The Yankees lost to the Red Sox last night 11 to 4 as their only starter who was getting the job done, Andy Pettitte, got demolished.

The Yanks now have the 3rd worst team ERA in the major leagues at 5.12 and at 8-13 they also have the 3rd worst record in MLB.

How could a team getting paid so much be so bad?

Perhaps the worst thing for the Yankees is that many of their hitters including Rodriguez, Giambi, Posada, and Jeter are having great seasons so far. Sure Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu are underperforming. Matsui has had injury problems and Doug Mientkiewicz and Melky Cabrera suck. But all things considered their offense is performing about as well as it can be expected to perform. They are scoring quite a few runs. In fact, they lead the major leagues in runs scored. The problem is their pitching is just so awful that it doesn't matter how many all star caliber players they have in their lineup.

Just imagine how things would be looking if A-Rod hadn't hit those two walk off homers earlier in the year. 6-15?

Alex Rodriguez does appear to be slowing down and without his heroics the Yankees can't seem to even stay close. In his last 3 games he's 1 for 10 with just 1 single. His numbers have dropped to .365/.429/.941 and he has just 2 games left to hit another homer to break the record for home runs in April. He and Albert Pujols (2006) share the record with 14 currently.

But no, the absolute worst thing for the Yankees right now has to be Mariano Rivera. For so long the Yankees could count on Rivera to come in and shut their opponents down when needed but not this year. Rivera has blown both save opportunities he has had this year and is without a single save through April 27th. Last night he came in for the 9th to try and keep the game within' striking distance. The Red Sox were up 7 to 4 when he entered. Rivera could only get one man out while allowing 3 hits & a walk. All 4 base runners scored for the final 11 to 4 margin. Rivera's season ERA is now an insanely awful 12.15!

Labels: Alex Rodriguez