This season, the Yankees starting pitching has some holes, which may get bigger with Kevin Brown out of the lineup. The 39 year-old starter experienced some tightness in his surgery repaired back last night after slipping during the first inning. Brown went on to pitch through the second inning, giving up four runs in the process. Brown's 7-1 record and 4.13 ERA, however, are deceiving. The Times reports that in his 4 wins against Tampa Bay, his ERA is 1.88, while that number balloons up to 5.37 in his other games. Brown's injuries along with Jos� Contreras's reliability may force the Yankees to acquire another starter mid-season. Of course, you have to wonder, who do the Yankees have to trade?
Lucky for the Brown, the Yankee offense the team out of a 5-0 hole and the Yankees went on to win 7-5 (box score). Derek Jeter, returning from a groin injury, continued his hot streak by hitting the a two-run home run in the 7th, giving the Yankees the lead. Bernie Williams hit a solo shot after Jeter to give the Yankee bullpen a small cushion. 2nd basemen Miguel Cairo went 4-4 on the night, pushing his average above the .300 level to .304.
Don't look now, but the Yankees have the best record in baseball at 37-20. It's still early in the season, but the Yankees are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are 3.5 games ahead of the hated Red Sox.
