Could it be that losing Giambi was the best thing that ever happened to the Yankees?
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by user Saddleshoe
A couple of days ago, Joel Sherman wrote in the NY Post that the most that the Yankees could realistically do to change their lineup would be to add to their bench. Few of the players on the team could be realistically moved because of no trade clauses and their individual states of disrepair.
I thought about this. I can't remember where I also read that someone, I think on ArmchairGM, wrote of missing our bench player, Aaron Guiel, who always seemed to come through in a clutch. So many of our games last year were won by the bench. Over in Flushing, Endy Chavez, a bench player, has been central to the Mets' success.
Interestingly, when Jason Giambi went on the DL, our offense was suddenly energized. Melky Cabrera, a bench player, was told he would play every day. Last year, when he played every day, he was a significant spark in our offense. Kevin Thompson was brought up from the minors to relieve Matsui occasionally. Damon was placed in the position of DH.
And suddenly the team found their bats.
I don't think it's a coincidence. The team has needed a serious shake-up, and the addition of any blood, but especially HUNGRY young blood did not hurt. Moreover, it gave Torre a chance to look at the team differently. In Toronto he played Damon and Giambi almost on a dare to see which one would fall apart first. He finally wanted to see who he had to pull from the lineup. He got his answer, although Giambi hit a homerun that night. One homerun does not consistency make and consistency is what we have needed.
This year, like last year, I think that our bench will be as much a part of our winning as any. Pulling Melky off of it will hopefully be as helpful as it was last year. I don't know if Kevin Thompson is all we want on it, but I think the shifts we are seeing in Boston bode well for, at least, a decent season to watch.
