Angels and (Yankee) Demons

By now, you’ve heard that the Angels successfully mounted a comeback in last night’s sloppy game versus the Yankees. Although there’s no need to panic yet, you can bet your ass the Yankees are starting to have flashbacks of the 2004 ALCS. In fact, prior to last night’s game, Mariano Rivera had to field some questions about the historical collapse.

“We didn’t take it for granted in 2004, we just didn’t have the pitching,” Rivera told the Daily News before Wednesday’s workout at Angel Stadium. “We have different pitching now. The bullpen is stronger, the starting rotation is stronger, so that’s the key. In 2004, what took us there was our hitting. Here, it’s our pitching.”

Perhaps after last night’s game, Rivera may want to reconsider those sentiments. AJ Burnett, the Yankees’ Cole Hamels, started and gave up 6 ER in 6 innings of work. In between Damasco Marte and Joba Chamberlain, the usually solid Phil Hughes came in and gave up what would eventually be the game winning run. The point is, while Rivera may want to think the pitching got the Yankees here, don’t be fooled – it’s the Yankees offense  that is getting the job done. They almost overcame an early deficit by scratching and clawing their way back with a 6 run 7th inning.

In the end, this was only one game, and cannot speak to how well the Yankees have played as a whole this season. However, it was a game that raised some pretty important questions as the team gets ready for game 6 at home. If the Yankees eventually do seal the deal, will Burnett be a serviceable starter against the Phillies? If so, which game? Will Phil Hughes rebound from a shaky outing? If the Angels take game 6, will the bloody sock haunt Yankee vets like A-Rod, Jeter, Posada, and Rivera? The easiest way to put all these questions to rest is to win game 6 – we’ll see what happens.

Hat tip to Coleidge for the pic.