Godzilla Outshines Ichiro

Didn't think we would be awake for all of last night's game, but in fact we were. It was a big night for Hideki Matsui (2 HR, 5 RBI) and CC Sabathia (8 IP 10 K) as the Yankees clobbered Ian Snell and the Seattle Mariners, 11-1, in the series opener.

Any time Matsui or Ichiro play, it's big ratings back in Japan, so when both are on the field at the same time you can really expect big numbers. And Matsui gave them plenty to talk about.

Godzilla put the Yankees up 5-0 in the 3rd with a 2-run shot, added an RBI single in the 3-run 7th, and put some icing on the cake with a 2-run shot in the 8th that barely got over the glove of a leaping Ichiro.


CC was dominant from the start. His 10 Ks were a season high and he allowed just 3 hits. In winning his last 2 starts Sabathia has allowed 1 earned run, 5 hits and has struck out 19 in 15.2 innings pitched. Overall, he's now 13-7, 3.64 in 25 starts) 170.2 innings pitched. Sabathia has had his ups and downs this year, but he's clearly the best free agent signing the Yankees have had in years.


Had a good debate on Twitter last night with some fellow Yankees fans concerning the 2010 prospects for Matsui and Johnny Damon. Almost everyone agrees that Matsui shouldn't be back next year. As much as I love Godzilla, I agree. It's not good to have one player, unless it's a really dominant player, be a full time DH. Matsui isn't as productive as he was, though as he is doing right now, he can still get hot in stretches. But he's become too injury prone and even more prone to ground out to 2nd.


Damon is having a resurgent season- a resurgent season in a contract year. While he's had decent numbers during his time in New York, he's be'll 36 in November and his body seems to be older. Though he's rarely been on the DL, he's been a constant source of bumps, bruises, and injuries. His play in left field has become a nightly adventure and his arm is weaker than my 10-month old nephew's. While the consensus seems to be to keep him, I think the Yankees should let him go.


It's too easy to fall in love with the players you like and root for. For example, Scott Brosius was tremendous for the Yankees in 1998, but signing him to a long term deal and trading Mike Lowell was, in hindsight, a mistake.

Austin Jackson may not be ready next season, but Brett Gardner should get a shot at center field every day. Melky Cabrera could play a corner, be a 4th outfielder, or be dealt. There are free agent options such as Jason Bay, and trade options like Jermaine Dye and Carl Crawford to fill the outfielder. The main is to get younger and better.