Proctor & Gamble

Another day, another meltdown. Today's culprit: Scott Proctor, who was unable to hold a 2-1 lead. After relieving Mussina in the 7th with one out and a runner at first, Proctor promptly surrended a double and then walked three consecutive batters, forcing in two runs. Proctor was booed off the mound, and Torre in turn was booed off the field when he summoned Bruney. Mussina had only 95 pitches when he exited, so naturally the question on everyone's mind was why did Torre take him out. In Torre's defense, Mussina has a tendency to lose it fairly quickly, and the Yankees finally had a lead to turn over to the bullpen. On the other hand, Torre is clearly obsessed with Proctor, as he was with Quantrill, Gordon, and Sturtze in seasons past. Given the other choices (Kyle Dial 911 comes to mind), I can't say I blame him for relying on Proctor so much, but clearly he cannot continue to pitch in every game, and you have to expect a debacle every so often. The problem is the Yankees can't afford to lose late leads given their record, and Torre can't afford to keep having his moves questioned. Personally, I would have let Mussina have one more batter.

Given that Igawa is clearly a lost cause, perhaps it is time to send Carmen Sandiego looking for the Yankees' offense instead. The fact that Will Nieves drove in two of the three Yankee runs would be comical if it weren't so tragic, and this after the collective group of All-Stars managed only one run yesterday. Bobby Abrboo attempted a bunt again; the GiamBALCO needs another dose of amphetamines; Damon needs new legs. Even if the Yankees win every game that Wang, Pettite, and Mussina pitch the rest of the season, they will only have 89 wins, which in all likelihood won't be enough to make the playoffs. And that is no easy task: the Yankees are only 2-4 in the big 3's last six starts. To get to 95 wins, the Yankees would have to play .650 ball the rest of the way.