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Despite a hot start by Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees, the Johan Santana led New York Mets were able to weather the storm and draw first blood in game one of the 2008 subway series.
As has become the norm, Pettitte was on fire for the first three innings before falling apart in the fourth.
And thanks to a steady performance by Santana and a few base running blunders by the Yankees, the Mets were able to ride out the initial wave, shift momentum and coast to a 7-4 victory.
Surprise of the game: Yankees bullpen
It may seem odd that Yankees fans are surprised by a poor performance courtesy of Kyle Farnsworth, but after dominating in his last six appearances, it was strange to see him struggle. Even more baffling was the shaky outing by Joba Chamberlain -- a player known for turning it up a notch in big situations.
Player of the game: Carlos Beltran
Beltran had a big day and it's looking more and more like his early season slump has come to an end. He went 3-5 (1 HR) with 1 RBI and two runs scored this afternoon. If that weren't enough, he also stole his fifth base of the season.
Bust of the game: 7-9 in the Yankees batting order
Including the pinch hitters, the bottom of the Yankees order went a combined 0-11 with eight men left on base. Does that sound like they're earning their paycheck to you? Yeah, I didn't think so.
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Friday night's game was postponed because of rain, so the New York Yankees and New York Mets will rekindle their infamous crosstown rivalry in the annual Subway Series on Saturday. Although neither team is doing particularly well at the moment, you can bet that the desire to own New York bragging rights will be enough to motivate each team to give it their all ... and then some.
Over the next few days, I'll be taking a look back at some of the more memorable and historic events that have occurred during the Subway Series.
Memorable Subway Series Moment No. 2: O'Neill sends 'em packing.
The New York Yankees and New York Mets met at Shea Stadium for the very first time in June of 1998. The game was hyped nationally and the five boroughs were in an uproar. And as only New York sports franchises can do, they lived up to every bit of the hype.
The game went back-and-forth for six innings before Paul O'Neill came to the plate in the top of the seventh. Trailing 4-3 with two men on base, Mets coach Bobby Valentine opted to bring in reliever Mel Rojas to face the left-hander -- something that seemed like a smart decision at the time, since lefties were batting .182 against him on the season.
However, hopes were crushed almost immediately. On the very first pitch of the at-bat, O'Neill took a hanging forkball deep to left-center field. The Yankees bench quickly jumped to the top step and as the ball barely sailed over the wall, they began celebrating as only the Bronx Bombers can.
Almost simultaneously, large crowds of Mets fans began to leave the stadium as the Yankees fans in the upper decks showered them with song.
Na, na, na, na! Na, na, na, na! Hey, hey! Goodbye!
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 Want to speak your mind about the big issues in the world of sports? Here's your chance!
TODAY'S HOT TOPIC:
Which team has been more disappointing this season: the Mets or Yankees?
Post your thoughts in the comments section below and tune in to MSG,NY to see if your response is featured.
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On the eve of the first leg of the 2008 Subway Series, I sought out my Met-loving friend, Ricky Vaughn, for some rival banter.
Rabinowitz says: you ready for the Yankees to trounce your Mets? It's Joba's first Subway Series and he's gonna mow you guys down
Ricky says: joba is a hack
Rabinowitz says: yeah, so that's why he just struck out the side the other night and is one of the most, if not THE most, dominant setup men in the majors
 Ricky says: oooo, let me convulse around the mound after getting a meaningless out in a 6-3 game
Rabinowitz says: you're just jealous because most of your relievers have been horrible ... you wish you had Joba on your staff
Ricky says: i wish i had his talent, not his antics
Rabinowitz says: yeah, like his celebrations are so awful
Ricky says: what has Joba ever really accomplished anyway ... go ahead, use bugs as an excuse
Rabinowitz says: all I'm hearing from you is, "joba, joba ... blah, blah, blah ... i'm jealous"
Ricky says: i don't have any pipe dreams about Joba Chamberlain being the best JC since Jesus tho
Rabinowitz says: as long as he's as intimidating as Joba the Hut setting up for Rivera, then closing when he retires, I'm fine with that
Rabinowitz says: i can't say he'll be an ace pitcher ... but then again, johan started as a reliever
Ricky says: but joba the hut was a fat mess who choked to death
Rabinowitz says: so what, he was intimidating, and that's the point
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Will the turmoil in the clubhouse boil over onto the field? Are Willie Randolph's days as manager numbered? Did the Mets truly make the right move in acquiring Johan Santana? How do off-the-field scenarios impact the team?
X Factor No. 1: Can the Mets resolve their in-house issues?
 As the saying goes, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
That's exactly the danger the Mets are in following Billy Wagner's latest comments. "Can somebody tell me why the (expletive) the closer is being interviewed and I didn't even play? And why they're over there not being interviewed?" Wagner bellowed as he pointed to the lockers of Beltran and Delgado. "Oh, I got it. They're (expletive) gone. (Expletive) shocker."
The Mets are expected to hold a team meeting prior to the start of the Subway Series, but if the players can't resolve their differences ASAP, they can forget about contending in the NL East.
X Factor No. 2: Willie's on the hot seat
Over on the MSG.com message boards, Metsareback writes, "It's official. Willie has lost control of this team."
 Randolph is fortunate that the Mets don't have a loose cannon of an owner, like the Yankees' Hank Steinbrenner. But, as Joel Sherman writes, the embattled skipper is in serious jeopardy of losing his job if his team can't rebound from a rough homestand and beat their crosstown rivals.
X Factor No. 3: Potential psychological edge
The only potential bright side in what could be an ugly weekend in the Bronx is the sight of Santana taking the mound in blue-and-orange and NOT navy blue pinstripes.
The Mets would love nothing more than to rub their ace in the Yankees' collective face this weekend. A dominating performance by the two-time Cy Young Award winner could also have the duel effect of triggering a meltdown in the Yankees' front office along with a massive case of second-guessing in the Yankees Universe.
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How will the pressure to "win New York" weigh on the Yankees? How will Hank Steinbrenner's demands affect the team's play during their first interleague series of 2008? Will falling to the AL East basement push the negativity over the edge? How do things happening behind-the-scenes and off-the-field impact the team?
External Factor No. 1: Beating the Mets? A must!
 It's common knowledge in New York that losing is unacceptable, especially when team payroll is up near $210 million. But when it comes to the Subway Series, that mentality is magnified tenfold.
For the Yankees, winning the battle for the back page is second only to winning the World Series. In the minds of the Steinbrenners, being outdone by the Mets is shameful and punishable by death. Well, not really, but close enough.
If you think Hank blew his top last week, wait and see what happens should the Mets come out of this weekend's series victorious.
External Factor No. 2: Winning in general? Also a must!
As noted above, Hank is already on a tear and ready to explode. He's been demanding that this team play better and threatening "force" should they continue to struggle. And while many Yankees are used to that sort of pressure, it's only a matter of time before one of the Steinbrenners, to make an example, does something drastic.
There is not a single player on the team who doesn't know what's expected of them, and with the New York spotlight on them, the internal pressure has to be building.
External Factor No. 3: Has it sunk in yet? Losing is not an option!
 Here we are on May 16 and the New York Yankees are in last place of the AL East. Uh-oh!
Like the other two "x factors," this one fits the same mold. The Yankees are losing, a big series is set to begin in only a few hours, and heads are beginning to roll.
Say what you want about cooler heads and veteran familiarity with these types of situations, but the Yankees have to be feeling the heat. They're on the brink of igniting a massive eruption that's going to cost more than one person their job, and you know they don't want that.
It may be early, but the Bombers have no choice. They have to win and they have to win right now.
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The first edition of the 2008 Subway Series begins Friday at Yankee Stadium.
With that in mind, here's a look back at some of the more memorable moments since the series began in 1997. Click on the picture to view the full gallery.
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Want to speak your mind about the big issues in the world of sports? Here's your chance!
 TODAY'S HOT TOPIC:
Which "Joe" would you like to see managing the Yankees right now?
Post your thoughts in the comments section below and tune in to MSG,NY to see if your response is featured.
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Johan Santana will start against the Yankees' Darrell Rasner in the first Subway Series game this Friday, but is he living up to the Mets' expectations?
Watch my vlog for a full preview of the Subway Series.
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Whether he was using the Green Monster's restroom between innings, petting Julian Tavarez, inexplicably cutting off a throw in the outfield, or listening to his MP3 player during play, we've all witnessed at least one instance of "Manny being Manny."
 Every now and again, however, Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez takes his foolish antics to a whole new level. And during the fourth inning of yesterday's 6-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, he didn't disappoint.
After making a beautiful catch on a sharp Kevin Millar liner, Ramirez propelled himself unnecessarily onto the left field wall in order to high-five a fan wearing a Red Sox jersey.
Adding an even more unique twist to this already bizarre play, Manny promptly spun around, launched the ball back into the infield, where Dustin Pedroia relayed it to first base and doubled up Aubrey Huff.
Wow. What else can you say?
It's no secret that I am not a big fan of the Boston Red Sox or Manny, but that doesn't mean I lack a sense of humor.
That play, and most of Ramirez's Manny moments, are hysterical. And for as much heartache as he's caused me over the years, he's given me plenty of good laughs as well.
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On Friday, the New York Yankees and New York Mets will rekindle their infamous crosstown rivalry in the annual Subway Series. Although neither team is doing particularly well at the moment, you can bet that the desire to own New York bragging rights will be enough to motivate each team to give it their all ... and then some.
Over the next few days, I'll be taking a look back at some of the more memorable and historic events that have occurred during the Subway Series.
Memorable Subway Series Moment No. 1: The Bat Incident
 What would the Roger Clemens/Mike Piazza rivalry have been like without the New York media fanning the flames? That's a question that will never be answered definitively, but it's a question that will linger forever thanks to Game Two of the 2000 World Series.
Already up by the count of 0-2, and having struck out the first two batters, Clemens bore a fastball in on the hands of Piazza. Being the professional hitter he is, the Mets catcher was able to get a little wood on the ball. Unfortunately, that wood would shatter and send the entire city of New York spiraling downward.
A large part of the broken bat barreled toward Clemens. Piazza, meanwhile, slowly started toward first base.
As the ball sailed foul, the Rocket grabbed the piece of the lumber and launched it in the direction of the Yankees dugout, just ahead of the stunned Piazza.
Following a momentary stare down and a little shouting, both benches cleared. And while no punches were thrown, it would set the tone and lay the foundation for even angrier showdowns ahead.
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What people are talking about this morning ...
One of the world's most active volcanoes is about to erupt again.
 Shortly after the New York Yankees lost to the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, Hank Steinbrenner, one of three lava-spewing natural mountains in the Bronx, began to smoke and bubble.
"The bottom line is that the team is not playing the way it is capable of playing," Mount Steinbrenner said. "These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money."
As you may have expected, Hank's temper tantrum did not end there. "This is going to get turned around," continued Steinbrenner. "If it's not turned around this year, then it will be turned around next year, by force if we have too."
No George Steinbrenner, no Joe Torre, no matter. As many things in New York change, so many others remain the same. And when the team isn't performing up to their $210 million standard, a head or two is bound to roll.
So, how long will it be until we hear about the potential firing of Brian Cashman? How long until Joe Girardi is suddenly on the hot seat? How long until Steinbrenner really blows his top and begins openly criticizing players by name?
It's going to be a long, hot summer in the Bronx.
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What people are talking about this morning ...
It may be 2008, but Hall of Fame closer Goose Gossage believes players should act like it's still 1979. "There's no place for it in the game and I will stand by that, and I love Joba Chamberlain," Gossage said of Chamberlain's strike out celebration.
It doesn't matter what you do in New York, someone will always be there to criticize you.
 Since 2001, one of the major knocks on the Yankees has been their lack of emotion. They have often been accused of allowing teams to walk all over them, while quietly accepting playoff failure.
In fact, it was one of the very reasons Joe Torre had fallen out of favor with the Steinbrenners.
Yet now, with young blood lining the roster, they're accused of being immature, disrespectful and overly emotional. "Guys taught me when I broke into the big leagues. I didn't say two words all year. Now the team is full of young guys, they feel more comfortable. They can do anything they want to do because they have that comfort zone. There was not that comfort zone. I was treated like a rookie for two years. Just sit there and be quiet," Gossage added.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a huge Gossage fan, but he's a little out of his league here. Times change and so does society. Do you remember when kids used to go trick-or-treating on Halloween?
The type of youthful exuberance you see displayed by some of the Yankees is something that should be encouraged, not shunned. After all, baseball is still just a game. And if the players aren't having any fun, chances are the fans aren't having much fun either.
I enjoy the enthusiasm that Melky Cabrera, Chamberlain and even Jonathan Papelbon bring to today's game. And while I still respect the brick-faces like Mariano Rivera, I am more highly entertained by the youthful antics of the aforementioned stars.
Like hot dogs, Cracker Jacks and the seventh-inning stretch, on-field celebrations are now just a part of the game.
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My Mets Power Rankings this week have Ryan Church finally getting over that hurdle and claiming that top spot.
Dropped out of the Top-10: Mets fans.
Welcome to the club: Carlos Beltran and Luis Castillo.
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1) Ryan Church (LF/CF/RF)
Last week: No. 2 |
| Notes: Last week I claimed Church hadn't had an "eye-opening moment" worthy of the No. 1 ranking. Well, he must have been reading, because he turned it up another notch and now he's being rewarded for it. |
2) Billy Wagner (CL)
Last week: No. 1 |
| Notes: Wager didn't allow an earned run last week, but that doesn't mean his only outing was pretty. A simple look at the stats won't show anything other than an increased WHIP, but Billy got busted up against the Reds. |
3) Johan Santana (SP)
Last week: No. 3 |
| Notes: Is Santana ever going to live up to the hype? He had a less than spectacular week, but it was still better than most of the starting staff. Basically, by default, Santana claims the No. 3 spot. |
4) Scott Schoeneweis (RP)
Last week: No. 6 |
| Notes: As was the case last week, Schoeneweis dominated when called upon. He hasn't given up a run since April 19 and appears to be the Mets most consistent bullpen arm. |
5) Jose Reyes (SS)
Last week: No. 4 |
| Notes: From this point on down, it's a bit of a crapshoot offensively. No one has really stood out on a consistent basis, and Reyes is a perfect example of that. Last week I noted that he was on a hot streak, but assured it would turn cold. Sure enough, he promptly went 5-for-24. |
6) David Wright (3B)
Last week: No. 5 |
| Notes: An underachieving .271 season average and a 5-for-24 week land the franchise at No. 6. |
7) John Maine (SP)
Last week: No. 8 |
| Notes: There are times when Maine looks like the Mets best pitcher, and last week vs. the Dodgers was one of those times. Still, he's got a lot to prove before he can make any significant strides on this list. |
8) Carlos Delgado (1B)
Last week: No. 9 |
| Notes: Two weeks in a row for Delgado? That's impressive, but I wouldn't count on his hot-streak continuing. Mr. Carlos will eventually revert back into the average hitter he's become. |
9) Carlos Beltran (CF)
Last week: N/A |
| Notes: It's about time Beltran showed up! Now he needs to continue to earn all that money. He's got a long way to go, but it's better late than never. |
10) Luis Castillo (2B)
Last week: N/A |
| Notes: Castillo finds his way back on this list because, frankly, there was no one else worthy of this spot. How sad is that? |
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My Yankees Power Rankings this week have Mariano Rivera reclaiming the top spot.
Dropped out of the Top-10: Bobby Murcer.
Welcome to the club: Robinson Cano and Jason Giambi.
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1) Mariano Rivera (CL)
Last Week: No. 3 |
| Notes: I've asked this before, but I'll ask it again: What can you say about Rivera without repeating yourself? He had another dominating week and has yet to give up a run this season. At this point, he's too good for the word dominant. |
2) Hideki Matsui (RF)
Last Week: No. 5 |
| Notes: It's time to give Matsui his due. He's been the most consistent batter for New York all season, and last week was no exception. He silently gets the job done each and every time he goes out there. What more can you ask for? |
3) Chien-Ming Wang (SP)
Last Week: No. 2 |
| Notes: Wang picked up a loss last week, but it was through no fault of his own. He went heads-up with the Indians' Cliff Lee, who was able to stonewall the Yankees' offense. Still, he held his own and kept New York in the game. |
4) Melky Cabrera (CF)
Last Week: No. 1 |
| Notes: Melky had a rough week, but he'd have to prolong this little mini-slump to fall out of my Top-5. Along with Matsui, he's been one of the most consistent, and arguably most valuable players this season. |
5) Derek Jeter (SS)
Last Week: No. 7 |
| Notes: Jeter's production isn't exactly what it's been in the past, but he's still been able to get it done on a daily basis. He finally picked up his first homerun of the season and appears ready for a classic Jeter stretch. |
6) Darrell Rasner (SP)
Last Week: No. 9 |
| Notes: Two games, two wins. Rasner is never going to strike out the park or appear unhittable, but he will give the Yankees quality outings. There is absolutely no reason to believe his success at this level is a fluke -- Rasner is the real deal. |
7) Kyle Fanrsworth (RP)
Last Week: No. 8 |
| Notes: I think it's safe to assume that Farnsworth is no longer Farnsworthless. He pitched 2.2 scoreless innings last week and dropped his season ERA to an even 3.00. Whatever button Joe Girardi pushed, was the right one. |
8) Johnny Damon (OF/DH)
Last Week: No. 4 |
| Notes: When Damon is on fire, he's the king of the locker room. When he struggles, he's just that creepy guy who does naked pull-ups. Last week, unfortunately, he was that creepy guy doing naked pull-ups. |
9) Bobby Abreu (RF)
Last Week: No. 6 |
| Notes: The wall will not eat you, Bobby! AH! Does Abreu's fear of the wall drive anyone else insane? At this point, I would trade all of his production at the plate for a routine out up against the wall. I'm tired of him turning flyouts into doubles or triples. |
T-10) Robinson Cano (2B)
Last Week: N/A |
| Notes: Robbie! I've been anxiously awaiting the moment I could put Cano on the Top-10. And after a solid week, I am finally able to do so. Robbie is currently riding a six-game hit streak (8-for-22) and it's beginning to look like he's gotten his stroke back. |
T-10) Jason Giambi (1B)
Last Week: N/A |
| Notes: This list would not have been complete if I didn't add Giambi. Like Cano, he finally snapped out of it last week and really turned it up a notch. And while I don't have much faith that this hot-streak will continue, I can't deny him a spot on theTop-10 list. |
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Can the Mets continue their dominance over the Nationals? Will the weather be a blessing or a curse? What roster moves need to be made to create room for Matt Wise? How do things happening behind-the-scenes and off-the-field impact the team?
External Factor No. 1: Will the weather create or eliminate a rotation issue?
Thanks to Friday's rainout, the Mets were forced to use both Johan Santana and Mike Pelfrey in a day-night doubleheader Saturday, creating a hole in the rotation for Wednesday night's game. And according to weather.com, the forecast in Flushing calls for rain throughout the afternoon today.
The Mets can either use Pelfrey on short rest or pull Jorge Sosa or Aaron Heilman out of the bullpen for a spot start -- none of which are ideal moves.
As Mike Puma of the New York Post writes: "A postponement tonight not only would allow the rotation to fall back into place, it would let Santana pitch Friday in the Subway Series opener against the Yankees."
Break out those drums, Mets fans, it's time to do a rain dance.
External Factor No. 2: End of the road.
Matt Wise is ready to be activated from the disabled list, and for Joe Smith -- the only reliever in the Mets' bullpen with options left -- that means a demotion back to Triple-A New Orleans.
Over on the MSG.com message boards, Mets fan deadlyegg is up in arms over the likely move: "Smith should be here. The only run he allowed to score was on a broken bat base hit, not grand slams like Sosa gives up. All the talk about making the pen stronger will be weakened by that thirty something, or should I say next to nothing."
Is taking Smith out of the mix really an effective baseball decision, or is it purely a financial matter? Only the Mets' front office knows for sure.
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How does the Yankees-heavy crowd in Tampa Bay affect the balance of power at Tropicana Field? Will yesterday's rain-out in Detroit hurt New York's focus? And will the warming seat of General Manager Brian Cashman draw some attention away from the playing field? How do things happening behind-the-scenes and off-the-field impact the team?
 External Factor No. 1: Home field advantage?
The Yankees are known for selling out stadiums across the country, but when they play in St. Petersburg, Florida, the crowd is rarely out to get them. In fact, it's the Rays that usually find themselves on the wrong side of the hooting and hollering.
Thanks in large part to their many facilities in the state of Florida, the Yankees have become just as popular there as they are right here in New York. And over the years, it has gotten to the point where the majority of fans only turn out when the Bronx Bombers come to town.
Some Yankees, namely Derek Jeter, love to be booed. Much of their motivation is derived from the heckling of opposing fans. However, many others love to be cheered and welcome it with open arms. So every time New York travels to Florida, they are met with a bit of a mixed bag. Unfortunately for the Rays, it's quite the opposite, and feeling alone in their own ballpark has to be mentally tough to accept.
 External Factor No. 2: Losing a rhythm ...
If you're a fan of the New York Yankees, then you don't need me to tell you that weather has not been kind to them over the last few years. You also don't need me to tell you that many players on this team are creatures of habit and that a single hiccup in their schedule could send them spiraling into a slump for quite some time.
Had Mike Mussina been scheduled to pitch yesterday, the rain out would have been a little more disconcerting. However, since Andy Pettitte was slated for the start, it's unlikely that the starting staff will face any adverse effects of the postponement.
Still, the Yankees have been known to really toss up a few stinkers following an unexpected weather delay.
 External Factor No. 3: Is Cashman on coals?
It's that time of year again! The Yankees aren't 10-games over .500, they aren't leading the AL East and they aren't scoring 12 or more runs per game. So that means it's "hot seat" time.
Filling his yearly role on the warm chair is General Manager Brian Cashman, who appears to be accompanied by Jason Giambi this time around. And while Giambi was a legitimate question mark prior to last week, I again struggle to find solid reason for dragging Cashman down this worn-out tunnel.
What sort of distraction will this cause, if any? It's hard to say. This cycle continues year in and year out; it's like a broken record. By now, most Yankees players and personnel have gotten used to it, but when the bosses go looking for someone to blame, watch out!
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Third time's the charm? Usually, but not for Kei Igawa.
 When the New York Yankees invested a total of $46 million in the former Japanese star, they expected quality in return. And while they didn't anticipate numbers like he produced in Japan, they certainly looked forward to more than a 2-4 record with a 6.75 ERA in 15 games.
After giving up 11 hits and six earned runs in three innings pitched yesterday, it's become blatantly obvious that the Yankees investment is never going to pay off.
Not only is Igawa NOT worth his $26 million posting fee and $20 million contract, he's not even worth the plane ticket it cost the team to get him to New York.
However, if there is a bright side to Igawa's meltdown, it's that he has paved the way for David Wells to return to pinstripes.
With Phil Hughes on the disabled list with a rib injury and Ian Kennedy back in Triple A, Brian Cashman & Co. have precious few options. They can either suck up a loss every fifth day with Igawa on the mound, or they can fit Wells with a new uniform and at least have a fighting chance to contend this season.
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Did Willie Randolph really say the Mets enjoy playing on the road better than at home? Is John Maine the real deal? How do things happening behind-the-scenes and off-the-field impact the team?
External Factor No. 1: David Wright is the key to the Mets' offense staying hot.
Amazin's Awake From Lumber Slumber. Jolly Wood. Mets Deck Dodgers in Los Angeles. Mets Bats Pound Penny.
 Despite the euphoric headlines, the Mets' offense can't continue on this pace until the key cog in the lineup, David Wright, is performing consistently.
"I can't do what I've been doing, which is to ride that emotional roller coaster where I'm living and dying with every at-bat," Wright said.
And over at the MSG.com message boards, Mets fan WrightNReyes says,"Wright is either on fire or ice cold. There is no middle."
If Wright can feed off the good vibrations from Wednesday's win in La-La land, the Mets should finally be able to give the hometown crowd something to cheer about in their three-game set vs. Cincinnati.
But if Wright plays more like Robin and less like Batman, then the good vibrations could turn into sour notes at Shea.
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Could David Wells possibly return to the New York Yankees for one last go-around?
 As far-fetched as that may seem on the surface, both Wells and Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner have given it some thought.
And while the two sides have not taken part in any official discussions, the need for New York and the desire by Wells may ultimately lead to a contract agreement in the near future. "I've thought about it," Steinbrenner told The Post. "I saw him on TV, and I did think about it when I was watching."
"You never know. [Wells] hasn't come up in conversation, but I've had so much other [bleep] to deal with lately."
David Wells back in pinstripes. That thought sure plays several tricks on the old noggin, doesn't it?
Sure, he may be nearing the ripe ol' age of 45, but it's Boomer Wells we're talking about here. Unlike many other professional pitchers, he's had the undeniable ability to pitch well when the pressure is on. And unlike so many other professional baseball players, he's also had the undeniable ability to perform at a higher level when donning that interlocking NY.
I am usually 100 percent against the Yankees bringing in over-aged talent, but not in this instance. I believe Wells could be an adequate solution to a temporary rotation problem, and it would also give him the luxury of ending his career in the only place he really loved to play.
If it were up to me, which it's obviously not, I'd say "Git-r-done."
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