It was not pretty. In fact, it might have been a win only a mother could love. The Yankees won real ugly on Mother’s Day this past Sunday in Arlington. Ugly seemed to be the theme of this road trip, which saw the Yankees drop three out of four to what had been a struggling Detroit team. They were in danger of losing another series when CC Sabathia gave up four runs in the first two innings and committed two of the four, count ’em four, Yankee errors. It was as if the Yankees were daydreaming in the field.
Not so fast, though. Thanks to a much-needed power surge, that included a couple of dingers by the much-maligned captain, the Yanks exited the Lone Star state with a victory. Derek Jeter went yard twice against the Rangers with a couple of solo shots, topping a four-for-six, three RBIs day. Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Francisco Cervelli all had homers, Cervelli’s coming with the bases loaded.
I keep hearing how the Yankees rely too much on the home run … could it be that they have a lineup loaded with sluggers? Jeter has never been a home run hitter and has been putrid at the plate until recently. Cervelli certainly is not known for his bat. The backup catcher is just hoping to hit enough to justify his spot on the team. Runs are runs no matter how they’re scored, and the Yankees are always going to hit their fair share of the long ball.
And the Yankees, indeed, needed those home runs after playing defense reminiscent of the Bad News Bears. Gardner was the owner of one of the Yankee errors, flubbing an easy scoop. If he’s not getting on base with his speed, Brett the Jet better be sure he makes those routine plays in the field.
A-Rod had the other error with a rare bad throw (it happens). Mama said there’d be days like this, but this road trip saw the Yankees also waste some good pitching. In their last19 games, the starters combined for a 2.96 ERA. Given all the doubts about the rotation coming into the season, those are starts the Yankees needed to capitalize on.
It’s time for the Yankees to get their head out of the clouds and focus as they begin a home stand that includes a weekend series with the hated Red Sox. Make your mamas proud, boys.