Random Thoughts-Game 40

-What a difference a week makes, huh? Where are all the bozos calling for Girardi’s job? How did he go from an overmanaging, uptight idiot who couldn’t handle his bullpen to a genius in one week? Answer-CC got on track and A-Rod came back. Remember that the next time somebody says “Injuries are no excuse” as if there’s no difference between Cody Ransom and Alex Rodriguez. I just wish there was some way to pull up the gate on this bandwagon. Some ‘fans’ don’t deserve to be along for the ride.

-As hot as the Yanks are right now, there’s still room for improvement. Pettitte has had nothing his last few starts, AJ is still getting back on track and Joba appears to just be figuring out his 1st inning issues. The bullpen can only get better with Bruney’s return. A-Rod has provided enormous power in very few AB’s, but still sports a .189 batting avg.

-Great piece on Austin Jackson. He’s making the necessary adjustments to compete and thrive at an advanced level.  The lack of power is meaningless, that will come as he settles in. I was a doubter after his last year in AA, but he’s making me a convert. (h/t Mike A of RAB)

-I thought I was going out on a limb with my Hughes to the bullpen post, but there are apparently more voices echoing the same sentiment. I would still do it, I don’t buy the development argument and think his progress as a starter would be better served working in the bullpen at the big league level. It’s learning to walk before you run. But if they don’t do it, its most likely because making him work in short stints out of the bullpen would mean they would lose him as a starting option if someone else gets hurt or if Wang is still ineffective upon his return. The only way around that would be to have him work and prepare as a long man, and in that case you might as well just send him to Scranton since you’re not getting much use out of him.

-Apparently Bobby Valentine will be looking for work soon. Hope he lands on his feet somewhere (else) in the bigs. I’ve always liked Bobby, he’s smart as hell and often gets a lot out of very little talent. A small market club with a young roster would do very well for themselves to hire him. Seattle comes to mind as a good fit.