Pinstripe Press
By Editor at July 27, 2024 | 9:45 am | Print
By Robin Vinci
It came as little surprise to me that New York lost all four games in Oakland over the weekend. No one is playing better than the A’s right now.
Earlier this year New York had taken three in Oakland. What really matters about Oakland is how good they are in September/October.
The big news in the Yankees Universe this week is the signing of Ichiro Suzuki. I think this is a good thing for the Yankees. He can hit, he can run and he can play outfield. He may be the perfect fit with the loss of Brett Gardner for the season.
I doubt the Yankees will keep him past this year if Gardner is able to play. But, in the meantime, it will be nice to have him around. Hiroki Kuroda will now have someone he can talk to.
For players who come from Japan their dream is to play for the Yankees. Everyone’s should be. It would be nice to see Suzuki win a World Series with New York. Imagine going from a last place team to a first place team. I bet it all seems surreal to Suzuki.
If his first at bat as a Yankee – a single – is a sign, it’s going to be a great three months or more for him.
Alex Rodriguez hit only his 15th home run of the season on Monday night. It is his 299th as a Yankee. His numbers have really slowed down. It has been a very disappointing season for him.
Kuroda earned his 10th victory Monday night. His play so far this season has been sketchy. Some games he is amazing and some not so good. I think he will only get better.
Rafael Soriano blew a save this week. He is 25 of 27. To me that is still pretty good. Mariano Rivera hints he may come back this season. I would prefer he waits until next year when he can be 100 percent.
This weekend is another anticipated Yankees/Red Sox match-up in New York. I am hoping (notice I don’t say expecting) for a Yankee sweep. So far New York has been dominant this season. That usually does not last so this could be a great even match-up.
Phil Hughes pitches Friday night’s game against Aaron Cook. Cook had a rough start, but has been pitching better as of late. Hughes lost to Oakland 2-1 in his last start, but he pitched extremely well.
