Close Only Counts in Horseshoes

With the first month of baseball nearly gone, it is clear that certain teams are floundering in both leagues: the Texas Rangers, the Cincinnati Reds, The Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres. The rest of baseball in the American and National League, despite some front runners could to be said to be close.

My concerns of course are in the dismal state of NY Yankee pitching. Pitching despite a loaded bullpen has been a disappointment so far this year. Wang, Joba, Pettitte and Mariano are the only ones able to claim they are major league pitchers. The rest, including veteran Mike Mussina, and the kids, Kennedy and Hughes have been a solid disappointment.

Kennedy did it again today, got off to a good start, walked too many, and gave the Indians an early lead. Kid Kennedy did manage to get it together and into the 6th without any more damage. Only to have Ross Ohlendorf load Indians on the bases in the bottom of the 9th with Victor Martinez coming to bat with only one out. WHAT IDIOT MADE THE HAFNER IBB DECISION?

Compared to Ohlendorf, Hawkins and Kennedy didn't look bad. And Hawkins, Kennedy, Hughes and Traber represent the shakiest of our pitchers. The range of balls to strikes is 1 to 1.5. I'm sorry that has to improve. Wang, Pettitte, Mo, Joba and the now gone till September Brian Bruney had an average ratio of 2.36. Mo has a 1 to 8 ratio, Joba's is 1 to 3.7. The rest of the staff, save Pettite and Wang throw one ball for every strike. This has to change.

I have decided to fix blame with Joe Girardi for picking Dave Eiland, a mediocre pitcher at best to tutor a youthful staff. The Yankees can ill afford to have Eiland be the mentor for a staff once rated at high potential. Its time to change horses before April ends. Get rid of Dick! At this point I would even say get Dave Cone out of the booth and let him coach the staff. Cone at least has a defendable pedigree, Eiland does not.

I'd even suggest paying Clemens $22 million to come and coach the pitching. It's not like these guys don't have the talent, the current regime just has not found a way to harness it. Say what you want about Roger, the Mitchell Report and his hired gun attitude; Clemens is the real deal, always has been and always will be. When Torre needed a coach for a talented young staff he turned to Mel Stottlemyre; another man with an impeccable pedigree. Eiland is a mutt, lets send him to the minors.

If Crown Prince Hal erupts in a day or too, I could see why. But pitching has to change, and I would start with the pitching coach. It's time for a change.