Grading the New York Yankees: Matt Garza, Rays Shoot Down Bronx Bombers

Well, that was awful.

In what was probably the Yankees' worst performance of the year, the offense managed just one run and six hits off of Matt Garza and friends, while starter Andy Pettitte couldn't even last until the fifth inning.

New York is fortunate to remain only four games back of Boston, who lost again, but the Yankees now trail second place Tampa Bay by 3.5 games after falling 7-1 to the Rays Monday night. 

The Bombers got more bad news before the game when it was revealed that A-Rod's rehab is going a little slower than expected, and he should be out for another week. The good news is that Chien-Ming Wang is scheduled to pitch Tuesday.

And now the grades for Monday's loss.

Joe Girardi, Manager: (D) The Yankees are hitting into a ton of double plays this year, in large part because Girardi is not sending his runners enough. With the Yankees down 1-0, Cano led off the top of the third with an infield single. Joe didn't send the runner and Molina hit into his first of two double plays. Abreu also grounded into a DP later in the game. The Yanks need to take a page out of the Rays' book and start being more aggressive on the base paths. It could help to spark a dormant offense.

Johnny Damon, LF: (D+) Damon was 0-4 on the day, but picked up the Yanks' only RBI with a ground out in the eighth.

Derek Jeter, SS: (A) At least you can always count on the Captain to get on base. Jeter was 1-3 with a walk.

Bobby Abreu, RF: (F) Just a terrible game. Abreu went 0-4 with two strikeouts and a double play.

Hideki Matsui, DH: (D) A no contact night for Godzilla. He struck out three times and walked once.

Jason Giambi, 1B: (D-) 0-3 with no home runs. The Giamzero is now five for 51 when batting fifth this year, but Girardi continues to put him there for some reason.

Melky Cabrera, CF: (C) 1-4 for the guy who should be batting fifth.

Robinson Cano, 2B: (A-) That's now a seven-game hitting streak for Cano.

Jose Molina, C: (B-) Picked up the only extra-base hit and run scored for the Yankees, but he also grounded into two double plays.

Alberto Gonzalez, 3B: (A+) Oh, look, Gonzalez went 2-3 and is now batting .310. Shocker. Too bad it took a Betemit injury to get him back on the team.

Andy Pettitte, SP: (F) Shortest start of the year for Pettitte, who is not providing the type of consistency the Yankees need out of their No. 2 starter.

Chris Britton, RP: (C-) Gave up a pair of walks, a hit, and a run in two innings when the game was already over.

Jose Veras, RP: (D-) I was watching American Gladiators at this point.

Edwar Ramirez, RP: (A) Struck out the only batter he faced.

Yankees Overall Grade: (F)  That's about as bad as it gets.