruney has solidified the eighth, but the Yankees can't count on their starters giving them seven innings every time out. There will be times the starters can't even go six. This was one of those times.

CC Sabathia wasn't great, but he was by no means terrible, throwing an inefficient 122 pitches in 5-2/3 innings. He allowed one run on five hits and five walks and struck out four. He left the game with a runner on first and the score tied at 1. Edwar Ramirez gave up two ground balls, one a throwing error on Cody Ransom and the other an infield single. We'll call that tough luck for Ramirez. Phil Coke got Sizemore to fly to left to end the inning and the Yankees were in the game.

That when it all blew up.

Veras has had some very good stretches, but when he isn't sharp, he's awful. It's tough to rely on a guy who can't get outs when he doesn't have his best stuff. As for Marte, the Yankees have to figure out how to use him effectively. So far it appears he can't get righthanders out and he can't get outs when he enters the game with runners on. That pretty much limits his use to facing lefties with no one on ... and that's quite limited.

The Yankees need someone to get outs in the sixth and seventh innings. If Veras and Marte can't be reliable, GM Brian Cashman will have to make changes. Joe Girardi will have to try some unproven guys in the seventh including Coke, Ramirez and David Robertson, who was the most effective reliever Thursday, pitching two scoreless. Cashman should even consider calling up Alfredo Aceves and Mark Melancon.

Joba Chamberlain will end up in the bullpen by mid-August because of his 150 innings limit, but until then, the Yankees need to find some bullpen answers and they need them quick.

The Good
There wasn't a lot. Robinson Cano went 3-for-4 with an RBI, getting the Yankees' only hit with a runner in scoring position. He's hitting .421. Jorge Posada went 1-for-4, hitting the first home run in the new Yankee Stadium, a shot to dead center. Nick Swisher also picked up another hit.

The Bad
The Yankees had plenty of runners, but went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position. Every team goes through games such as this. It wouldn't be concerning except for Xavier Nady's injury. Without Nady, the lineup will be light on the right-handed hitting until A-Rod returns. Speaking of Nady, he was scheduled for another X-ray and CT scan. Nady and the Yanks are hoping the ligament in that elbow is not completely torn and that Nady might be able to return. He was placed on the 15-day DL and Robertson was recalled. Also Mark Teixeira, who went 0-for-2 to drop his average to .160, got a cortisone shot in his wrist. Ransom went 0-for-5 and just can't seem to get it going. If doesn't start hitting, it may end up costing him his roster spot when A-Rod returns.

What We Learned
The Yankees have a pressing problem with their middle relief that they'll be able to hide for stretches. That problem still will rear its ugly head from time to time and cost the Yankees games until they get it fixed. And with Joba starting today, the Yankees have to be concerned.

Runners On Third With Less Than Two Outs
Wednesday
1 Opportunity
0-for-1, GIDP
Season
16 Opportunities
2-for-12, 3B, BB, 3 SF, 10 R, 7 RBI, 1 K, 2 GIDP

Up Next
Today vs. Indians, 1:05 p.m., YES
Anthony Reyes (1-0, 6.00 ERA) vs. Chamberlain (0-0, 1.50)
The Yankees are hoping Joba can repeat Sunday's efficient performance and go at least six innings.