The Sore Four

Let's get one things straight right from the start. There is no Sports Illustrated jinx. People would like you to believe there is. Especially those that work for SI. It means more circulation in a medium that has been losing circulation faster than an octogenarian.

That 3 of the 4 "Core Four" Yankees are now sitting out with ailments, just a short time after appearing on the SI cover, is a mere coincidence (Yes, there are too coincidences, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.).

No offense to Jorge Posada, but any length of time that Mariano Rivera and/or Andy Pettitte miss is much more crucial to the Yankees chances of repeating in 2010. It's hard enough to repeat with a healthy team.

We haven't gotten much information on the Yankees closer. Stiffness in his side. Could they be more vague?

Mild inflammation doesn't sound too worrysome until you realize that's the elbow issue that Pettitte was diagnosed with after his Wednesday start. Pettitte's past includes an elbow injury and, unfortunately, by some HGH usage. The Yankees need to be real worried (no, I am not implying he would use PED again).

Right now Pettitte is going to miss just one start. So far. Elbow willing. In the meantime, Sergio Mitre is the likely candidate to step in so that Al Aceves can remain in the bullpen. Pettitte's injury also means the Yankees really need Javier Vazquez to get his act together.

Pettitte struggled with his stuff on Wednesday, but allowed just one run in five innings, before departing after 77 pitches. He immediately was sent for an MRI, which brought up the inflammatory findings.

Here's to hoping Derek Jeter gets nothing more than the bad cold he had.