Yankees Drop Another

In what should have been a win for the Yankees, their pitching came up short yet again. Phil Hughes, making his first start of the year surrendered four runs and eight hits in only four innings of work. This is Phil's free agent season and if he wants a healthy paycheck, he needs to step his game up and pitch like he is capable of pitching. Throwing 100 pitches in four or five innings is not the way Hughes or the Yankees drew up his first start of the season. After Hughes though, the bull pen was awful and the Tigers strong lineup made them pay with big hit after big hit.

The Yankees offense was actually on the brink of coming back in the game but some unlucky plays by the Tigers defense caused them to lose outs on the bases on big spots. The acquisitions of the off-season are paying off for the Yankees while their regulars are not hitting well. Everyone needs to wake their bats up if this is how the pitching is going to perform. 1-4 is not the end of the world but if all the other teams in the division are winning it will set the Yankees back on the standings. It is too early to be digging holes in the division standings. A strong start is essential if you want your team to be a contender, as proven by the Phillies last year. They dug themselves a hole that was difficult to get out of despite playing better down the stretch.

The Yankees will once again try to salvage the final game in the series, and the opponent will not be any easier. Justin Verlander will pitch opposite CC Sabathia in an afternoon game before the Yankees head to Cleveland for a 3 game set.