Either way, the lineup is good enough where they can afford to keep a weak bat like Cabrera's or Gardner's in the lineup, as long as they play solid defense, and Melky does.
A.J. Martelli: Melky should take the approach Cano did. Take a day or two off, work with Kevin Long, and watch videotape. Addressing the problem and rectifying it as Cano did should help his swing, and he could look a lot better than .245.
Patrick Read: What NY cannot afford is a slumping Cano, Cabrera, and Molina. Molina's lack of offense has been solved with I-Rod, but he will catch Moose, with I-Rod as a backup in the dugout, for when a pinch-hit is needed.
Cabrera and Cano cannot both slump forever, but what's worse is that these two never walk, either. Paul O'Neil could help out in this area, teach them to intentionally foul some balls off to tire the pitcher, and also teach them what a slap hit is, too.
NY doesn't have the injuries, and with that, I suspect that the offense will be much better. Melky is the best outfielder NY has, his arm and his hustle saves runs for now. If Hideki gets back, of course NY should consider playing all the best bats to spark a fire when in a slump.
Jordan Schwartz: The Yankees should think about maybe starting Justin Christian once in a while to mix things up. Maybe that will get Melky’s attention. Cabrera started hitting better once Gardner began challenging him for playing time last month
If the Yankees make the playoffs, whom should they start in Game One of the ALDS?
Ethan Gooderum: This is a tough question, and it is between three guys: Pettitte, Moose, and Joba. In a way, it makes sense to start Joba because of his dominance, and his electric stuff, which is a plus in a first game of a series. I really think that I start Joba, considering that Moose isn't a shutdown guy, and considering that Pettitte is just too damn inconsistent.
Mackenzie Kraemer: The Magic 8-Ball says, "Ask again later." I doubt the Yankees want to have Joba Chamberlain start Game One in his first season as a starter, but come September, I'd be surprised if he wasn't the best option. If Mussina or Pettitte end up with comparable numbers, Joe Girardi might opt for one of his veterans, based on experience. However, my money is on Joba.
A.J Martelli: This is a little bit of a toughie. With the way Wang started last year, it shouldn't be him, even though some people might say he should be because he's won the most games out of all the pitchers in recent years.
However, I would go with Pettitte, simply because Andy has the experience and is traditionally a big-game pitcher.
He has that playoff pedigree, and if he wins Game One, it'll take the heat off guys like Mussina and Wang. The second and third starters won't feel like they have to win in order to keep themselves alive.
Patrick Read: Through 86 innings, Joba has a 2.24 ERA with 99 strikeouts and just faced down the best postseason pitcher in a long time in Josh Beckett, posting a 1-0 victory.
Since the beginning of June, he has given up more than two runs only twice. NY will most likely go with Andy second. A lefty off-speed pitcher behind Joba is a good combo. Pettitte has a 4.18 ERA with 12 wins right behind Moose, who will without a doubt be the third, the Magic Man. Mighty Mike is awesome this year and ready to face a slumping Matsuzaka or Lester.
Jordan Schwartz: Joba. I feel so confident when he’s on the mound, and I know the Yankees do, too. He’s been the most consistent starter on the team, with a record of 3-1 with a 2.23 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and is allowing one home run every 30.1 innings.
The Yankees are 8-3 in his 11 starts. In addition, Chamberlain has shown no fear in pressure situations. I think he’s ready for the bright lights of October.
Jordan Schwartz is Bleacher Report's New York Yankees Community Leader. His book "Memoirs of the Unaccomplished Man" is available at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and authorhouse.com. Jordan can be reached at jordanschwartz2003@yahoo.com
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