Steve Lombardi of WasWatching.com of the SNY.tv Network joined us to answer a few questions about the Yankees, as the rivalry returns to Fenway for the last time this season.
NESN.com: Joba Chamberlain is getting some extended rest and is expected to have just six more starts this season. Do you agree with the latest "Joba Rules" or should the Yankees keep him on regular rest and forget the innings limit?
Steve Lombardi: With this plan, Chamberlain is only missing two starts between now and the end of the season. There's evidence to suggest that he's not the same pitcher when you repeatedly ask him to take a turn on normal (four days) rest. So, it seems like this plan can only help him – and it's doubtful that it will hurt.
NESN.com: Eric Hinske’s bat and Jerry Hairston Jr.’s versatility have helped the Yankees solidify their bench and build depth. Which of the two players has been a more valuable addition, and who will play a bigger role down the stretch?
Steve Lombardi: In my mind, no question, it's Hairston. It's clear the Yankees only view Hinske as an outfielder. And, as such, he's not going to help you with the glove. Basically, Hinske is going to spell Nick Swisher and be used as a pinch hitter on days when Ramiro Pena is in the starting lineup (and Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez are playing at DH). He's not going to be used often that way. Hairston, on the other hand, will play all the outfield positions – as well as third, second and shortstop, if needed. Plus, he will be an asset as a pinch runner. And, sometimes, that's a huge role. See: Roberts, Dave, 2004.
NESN.com: Sergio Mitre and now Chad Gaudin have combined to barely eat some innings out of the No. 5 spot in the rotation. Which of the two should be given the role on a permanent basis for the final month of the season?
Steve Lombardi: Hmmm … would you rather be set on fire or pushed in front of an oncoming train? Both Mitre and Gaudin are painful to watch pitch, more times than not. And neither one is capable of giving you many innings, consistently. Can I choose "The Pitcher To Be Named Later" – hoping that the Yankees make a move for another starting pitcher between now and September?
NESN.com: CC Sabathia got off to a rocky and inconsistent start, but now he is sitting tied atop the wins column with Josh Beckett for the AL lead in victories with 14. Has Sabathia been the "ace" the Yankees signed to a record deal? And what should we expect from CC in the series finale against Beckett on Sunday night?
Steve Lombardi: On the whole, over his last 20 starts or so, Sabathia has been "ace-like" for the Yankees. And I would expect the same from him on Sunday. But it will be interesting to see what happens. Facing the Red Sox in Fenway Park, in a huge game, in August, is such a tough assignment the past five or six years. It will be a nice test for CC.
NESN.com: Entering the series, if the Yankees play .500 the rest of the way – or in this case 21-20 – the Red Sox would have to go 28-14 to post the same record. Is the race in the AL East already over?
Steve Lombardi: I can dig that math. But on the other hand, if the Red Sox sweep this series, then the Yankees only have a 3 1/2-game lead with 38 games left to play – and, that's not a huge lead with a lot of baseball left to be played. This is why it's important for the Yankees to win at least one of these games … if you're on the Yankees or a fan of them.
NESN.com: What are the keys for the Yankees to winning the series against the Red Sox?
Steve Lombardi: As always, it's pitching. The Yankees' starters need to go at least six innings, maybe seven, and keep the game close. They cannot allow the Sox' batters to have one of those innings where the game gets out of hand. And you want want to keep some of the questionable Yankees relief pitchers out of the game.
Thanks again to Steve Lombardi for sharing his insight on the Yankees. Don’t forget to check out his blog, WasWatching.com.
Stay tuned Monday for a series preview of the Chicago White Sox, as the Red Sox continue their homestand against the White Sox.
