I'm quite certain that the Yanks would love to kidnap the Tampa Bay pitching staff and hit against them for the rest of the year.
For fans of the Yankee offense, the last two games of the Devil Ray series were absolutely enjoyable. The Yanks outscored their forlorn opposition by 35-6. The Bombers knocked out 25 hits Sunday after smashing 20 on Saturday night.
All told, the Yanks hit .404 in the series with 49 runs, 63 hits and 11 homers.
It was a day of anguish for Tampa. The 25 hits were the most they have ever surrendered; the 49 runs scored for the series is also the most the team has ever coughed up in a single series.
Yes, this was the D-Rays, but then again the Yanks know if they are to make a run, they need to beat up on the weak teams. So far the Yanks are doing just that; they are 9-3 since the All-Star break and have 16 more games against teams with losing records before facing all strong teams for a three-week stretch in August starting with Cleveland on Aug. 10.
The highlight of the series was the major league debut of Shelley Duncan. The raw-boned son of Cardinal pitching coach Dave Duncan and brother of Redbird Chris Duncan, Shelley belted 3 HRs and 7 RBIs in the series. His cult-like curtain-call after each tater was reminiscent of Shane Spencer's emergence upon the scene in 1998 (although I don't recall Spencer as enamored with the aggressive high-five).
From my perspective, the most impressive at bat of the whole weekend for Shelley was the walk he worked out after he had belted two homers on Sunday; it showed that the big guy has some patience.
With the huge lead on Sunday, Duncan's exploits brought out the humor in the Yanks, Joe Torre even whispered to A-Rod after Duncan's 3rd homer, "Sorry, but you're not 'the guy' anymore."
Duncan has certainly paid his dues in the minors, and watching him is a great feel-good story. But there are holes in his swing that good pitching will exploit. Still, Torre is likely to ride Duncan's hot hand for a spell. Wouldn't you?
The big picture for the Yanks is that their bats came alive it, albeit against AAA pitching, and they must keep them hot against Kansas City and Baltimore this week.
Shelley Duncan is not the newest Yankee, that honor goes to Jose Molina. Brian Cashman acquired the back-up catcher from the Angels for minor-league pitcher Jeff Kennard. Molina is a quality back-up and will prove much more valuable than Wil Nieves, who put up some of the worst offensive numbers in major league history for a non-pitcher with over 130 Major League at bats.
That being said, I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that Wil Nieves is a class act. Nieves told reporters. "It's just business and I really want this team to go all the way to the playoffs and, hopefully, win the World Series. They're a bunch of great guys. I love them, Torre and all those guys..."
To a man, Wil's teammates appreciated his work ethic and positive nature. The fact that he has been designated for assignment doesn't change that. The Yanks are hopeful he can stay in the organization and work with the Scranton pitchers. Chances are no one will claim him in the next ten days, so that's likely to happen.
Lost in the offensive orgy was the 498th career homer for A-Rod. The best player in baseball keeps pouring it on. Even Johnny Damon is looking spry on the bases and on defense. Further good news for the Yanks comes from the realization that Phil Hughes will soon be rejoining the big club. Hughes' health may once again catapult Igawa from the rotation. Igawa, as we all know, has been down right horrible. He just can not keep the ball down and as a result he is doing a fine Jose Lima impersonation with 15 HRs allowed in 56.2 innings. His start in Kansas City on Thursday may be his last for awhile.
Also of note, the Yanks signed right-handed reliever Scott Williamson to a minor league contract. He was designated for assignment by the Orioles after going 1-0 with a 4.40 ERA in 16 appearances. The former Red Sox may be helpful down the stretch. He certainly has experience and this is one of those low risk ventures.
Don't look now, Yankee fans, but the Boston faithful are getting nervous…
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