Yankees Crush A's, But Javy's The Story

With Dustin Moseley still trying to make a name for himself, Andy Pettitte still on the DL, and A.J. Burnett still pitching crazy after all these years, Javier Vazquez knows he has an opportunity to step up. He did just that last night, throwing 4.2 innings of relief in the Yankees 11-5 laugher over the Oakland A's. A minor adjustment made by pitching coach Dave Eiland seemed to make the difference for Vazquez, who was unusually animated during last night's game.

All it took was Vazquez moving his leg kick backward and in, which, in turn, allows him to have more momentum going forward. And, as a result, according to the right-hander, his ball doesn’t tail inside as much, because he’s throwing more over the top instead of dropping his arm slot. (Source: NJ.com)

The game didn't start off well as Moseley struggled, allowing three runners to cross home plate in the 1st inning. The Yankees immdiately answered back and took a 5-3 lead. But when Moseley gave up another run in the 4th and put runners on base in the 5th, Joe Girardi had seen enough. Vazquez was making his third relief appearance of the season and earned the win (his second in relief) after allowing just a single run the rest of the way. His fastball was clocked at a consistent 90 mph and was offset by low-to-mid 70's off speed stuff that kept hitters off balance all night. And Vazquez's own hitters game him more than ample support.

Mark Teixeira was back in the lineup after missing most of the weekend series with the Chicago White Sox with a bruised thumb. Tex hit back to back home runs with Robinson Cano and added a double, single, and three runs scored. Nick Swisher enjoyed a 3-hit, 3-RBI night, and Marcus Thames continued his torrid streak with a 3-run bash of his own. In his last five starts, Thames has six home runs and 11 RBI.

Oakland starter Trevor Cahill entred the game with a 2.43 ERA, but saw it rise nearly 40 points after he allowed eight earned runs in four innings.

Now Vazquez must sit and wait. He could replace Moseley, who has allowed 14 earned runs in his last 19.2 innings or A.J. Burnett if were to have another rocky outing on Wednesday. For now, the Yankees are glad they have an experienced starter to pick up some long relief innings.

Notes

Lance Berkman began the first of two game Trenton rehab stint and went 2-5. He could be activated in time for Wednesday night's Yankees game.