We’ve been waiting, patiently, for Brian McCann to start hitting. To produce. Last night, he hit a line drive home run (a Yankee Stadium Special) and a fly ball in the right centerfield gap that dropped in and went for a triple. Yes, there was some good fortune with the triple as it landed just beyond Cody Rasmus’ glove, but McCann, who collected 5 RBI on those two hits, was due for some good luck.
Those two hits, combined with a decent outing from Chase Whitley, and a strong outing from the back end of the bullpen, was enough to give the Yanks a 7-3 win over the Jays.
It’s a start.
[Picture by Bags]
It also created a tiny bit of distance between Tanaka and Beuhrle. I am not sure about the Yanks playoff hopes, (Although it seems like a wide open field with everyone in the AL hovering around .500). But imagine if Tanaka were to win the Cy Young and ROY? (As long as the Jackasses who denied Matsui the award his 1st season in the Bronx, because he had played pro ball in Japan. The same jerks who gave it to Ichiro, without those same qualms).
Jeter also needs one more double to tie Gehrig for the Yankees all time record. I sure thought it would come earlier in the season if Jeter stayed healthy. His power seems to be zapped. Almost a year away from baseball screwed with his timing, and the injuries have likely taken a toll as well. He is hanging up the spikes at the right time, Maybe 2 seasons too late for his average, but it is nice to be able to say goodbye to the Captain.
McCann calls a good game and is solid defensively, this is not the offensive force we were looking for, but hopefully he can start stringing together some better AB's, or at least have better results.
I see the Yanks have a trade chip in JR Murphy, but I hope they get quality in return if they are to give up a valuable catching prospect. Tex may be done at first soon, and McCann hasn't looked good out there, but he might grow into it?
McCann will start hitting eventually, I'm sure of it.