random thoughts

I will speak pretty comprehensively about the state of affairs as they stand right now. If needed or desired, I'll expand on these later.

* Don't understand why both Torre has guys take the day off, but then pinch hit/run them in the middle of a close game. C'mon, Joe. I know the object is to win the game, and that you want to do that with the best possiblities available to you. But sitting Posada and Damon for the game... only to put them in under pressure situations... and expect them to contribute... isn't the most plausible outlook. If you're sitting guys that aren't 100%, then let the team you're putting on the field handle the way the game will turn out. Too many times, we've gotten stuck in a situation where we're behind the 8-ball when the really pressure-filled situation comes up. (Like having Kevin Thompson batting in the bottom of the ninth with two out as the tying run.)

* Obviously, the bullpen is taxed. They're spent. We've got a quality bullpen, and they can eat innings up... it just can't come at 4 innings a time. Even when we get our starters back, none of them are eight inning workhorses anymore (Mussina, Pavano). Wang may be, but he hasn't pitched at all this year in a major league game - I don't think it's reasonable to consider him putting in that effort right away.

If we swallow a defeat because one of our starters gets knocked around, well... so be it. It's April. Better for them to learn now that it's unacceptable, rather than bringing up Bean/Henn/Karstens/Rasner/whomever for long relief. Again.