Many Yankees fans are pumped this morning over the news that Ian Kennedy came within one out last night of pitching a seven-inning no-hitter down in Triple-A.

Just one note to consider on this: Kennedy was pitching against the Richmond Braves – and they have the worst team offense in the International League (at this moment).

Right now, the R-Braves have a team OPS of .677 – which is dead last in the I.L. (and 12 points below the next worst team). As a team, Richmond has scored 389 runs, to date, this year. That’s last in the league. In fact, the Braves are the only team in the I.L. not to score at least 400 runs yet. (And, most teams in the I.L. have scored between 440 and 500 runs this season.)

Granted, some of the batters that Kennedy faced (against Richmond) last night have big league experience (like Jason Phillips and Scott Thorman). But, on the whole, I don’t think you can look at Ian’s performance last night and say that it means he is at a point where he’s ready to face major league hitters again.