The Yankees Need A "Mercy Rule "

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Exactly as my editorial Board and owners have mandated.

The Yankees need a Mercy Rule, to be invoked after three innings of play, as follows:

1. Whenever the Yankees are facing a pitcher just up from the minors for the first time.

2. Facing a pitcher 23 years old or younger, who has never before pitched at the "Stadium."

The Yankees need to be able to call the game once we have gone 3 innings and failed to score, had no more than one hit, failed to advance one or more runners, and Arod has struck out.

That way: we concede the game ( which we will lose anyway ) , give our bullpen a break, minimize the demoralization of our starter who likely will go 6 innings, give up no runs and go home with an "L", and let the starting position players have a relaxing dinner.

In fact, that's where I'm headed right now.