Rich,
If we are down 2-1 in game 4, I have the entire staff at my disposal to avert a loss. Bruney for 2, Proctor for 2, Farns for 2, Mo for 2, and any combination of the others. With no history for Wang on three days rest, slam dunk that I’ve got him lined up as my Game 5 starter. I think Torre even made comments after the game that he didn’t think it was all that great of a move on his part. Moose goes 7 strong tonight in a winning effort and it’s all academic.

And maybe Wang was done. Could be as simple as that, he was done for the game.

If the Yankees are saving Wang for Game 4 in case they are down 2-1 in the series, then why even play games 2 and 3? That’s like expecting to lose, and I don’t see why anyone would think Wang is pitching Game 4, even if Johnson bombs in Game 3…you still have Wright and Lidle for games 3 and 4, which is what I would expect Torre to do…

#15, if we’re down 2-1 in game 4, who do you put on the mound?

I agree to an extent regarding the bullpen, but Myers needs to do his job in that situation. If he does, we don’t even see Proctor, or maybe we don’t see Farnsworth. Either way, it comes down to execution. Myers needs to be able to get big outs (Mauer, Morneau come to mind). I feel it was as good a situation as any to see what he’s made of. You’re right, Wang probably should have faced one more batter, but he didn’t have his easiest night. It’s game 1, he was probably overthrowing a bit, I think Joe made a gut call.

We all remember the night Wanger went 8 2/3 and gave up a walk-off 2-R jobber. Last night wasn’t that, but if he gives up a HR right there and then gets the hook, who knows how he feels about himself. Joe’s logic isn’t always great, but he took him out on a high note, and it didn’t come close to costing the team the game. Proctor needs to be able to get that first batter out, but he still only threw 9 pitches. I’m with you, but it’s hard to fault Joe when he’s managing for tomorrow.

I think it would be a mistake to bring back Wang for Game 4 (if, as the saying goes, needed). His success at Yankee Stadium suggests he’s got game 5 (if needed) locked up. I’d say a win tonight is going to just about nail the coffin shut. Don’t see Detroit having enough hitting, or back of the rotation pitching, to fight back from two games down. Pitch around Magglio. Don’t think there are too many other guys in that line up that have a good chance of beating us. Still, Leyland is a dangerous manager, just not enough horses there compared to the good guys. One other thing about bringing in Myers. My sense is that in a short series, you want to give the opponents hitters as few looks as necessary at your relievers. The same logic that says it was a no stress situation for Myers could also apply to Wang. Let him go one more…if he gives up a bases loaded dinger with two outs and no one on, no big deal. Now, a bunch of the Tigers got a good look at Scottie, Farns and Mo, and Myers confidence took a big hit. Farns better find the strike zone, or they’ll be walking to the plate without bats in their hands, looking for walks.

I had no problem with taking Wang out. He pitched a great game, but he was also pressing more often than not. Joe probably should have let him finish the inning, but we really need a guy like Myers to be able to get a lefty out in a big spot. Joe was probably testing the water. Proctor threw all of 9 pitches, and there’s a day off tomorrow, so it’s not that big of a deal. It’s not Jaret Wright tonight, it’s Moose. Let’s not forget we still have Bruney and Villone (if he can pitch) in the pen. Proctor probably pitches the part of an inning tonight, which is fine. I’d like to see Villone out there as well. Joe said Farns would pitch back to back nights as necessary.

The pen is fresh, let’s not get so worked up about things. Just think, if we need Wang in game 4 and he comes out and pitches a gem, Joe will be praised for “pulling him too early.” Just watch.

I think Farnsworth definitely got squeezed early on in the inning, there were maybe 2-3 pitches from watching on tv that looked like they could have been strikes…also FOX didn’t really give a good replay of that Polanco double because if it hit the line, it BARELY hit the line, I would have liked to see another replay of that…

Torre shouldn’t have taken out Wang, I dont care about the lefty-lefty matchup or if Torre wants to bring him back for Game 4…there were 2 outs and he only had thrown 93 pitches, if he left him in, he would have thrown 10 more pitches max to Granderson, who is also a free swinger and might have swung at the first pitch and gotten out…but I would have let him pitch then maybe pull him if Granderson got on base..

I was happy to see Tanyon in there. As much as his dopey blank stare and cruddy performances annoyed me, I think a journeyman like him really appreciated and enjoyed his time as a mini go-to guy in 2004 and 2005 and it made me happy to think that he was able to enjoy a bit of success in the game he grew up loving. It’s probably hard for him to be sitting in the dugout, feeling a bit left out but I hope the team gives him a ring if the Yanks end up winning the Series this year.

Also, I hope he’s able to get healthy for next year. All kidding aside, with Bruney, Farnsworth, Proctor, and a healthy Sturtze, that’s as deep and as hard-throwing a bullpen as anyone could want or imagine. Throw Myers and another lefty into the mix and the Yanks would have a phenomenal bullpen that Torre could mismanage in 2007.

PS – I love Patrick Ewing. He was the most unfairly-treated NY athlete before ARod. The two of them could probably talk and have some common experiences to share.

RE: The Damon chance. On live TV it also looked as though he had a chance and mistimed it but after they showed the replay (different angle) leading into a commercial there was no chance he could have gotten it.

Re: Sturtze; it’s a big dugout, maybe Pavano was there, just not able to get in a camera shot.

Re: Ewing; I guess facing Randy Johnson, or Eric Hillman will be the closest you can get to answering that question (:

I was just as suprised as everyone to see Torre take Wang out. Didn’t think it was necessary either.

::A-Rod has to be shaking his head after watching DJ make another “How To Become a Beloved Yankee” documentary video last night.:: Cameras showed him to be one of the first guys on the steps clapping.