MLB Tue, Jul 19, 2005
Another new starter for desperate Yankees
Josh Hansen
The New York Yankees are running out of options.
So when Aaron Small, New York’s 12th starter of the season (the most of any AL team), takes the mound in Texas today, expect the Yankees to be an underdog for just the sixth time this season.
“I’m sure Texas will be a small favorite,” says Betcom linemaker J.J. Cashin. “Just because [Texas starter] Joaquin Benoit has pitched, we know him, Aaron Small is making his first start this year.”
Actually, when Small takes the mound at Ameriquest Field today it will mark his first MLB start in nine years and first big league game since a handful of relief appearances last season with the Florida Marlins.
“You can’t expect a relief pitcher to come back and start a game,” added Cashin. “You’re taking a relief pitcher and trying to make him a starter and usually it doesn’t work out.”
Yankees manage, Joe Torre, is trying to remain optimistic about his recent call up. But by the sounds of things, Small is a square peg trying to fit into the round hole left in the Yankees injury-riddled starting rotation by Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, and another call up, Chien-Ming Wang.
It’s been so bad, Kevin Brown came off the DL without a rehabilitation start Monday night against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees right-hander was shelled for six runs over four innings in New York’s 11-10 win as –113 favorites.
The Yanks are hoping Small can bring something to the mound that has been missing for most of his career.
"If he has his command, he has a lot of movement on the ball and keeps it down," said Torre.
If Small had command he would have stayed in the majors. The 33-year-old righty was 15-10 with a 5.49 ERA in parts of seven major league seasons with five different teams, while his 1-4 record and 4.69 ERA this season for the Columbus Clippers is about as intimidating as a kitten with boxing gloves.
"He`s not overpowering," added Torre. "But if you look at [Boston`s Matt] Clement, he`s not overpowering, either."
Power hasn’t been lacking in this series however. At least one team has scored double-digits in each of their last three meetings, helping the over to three straight paydays. Combine that with the inexperienced pitchers and the public will likely see a total of 12 runs added Cashin.
Oddsmakers list the Yankees at -105 for today`s game and have set the total at 12 1/2
Another new starter for desperate Yankees
Josh Hansen
The New York Yankees are running out of options.
So when Aaron Small, New York’s 12th starter of the season (the most of any AL team), takes the mound in Texas today, expect the Yankees to be an underdog for just the sixth time this season.
“I’m sure Texas will be a small favorite,” says Betcom linemaker J.J. Cashin. “Just because [Texas starter] Joaquin Benoit has pitched, we know him, Aaron Small is making his first start this year.”
Actually, when Small takes the mound at Ameriquest Field today it will mark his first MLB start in nine years and first big league game since a handful of relief appearances last season with the Florida Marlins.
“You can’t expect a relief pitcher to come back and start a game,” added Cashin. “You’re taking a relief pitcher and trying to make him a starter and usually it doesn’t work out.”
Yankees manage, Joe Torre, is trying to remain optimistic about his recent call up. But by the sounds of things, Small is a square peg trying to fit into the round hole left in the Yankees injury-riddled starting rotation by Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, and another call up, Chien-Ming Wang.
It’s been so bad, Kevin Brown came off the DL without a rehabilitation start Monday night against the Texas Rangers. The Yankees right-hander was shelled for six runs over four innings in New York’s 11-10 win as –113 favorites.
The Yanks are hoping Small can bring something to the mound that has been missing for most of his career.
"If he has his command, he has a lot of movement on the ball and keeps it down," said Torre.
If Small had command he would have stayed in the majors. The 33-year-old righty was 15-10 with a 5.49 ERA in parts of seven major league seasons with five different teams, while his 1-4 record and 4.69 ERA this season for the Columbus Clippers is about as intimidating as a kitten with boxing gloves.
"He`s not overpowering," added Torre. "But if you look at [Boston`s Matt] Clement, he`s not overpowering, either."
Power hasn’t been lacking in this series however. At least one team has scored double-digits in each of their last three meetings, helping the over to three straight paydays. Combine that with the inexperienced pitchers and the public will likely see a total of 12 runs added Cashin.
Oddsmakers list the Yankees at -105 for today`s game and have set the total at 12 1/2
