YANKS vs. SOX-3

Burnett looks good through his first two innings. The big thing for him is his curveball, when it’s on he’s tough and today it appears to be on. They’ll need a solid 7 innings out of him today in order to win. The Yankees today made some roster moves to combat some really debilitating injuries. Brian Bruney, who had been terrific in the early going, went on the DL along with Chien-Ming Wang. Replacing them are Dave Robertson and Mark Melancon to give them a little added depth in the bullpen. The good news, if you can call it that, is that Jose Veras is again available for the Yankees after pitching over 3 innings of relief on Wednesday. He’s no stud, but figures to see some time in the 8th inning now that Bruney is out.

Keeping with the theme of the Yankees pitching staff, you have start wondering about the role of Joba Chamberlain. At this point I can see the wheelhouse of Yankees brass devising a plan for Joba’s return to the pen…Phil Hughes will replace Wang in the rotation for now. If he pitches well enough to merit consideration for a spot, Wang comes off the hip injury back in form, and the 8th inning role is unsettled either by Bruney’s injury or ineffectiveness that could pave the road for Joba’s return. At the very least…let the speculation begin…again.