Where JAV You Been?

The Yankees' bats are still pretty dormant, but Javier Vazquez found himself in the National League again, leading to his dominant performance and a 2-1 Yankee victory at Citi Field. Congratulations go out to Kevin Russo, who came through with the first two hits of his young career, including a two-run double in the top of the seventh. Russo was one of the few Yankees who seemed to have a clue at home plate. On three different occasions, the Yanks had a runner on third and less than two outs. All three times, the Yankees failed to deliver a run, which almost became the difference in the game as Mariano Rivera was one base hit away from blowing it in the ninth. While many fans will blame injuries and a depleted lineup for the team's struggles of late, Derek Jeter failed twice in this situation, and Nick Swisher K'd when presented with the same opportunity.

Maintaining precedent, this victory did not come without a price. For those of you who did not see the game, Javier Vazquez was not just good. He was dominant. Over six innings, he allowed one bloop single to Angel Pagan. Maybe it was the National League, or maybe he's picked it up. His last three outings have consisted of a solid, seven-inning loss to Detroit, a relief victory over Boston, and tonight's W over the Mets. But again, the Yankees lost a pitcher to an injury in an NL park. Vazquez executed a successful bunt in the seventh, but did so while bruising a finger on his right hand. When will the injuries stop?

I'm going to try and stick with the positives tonight, and not harp on the failures of the offense since the Yankees did pull off a victory, and they remain 10 games over .500 despite their massive disabled list. Joba Chamberlain was outstanding tonight, retiring all five batters he faced in the seventh and eighth innings, including three strikeouts in a row to begin his outing. Mariano looked great against the first two batters, then kind of fell apart. Robbie Cano made a great play on a ground ball to end the game. Eventually, Mariano is not going to be able to do this any more. A scary thought, but it's reality.

The Yanks will throw Hughes and Sabathia over the next two outings. You have to look for the Yankees to take at LEAST one out of two, and win a series on the road. The Mets have been shaky, but their home record is solid. Losses by the Rays and Red Sox turn a Friday night into a solid one, thanks to tonight's unlikely heroes: Javier Vazquez and Kevin Russo, who has certainly earned himself another start in left field.