A.J. Burnett was great, and the big home runs eventually arrived for the Yankees, but doesn’t it always come down to Mariano Rivera?
You would think they might take it easier on him as he gets older, but he just wants the ball. Last night, Joe Girardi used him for two innings, and the result was exactly what the Yankees expected: A lockdown that preserved a 3-1 victory over the Phillies in Game 2 of the World Series. It’s all tied.
Shoot, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mariano starts going three innings and becomes the next Goose Gossage at age 40. He hasn’t changed a bit since I first became his teammate in the ’90s.
You go back 10 years ago and he’s the same guy, with the same demeanor and the same approach. There is still nobody you would rather have on the mound to protect a lead.
Even so, I’m a little surprised Girardi didn’t get Phil Hughes back into action in the eighth inning. I know the Yankees really wanted this one, but you have to get Hughes back into a game to redeem himself a little bit after what happened in Game 1.
Of course, it doesn’t get to the point of making an eighth-inning decision unless Burnett shines as he did. My prediction going in was if he went seven innings, the Yankees would win. That script played out.
Pedro Martinez nearly matched him. He is not overpowering, but he made pitches and gave the Phillies a chance. That is what you wanted.
If there is one thing that struck me about the Yankees’ starting lineup, it was the absence of Jorge Posada, putting Jose Molina behind the plate.
Yes, we all know that Burnett prefers Molina, but frankly I don’t understand it. Posada gets a bad rap. I’ll go on record as saying he was probably the best catcher I ever had. We were totally on the same page.
Certain pitchers are more comfortable with backup catchers, but when you’ve got a guy like Posada with that much experience, it’s kind of tough. Burnett says it’s about him out there — it’s not about the catcher. But you know what? It’s about winning, too.
If you’ve got a more experienced guy, especially one that hits, it makes things a lot easier. Molina is not that effective offensively, compared to Posada. When it’s crunch time –and the World Series certainly qualifies — you want to go with your best out there.
But Burnett feels he’s more comfortable with Molina. I don’t understand that, because I’ve never had a problem throwing to any catcher.
I like the fact that Jorge, if he sees something, he comes out and tells you. He says it right to your face. He’s an in-your-face type of guy and I like that, because sometimes that fires you up a little bit, especially if you are getting your butt kicked.
He’s not afraid to show his emotions out there, and that’s what makes a good catcher.