After losing the first 2 games on their west coast trip, the Yankees have won 5 in a row and are on their longest winning streak of the season.
BP Show 75 topics: We discuss Hal Steinbrenner’s criticism of the team, Buster Olney’s article saying the Yankees should “retool” in preparation for 2017, Mike Trout trade rumors, and potential changes to MLB rules next season. We break down Chad Green’s debut, Michael Pineda’s struggles that have led to him having the highest ERA in the league, CC Sabathia’s healthy return from the DL, Carlos Beltran enjoying his role as DH, how the Yankees will address Alex Rodriguez’s return, Rob Refsnyder’s big hit, and Girardi’s use of BMC. Mailbag questions about the starting pitching, climbing back into the AL East race, and the value of veteran players on the trade market.
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During their 5 game win streak, each Yankees starter has gone at least 6 innings. It’s no mystery that pitching is the key to success. If you’re constantly turning the ball to middle relief in the 5th inning, it’s hard to win games.
Despite the rotation looking good, Girardi was criticized for his use of BMC this week. He pulled his starters, Eovaldi on Wednesday and Nova on Thursday, with low pitch counts in favor of the big 3 in close games.
I understand the gripe fans have with pulling Eovaldi. He’s been one of their most consistent starters this season (a completely opposite theme from last year) and been getting better each time out. The Yanks had a 2 run lead on Wednesday and if there was ever a time to extend Eovaldi for another inning, that was it.
The situation Thursday night with Nova was different. It was a 2-1 ballgame and we’ve seen Nova give up leads enough to know nothing is safe with him. Granted, he has been great as a starter so far, but giving the ball to your big guns in that situation makes sense. Also, the offense did them no favors by failing to tack-on insurance runs while making two base running errors in the 6th.
Regardless, if the Yankees are going to make it to the postseason, 6 innings is a realistic goal for the starting staff. Anything less will not be enough.
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