...and it's only the 2nd inning.
Update 6:36: CC left with
tightness in his biceps. However, Alfredo Aceves has been impressive. Through 2.2 innings he has given up one hit and has struck out 2 batters. Meanwhile, a Mark Teixeira RBI double and an Alex Rodriguez 2-run single gives the ill-fated* Yankees a 3-1 lead over the Marlins.
Update 6:41: Brett Tomko in for Aceves. Aceves outing was mentioned above.
Update 6:46: From Pete Abraham: "...Phil Hughes is now part of the bridge to Mo. Girardi said today they still consider him a starter long terms but they love the work he has done in the bullpen."
Hughes pitched a perfect 8th inning, with 2 strike outs, yesterday.
Update 6:48: Tomko's 5th: strikeout, single, strikeout, homer, fly out. Score tied at 3.
Update 6:54: I was thinking: I don't know if I like Hughes has 'part of the bridge to Mo.' If he's pitching an inning or two every two or three games, it's going to take awhile for him to get the arm strength back to start again (whether that's this year or next). On the other hand, he's been pretty damn good in the 'pen.
Update 6:56: Mr. Kate Hudson, Robinson Cano, and Jorge Posada go down 1-2-3.
Update 6:58: Here's the breakdown on the number of appearance for Yankee relievers (as well has my thoughts.):
(Doesn't include today's game)
Phil Coke - 31 Games - I'm thinking he's Girardi version of Scott Proctor, except Coke pitches pretty consistently.
Mariano Rivera - 27 - He's Mo...
Jose Veras - 25 - He had a lot of opportunities to prove himself, but most of the time didn't take advantage. Therefore, he was DFA'd.
Jonathan Albaladejo - 18 - Hmmm... don't really now what to say about Alba. Inconsistent?!
Alfredo Aceves - 16 - Mr. Reliable
Edwar Ramirez - 15 - Girardi & Co. was finally wise enough to send him packing to AAA for the time being. When he's good he's filthy but when he's bad, he's 110% awful. He should be able to works things out in Scranton.
David Robertson - 15 - Mr. Overlooked... Mr. He-hasn't-pitched-in-a-meaningful-game-but-deserves-to... Hey, he can get wins with throwing only one pitch. Mhmm... he's done it twice.
Brian Bruney - 12 - He's back!!!!!!!!!
Brett Tomko - 10 - He should GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Damaso Marte - 7 - He's injured. But don't thank the Yankees, thank the WBC.
Phil Hughes - 5 - Solid addition to the pen.
Mark Melancon - 4 - Still needs more big league experience for me to evaluate.
Chien-Ming Wang - 3 - We all know his story.
Anthony Claggett - 1 - His one outing was not memorable for him, the Yankees, or the fans.
Nick Swisher - 1 - Sorry, Swish, but you don't count.
Steven Jackson - 0 - The poor guy. He spends (what seems like) at least two weeks on the big league roster, but never ever appears in a game.
Update 7:02: Cody Ross give the Marlins the lead with a solo homer. Tomko's ERA is now at 6.28. Yikes.
Update 7:13: Another 1-2-3 inning for the Yankees. Coke in for Tomko.
Update 7:17: Check out what Alberto Gonzalez
has been doing with the Nationals. My favorite line:
"'Everything's OK with Anderson [Hernandez]
,' the manager said. 'Everything is just very good with Alberto right now.'"
Update 7:21: The bullpen is getting their fair share of work, as Mr. He-hasn't-pitched-in-a-meaningful-game-but-deserves-to relieves Coke.
Update 7:30: Strikeout and a walk for Robertson in the 7th... two on with two outs.
Update 7:31: Crap. I jinxed him. 6-3 Marlins has Robertson gives up a 2-run single. However, he's only credited with one earned run as Melky Cabrera had a throwing error.
Update 7:36: Robertson strike outs Dan Uggla for the last out in the 7th.
Update 7:40: I didn't see Melky's throw but according to Pete Abraham it was "a terrible throw by Melky and could keep the Yankees from coming back."
But you never know. Baseball is a weird sport.