A-Rod's Comin' Back

We just need to hold until then. Friday. When the Yankees will travel to Baltimore and Alex Rodriguez will rejoin the Yankees lineup, and boy it couldn't come at a better time. Losing their fourth-consecutive game on Wednesday, the Yankees have proven three things to their fans: Number 1: (The only good one) Joba Chamberlain can dominate as a starter and should probably remain their for a while. Number 2: The Yankees' bullpen is a definite weakness. They're bullpen ERA is worst in the majors and Joe Girardi has shown that he only really trusts two members of it: Mariano Rivera and Phil Coke. Well this year, Mo has become mortal and Coke just gave up a game-winning home run. 

One of Girardi's strong points last year was not going to the same relievers day in and day out (something that Joe Torre did a lot of and was criticized for). However, that has faded this year as it appears he really likes to go to Edwar Ramirez, Phil Coke, Jose Veras, and Jonathan Albaladejo. All of which have been very hittable and wild so far this season. I think that Girardi should look more to the likes of Mark Melancon and David Robertson. Even though he had a rough last outing, I still believe the pieces are their for Melancon to succeed. Same goes for Robertson. However, the main thing is that the Yankees just need to find somebody in the bullpen who can get hitters out.

Finally number 3: the Yankees can't successfully hit with runners in scoring position. They only had 6 hits out of 25+ tries during their 4-game losing streak. Mark Teixiera was greatly applauded for his clutch, 3-run double in the bottom of the 8th, however, that over-shadowed his failure in the 10th. With the Yankees down 4-3 with 1 out and runner on third, Teixeira got a 2-0 fastball right down the middle but he hit it too shallow for the runner to score. After him, Matsui got out to end the game. 

It's those kinds of scenarios where the Yankees really need A-Rod back. Hopefully, he can become clutch-Rod like he was in '07.