Breaking Down a Nightmareish Yankee August

August has been a happy time over the past decade for Yankee fans. At this point, it has been nothing short of disappointing this season. Coming into tonight’s action the Yankees found themselves 10 games behind Tampa Bay for the AL East and 5.5 out of the AL Wild Card race. It’s easy to say that the Yankees are simply playing inconsistent baseball. But the Yankees have been very busy making roster moves to get something started down the stretch. Let’s take a look at those moves and how they have worked out.

Acquired C Ivan Rodriguez from Detroit for RP Kyle Farnsworth
At first glance, this looked like the move that would save the Yankees’ season. Except that in 13 games Pudge is hitting .229. Andy Pettitte got shelled in his first game throwing to Rodriguez and he and Mike Mussina have both been caught by Jose Molina in every game since. Not to mention that Molina has been swinging a much heavier stick since Pudge came aboard. And that the bullpen has been mostly horrendous since Farnsworth left.

Activated Brian Bruney from the DL
Bruney has been mostly effective since his return from a Lisfranc injury. He is still working his way back but should be able to provide a quality bullpen arm down the stretch.

Placed SP Joba Chamberlain on DL
The Chamberlain injury constitutes a major hit to the Yankees’ starting rotation. He is hoping for a September return but the Yankees are not going to rush back the 22-year-old if they are out of a pennant race. Dan Giese provided a solid option in the rotation until he sustained an injury of his own. The Yankees are almost down to Plan Z for starters, which will be discussed later in this post.

Optioned CF Melky Cabrera to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, recalled OF Brett Gardner
Carbera had provided solid defense in center all season but, outside of a hot streak in April, has been almost an automatic out at the plate. The Yankees named the speedy Gardner their everyday CF and he responded well, including collecting a game-winning extra-inning hit against the KC Royals. How was he rewarded for this clutch performance?

Activated DH Hideki Mastui from the DL, Johnny Damon moved to CF
Yes, Gardner’s stay as the Yankees starting CF lasted precisely 2 games. With Matsui returning from his knee injury unable to play the field, Damon was forced out of the DH spot. Xavier Nady has been playing well in left, so Gardner was the odd man out. He still provides an outstanding pinch-running option off the bench. Matsui adds a veteran bat to the lineup while Damon is a defensive downgrade but an offensive upgrade in center.

Plan Z: Named Carl Pavano the Starting Pitcher for Saturday’s game against Baltimore
No need to read that over again. Or check your sanity. It’s true. Pavano, whose injury-riddled Yankee career has earned him the nickname “American Idle,” will toe the rubber in two days’ time for the Bombers. The only other realistic option was Phil Hughes, but the Yankees seem to want to avoid rushing him back. I suppose it makes sense; after all, for 40 million big ones, they might as well see if there’s anything left in that arm. I say Pavano pitches well enough to keep his spot in the rotation but is forced to call it quits after he stumbles during a curtain call, tearing his Achilles tendon.