A-Boo Boo for A-Rod

The rough West Coast trip for the Yankees continued yesterday as they dropped the 2nd game of the series to the Seattle Mariners.  In the loss, three Yankees were hit by a pitch.  All were thrown by Felix Hernandez in late innings.  He first hit Ichiro on the foot in the 7th inning, then Jeter and A-Rod in the 8th inning.  Ultimately, Hernandez broke A-Rod's hand which will land him on the DL for at least 6-8 weeks.  The Yankees can expect their high paid third baseman to return to the lineup, without and future complications, around late September.

First I will get into how the Yankees might replace the opening at 3rd base.  Eric Chavez will most likely get the majority of starts over at third.  However, he and Joe Girardi have both said that he doesn't want to and will not play everyday.  Chavez has been prone to injuries throughout his entire career.  Joe Girardi likes Eduardo Nunez who is in the minors.  Nunez is a good to great hitter but his fielding is holding him back from keeping a spot on the Yankees roster.  I would not be surprised to see Nunez called up today.

The Yankees, of course, could trade for back up third baseman.  Who they could get isn't clear.  Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres is on the market.  However, the Padres have a high asking price.  The Colorado Rockies have third baseman Ian Stewart on the block, but it is a similar deal as the Padres.  The Yankees aren't looking for a full-time replacement for A-Rod.  They don't need a replacement.  That is why I think the Yanks should just stick with Chavez and Nunez unless they can make a quick, cheap for a back up third baseman.

To my second point. Where and what was Joe Girardi doing when Hernandez hit your captain and superstar third baseman?! He hit three total guys and two of your key guys in the lineup and he didn't retaliate of make a fuss with the umpire.  I know you were losing but come on.  Ichiro, Jeter and A-Rod! You lost A-Rod for 8 weeks and it didn't light a spark in Girardi.  I was surprised he had little to no words for anyone.

The Yanks still have plenty of firepower but don't be surprised if the 7 1/2 game lead starts to slowly dwindle.

Likely Yankees lineup without A-Rod

1. Jeter
2. Granderson
3. Teixeira
4. Cano
5. Ibanez
6. Jones
7.Chavez/Nunez
8. Ichiro
9. Martin

Just when we thought things were all good and nothing could bring us down, we get swept by the A's in four games, can barely score against the Mariners and lose A-Rod for 8 weeks.