Game 83: Mussina loses to Texas Rangers 2-1

July 1, 2008

By DailySkew

It was one of those games that makes no sense, but has happened way too often this year…how could the Yankees and Rangers engage in a pitcher’s duel?

Mike Mussina (10-6, 3.87) gives up two cheap runs, and LOSES? To TEXAS? Yes, folks, the great SCOT FELDMAN (2-3, 4.38) and the Rangers bullpen was just too much for the Yanks last night in the Bronx.

Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, and Dan Giese pitched one scoreless inning each.

A-Rod hit a solo HR.

That’s it.

Anyway, I guess I was prophetic with my Melky / Brett Gardner story from yesterday. Brett made his debut last night, leading off. He didn’t get a hit, but he has speed, and if he ever makes it, you’re looking at Brett Butler 2.0. Joe Girardi is in love with him already for bringing the speed and aggressiveness to the table. With Godzilla out indefinitely (something that gets little press..kind of funny since he was the best Yankees hitter all year), Brett looks he could contribute this year.

Injuries and Transactions
The Scranton/Bronx revolving door continues, as Justin Christian was sent down and Brett Gardner was called up. Johnny Damon is nursing his ankle, but is ready to play. Damon won’t like Gardner playing LF. And Melky probably feels the heat that his replacement is next to him in OF.

Ian Kennedy was taken off the DL and sent down to the low minors for now. Because of his “poor” exit interview from his Yankees stint, not to mention his lack of command, he will be given the same chance as other AA and AAA guys, no more and no less. So much for his prospect status.

Again, the big news should be that Hideki Matsui may or may not need knee surgery this year.