Impressions of Yanks-Jays, 9/11

It was a rollicking game, to say the least!!

Phil Phranchise was shaky to begin with - had three walks in the first two innings alone. He managed to wriggle off the hook in the first. Two men got on in the second, but Melky gunned down a guy at third [on a force out!!!! Fielder's choice!! I still am amazed over that]. Then, Johnny D made a running, leaping fully stretched-out catch in left. Next play, Melky almost doubled a guy off second, but threw too hard and the ball went into the dugout. Two runs in during the inning.

Phil settled down after Gator came out to counsel him [we think it involved having him push off the rubber using his legs better]. He ended up going six, giving up those three walks but only striking out one! I felt his velocity was up a little over the last two games, and I saw some good movement [although watching TSN it was hard to tell!] Only one unearned run over those six.

Jorgie had scored from third on a passed ball and later added a solo HR, Yanks were up 4-2 and loaded the bases when Jason Giambi blasted one out to LCF. Man, it was great!! Hope he's back, as he had been dreadfully cold prior.

Edwar pitched the 7th and 8th, and had a totally effective changeup. Good, good stuff.

Ross Ohlendorf came in and made his big league debut. He was hitting 95, 96 on the gun and had good movement, too. Location wasn't perfect but he was probably a bit nervous or excited [although he looked calm].

Three rookies did all of our pitching!! Well-done, too :-)

Matsui is painful to watch right now - he is "stepping in the bucket" horribly and I think it is because of the knees. Maybe Joe should rest him for a couple of games; I don't feel it is a timing or feel issue, but a physical one.

Shelley Duncan has gone back to NY to be looked at, possible sports hernia from the hard slide the other night. I'd suggest Jason to DH, Betemit to start at 1B with Minky in late for D, unless against a lefty [I'd start Minky as Bet just can't hit from the right side of the plate].

BTW, no home runs for Alex, although he DID manage TWO infield singles....weird!!!

Moose goes tonight, and even he has no idea how it will go, although he says his arm feels good. Joel Sherman of the Post will be on WCBS with John Sterling as Suzy Waldman has the night off.
Postscript. One more thing: we got nine runs on eleven hits on 9/11.....