When we are consistently losing games on defense, is it really so bad to put our best outfielder at any position in the field? I tend not to give defense a whole lot of credit over offense, because the difference between a good defender and a league average defender isn’t generally a whole lot. In this case, however, we don’t have league average defenders. Matsui is out, Sheff is out, Bernie wouldn’t play OF at any level above single-A where Joe Torre wasn’t the manager. Bubba should be out there every day. He’s not that awful offensively anyway. He’s putting up an OPS over .700 (.355/.370) which isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s good enough in this lineup.

Bernie should never be in the field again, no matter what he hits.

The Cairo at first thing is indefensible. So to speak.

We do need to bring at least one of Thompson or Reese up. I suspect Melky could cut it in right if he was given a chance, but in any case, we still need at least one backup.

On the positive side, we came close to winning the game, despite Sheff being out, Matsui going down in the first, and the gross managerial incomptence. Anyone else think RSN is spiking the green tea?

I just checked, Bernie went 3 for 5 on May 3rd against TB. Take that out of his May stats and he’s not doing all that well.

How many PA does Bernie have in May?

At this point, I’m not sure what makes Melky and Thompson not easy outs. Bernie’s hitting .355 in May.

It wasn’t a good throw but, for chrissake, Andy Phillips or even Giambi would have made that tag play. And brock and Jeremy, this Cairo stuff is definitely not cute (playing people out of position especially when there are perfectly adequate alternatives). Wild thought but we could probably pick up Jose Guillen from the Nats (Bowden’s stupid enough to accept Colter Bean and Carlos Pena in return). Alright, I’m exaggerating. Guillen wouldn’t be as bad an idea as Mondesi was and Torre’s alleged strong suit is dealing with “problem” types.

There will be some interesting things to watch after this game, re: Torre.

He instantly loses trust with his relief pitchers if they don’t work magic every time he uses them. Is this finally the last straw with Sturtze? Does he finally get cut? And does he finally trust Farnsworth, who struck out Papi and Manny?

And does he continue to stick Bernie in right, even though his play — coupled with a bad throw by Jeter — lost the game?

I still don’t get how guys like Alex Gonzalez and then Harris are getting big hits. Anyone else starting to get worried about Mo?
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From time to time, it happens. That was a nice pitch that Harris hit, gotta give him credit for that.

I’m not worried about Mo. It happens.

So many Yankees looked like they were playing hung over tonight. (And, for what it’s worth, I don’t believe what Giambi said to Kay – when asked why he showed up at the park in the same clothes as yesterday. Superstitious? Yeah, sure. Sounds more like a “I hit a HR against the Red Sox” night out on the town.)
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Who cares? It was a NIGHT GAME. You may have something of a point if it were a day game.

I haven’t kept up with transactions, but is Phillips hurt? Released?

The reason the Yankees are bringing up Kevin Reese is because they plan to play Bubba every day. Obviously the guy brought up is going to sit on the bench and come in as a defensive replacement.

MJ, I’m not questioning Sheffield. Unlike others, I think Sheff has the right to take his time, not play hurt, and not take a cortisone shot in his wrist. I simply meant, Matsui AND Sheff being out of the lineup really shortens it, we’ll score a lot less runs, I sure HOPE Sheffield gets back soon. I’m not questioning Sheff. He played hurt last year and he’s a man in my book.

I also think the same thing of Pavano, though. He was hurt last year and to start this year, and though everyone comes up with this nonsense that he’s “scared” and that he doesn’t want to play, I think it’s bullshit. He has an injury history and when a pitcher doesn’t feel right, the best thing to do is to get healthy. Plus he played injured last year and it was a complete disaster.

Bailey, I don’t mean to single you out so please don’t take offense but I find it ironic that you can say “I hope this inspires Sheff to get his ass back here sooner” when you’re also the biggest Pavano apologist on this website. Sheffield will come back when he’s healthy, of that I have no doubt. It’s Pavano, whose motivation and talent, I worry about.