Nobody�s Perfect
By Ian Haan
The New York Yankees: 26 World Championships bought, and counting. Oh no! It’s been three years since the Evil Empire earned themselves a World Series Championship! Call the doctor! Is everything OK in the Big Apple? Not exactly.
You might say "What’s wrong with the Yanks? They’re dominating!" True, the Yankees do hold a 7 game lead over the Red Sox in the AL East, but that doesn’t mean the team is doing well. According to Peter Gammons of ESPN, the Yankees need to do some shopping for an answer to their pitching woes. Kevin Brown and Mike Mussina are both on the DL. Monday night, the Yankees brought up pitcher Alex Graman from their AAA team, the Columbus Clippers. Graman’s appearance was not up to speed with the rest of the Yankees staff. Graman allowed 5 hits and 5 runs after only a third of an inning and now has a 19.80 ERA. Immediately after the game, Graman was sent back down to AAA. Don’t blame them.
According to Gammons of ESPN, "GM Brian Cashman's job could be on the line should New York not land Randy Johnson, which at this point doesn't look likely due to the Yankees' depleted farm system." I expect King Steinbrunner to do anything in his power to have Johnson in pinstripes by the trade deadline. However, if the Yankees do not finalize the deal with Johnson, they will need a miracle to provide an answer to the lack of strong pitching fans are used to watching in "the house that Ruth built." Watch things heat up as July 31st approaches.
Sources:
www.mlb.com
www.minorleaguebaseball.com
www.espn.com
www.boston.com
