As Usual, Yanks Staff in Shambles

For the fourth night in a row, we're watching a Yankees starter deliver a horrendous performance. Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina both struggled against the Red Sox, and now young ones Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy have found trouble against the O's. Wang's was most likely a fluky bad start caused by a lack of rhythm with third string catcher Chad Moeller, but what about the other three?

Mike Mussina has shown his age over the past two seasons. He now throws a mid 80s fastball and has to get by on location and movement. He hasn't shown either as of late, throwing two 86 mph fastballs down the middle to Manny Ramirez (kids: don't try that at home). It's sad to see Moose like this. He was so good for so long and was always a fan favorite, but he just can't get guys out consistently anymore.

Phil Hughes is the one who will turn it around quickest, in my opinion. He just has to locate better. He's throwing strikes, but hes catching too much of the plate. He's given up 25 hits in 16 IP, which is way too much. He should turn it around with more experience.

Ian Kennedy needs some time in AAA. His biggest problem is something thats hindered so many careers from becoming great, control. Counting tonights game, in 13 IP this season, Kennedy has walked 13 batters, given up 19 hits, and surrendered 15 ER. A walk an inning will prevent success. He's struck out 13 hitters as well, which is very good for a guy who is not a power pitcher. Kennedy should work out his control problems with Scranton, not the Bronx Bombers.

Now if we're sending Kennedy down, you might ask who can the Yankees call up? Kei Igawa surely isn't the answer to the Yankees pitching woes. They don't have an answer on their roster, but they do have a guy who can be a serviceable fourth or fifth starter. This man I'm referring to is Darrell Rasner, who has a 1.06 ERA in three starts for AAA.

Come on, you can't call up a guy based on three AAA starts, right? Rasner was the Yankees fifth starter for the first month or so last season, and was decent. He posted a 4.01 ERA in 6 starts before injuries ended his season. The year before he was good in a September cup of coffee as a starter as well. He could give the Yankees some quality starts until they are ready to bring Kennedy back up or send Joba to the rotation, and then he can do some work in long relief. In my eyes, Rasner would be an upgrade over Ian Kennedy at this point in time.