Thoughts On the Starting 9

Nine games down.  Here are some thoughts on what I have seen so far:

Defense: 

Giambi needs to keep working, but he made some great plays in some early games...The absence of his bat makes it harder and harder to keep playing him everyday, but doing exactly that is the only thing that'll bring him around.

Alberto Gonzalez can flat pick it, fortunately we wont be watching him for long with Jeter's return expected tomorrow.  Until Jeter does return, please leave ARod at third...that's all the NY Press needs during the first two weeks of the season, a "quarterback controversy."

Matsui was up against a tough wind play last night that made him look foolish, but that play was harder than he made it look, and is there any doubt he has the best arm from left?  Given the desire to play Giambi at first, I guess the left field Damon/Matsui platoon makes sense, but it isnt sitting well with me, although I cant exactly put my finger on the reason why.

Melky will win a gold glove in his career, if the voters ever stop making it an offensive/popularity contest...Speaking of, how did ARod not win it last year?

Backups:  Jose Molina & Wilson Betemit have been more than serviceable defensive replacements, especially with Molina's relatively consistent contributions with the bat.  Given that the Yankees have 65 outfielders, it only made sense to make the Duncan/Gonzalez roster moves to keep Betemit on the bench for security.  Duncan will be back soon.

Starting Pitching:

Moose - slow, slower and even-slower - I love it.  Pettitte's first start was the one start I didnt see all of, so I am reserving judgement.  Hughes has stuff, mental and physical, and I am betting it will come around.  Kennedy's two "starts" have been a little bizarre and I think this is a kid who will benefit from a regular flow of the season as things normalize.  Wang, 2-0.

Bullpen:

Joba to Mo - I love it.  If the offense can get right these guys will start making 6 inning games and I am begging management doesnt tweek it. 

Billy Traber has been surprisingly solid for a non-roster invitee, let's not wake him up.

Bruney looked solid last night but his heat is so straight that if he doesnt change speeds or at least be constantly changing the hitters' eye levels he gets killed, ie Kyle Farnsworth.

The rest of the bullpen just has me shaking my head.

Pray we get out of KC tonight and thankfully we wont have to go back in 2008.

Go Yanks!