The Taxman Cometh

We all get a little cranky when our taxes come due and the Yankees just got hit with a thirty million dollar tax bill, so maybe that explains George Steinbrenner’s outburst last Sunday. Whatever the reason, it appears to have woken up the Yankees’ bats as they scored eleven runs Wednesday Night in an 11-2 dismantling of the Blue Jays. Since Mr. Steinbrenner’s tirade, the Yankees have scored more than ten runs twice, their most prolific output of the young season. Now they have to figure out how to avoid a letdown like the one they suffered on Tuesday.

The game wasn’t all good news for the Yankees. Both Ruben Sierra and Bernie Williams had to leave with injuries and while Williams’ injury appears to be minor, Sierra could be out for an indefinite period of time. The Yankees have already sent Tanyon Sturtze to the disabled list this week and will hope to avoid having to sending another player.

Thursday, the Yankees conclude their series with the Blue Jays with Mike Mussina taking the mound against Gustavo Chacin. Chacin is undefeated in three starts this year and has a sparkling ERA of 1.42. This weekend, weather permitting, the Yankees will face the Texas Rangers and old friend, Alfonso Soriano.

Photo by AP/Frank Gunn via ESPN