With Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter out with injuries and most of the other Yankees slumping at the plate, New York's offense is facing what Kansas City's line-up struggles with on an annual basis.
How do we score runs?
On Tuesday afternoon, the Royals showed the Yankees how it's done by stealing five bases, using a ground ball twice to move a runner from second to third with less than two outs, and hitting one sacrifice fly.
When a team is having a difficult time plating runners, it helps to play a little small ball to move guys around the bases and spark an offense.
Despite the fact that the Yankees had a good amount of base runners (12), New York only scored two runs thanks in large part to no stolen bases, no sac flies, and no productive ground balls.
In a year when the Yanks are going to give up an inordinate amount of runs thanks to a questionable starting rotation, it makes it even more important to score these “cheap” runs whenever possible.
Since I didn't write an article following New York's solid 6-1 win over Tampa Bay on Monday, here are the grades for the past two games.
Joe Girardi, Manager: (C-) If Mike Mussina is finally going to pitch a good game like he did on Monday, why take him out after only six innings and 82 pitches?
Give the bullpen a rest when you can. They're going to need it this year.
The Yankees are averaging barely over three runs a game. As I alluded to above, Girardi is going to have to start passing along some more hit and run, steal, and bunt signs.
Johnny Damon, LF: (A) Damon has reached base five times in his last nine plate appearances. That's more like it from your leadoff hitter.
Derek Jeter, SS: (INC) The Captain will miss at least three games because of a strained left quad and that's bad news for an already struggling Yankees offense.
Jeter is clearly one of the guys New York can't afford to lose. Derek went 0-1 with a run scored before leaving with the injury Monday.
Bobby Abreu, RF: (A-) Abreu was a double away from the cycle on Monday. Just a mediocre 1-4 on Tuesday with an error in the field.
Alex Rodriguez, 3B: (D-) The dastardly Golden Sombrero on Tuesday, but an RBI and a run scored on Monday will keep A-Rod from failing.
Hideki Matsui, DH: (A-) Godzilla continues his hot hitting, going 3-8 with a double and an RBI over the past two games.
Robinson Cano, 2B: (C-) Robbie went 1-4 in each of the past two contests and picked up his third error of the year on Monday.
The way the starters are pitching, the Yankees defense can't afford to be giving away any more runs.
Wilson Betemit, 1B/SS: (D-) Three strikeouts in each of the last two games. At least he didn't lead the team in Ks on Tuesday.
Melky Cabrera, CF: (D+) 1-5 with two walks.
Jose Molina, C: (D-) Molina went 1-5 at the plate over the past two days. Defensively, he allowed two stolen bases, only catching a runner when Gload attempted to steal third.
At least that was better than Posada's performance behind the plate.
Jorge Posada, C: (C-) After a day off Monday, Posada went 1-3 with a run scored Tuesday before leaving the game with a "dead arm." It sure looked that way as he allowed three stolen bases.
Morgan Ensberg, 1B: (A) 1-3 with a run scored on Monday. Too bad he didn't get the start on Tuesday.
Jason Giambi, 1B: (D-) Instead, the Giamzero was back on Tuesday, going 0-2 with two walks and double clutching a ball in the field, which turned a pick off into a stolen base.
He's now hitting a stellar .071. The Yankees are 2-4 with him playing, 2-0 without him.
Let's not forget they also won four World Series in the six years prior to his arrival. None in the six years since.
Mike Mussina, SP: (A) I'll give credit where it's due. A great bounce back start for the Moose on Monday. He holds off the Joba whispers for now.
Phil Hughes, SP: (D) Hughes went the opposite direction. After a good first start, the young pitcher couldn't find the strike zone on Tuesday, walking four batters and lasting just three innings.
He was able to work out of some jams though and gave up "just" three runs.
Brian Bruney, RP: (A-) A one, two, ouch!, three inning on Monday.
Kyle Farnsworth, RP: (A) Farnsworth is a great five-run lead pitcher. Sometimes.
LaTroy Hawkins, RP: (A-) If Joba's the setup man and Mo's the closer in close games, what do we call Farnsworth and Hawkins who pitch the eighth and ninth in games decided by four runs or more?
Ross Ohlendorf, RP: (F) First bad outing of the year for Ross. His claim to the prestigious title of fourth best relief pitcher on the team is slipping away.
Billy Traber, RP: (A-)Traber grabs the title for now.
Overall Yankees Grade: (C-) Win one and lose one, but they looked awfully bad Tuesday striking out 11 times. At least I have Brian Bannister on my fantasy team.
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