In Bullpen, Melancon Could Replace Mellon Head

Scouts say TJ surgery-survivor Mark Melancon could be next in line to replace reversable bullpen lugnut Chris Britton, who has singlehandedly justified the movement of the Yanks' AAA franchise from Columbus to Scranton.

Already this season, Britton has been moved up and down more than a rabid Abba fan during the last act of "Mama Mia."

Shuttling the 275-pound Britton, honored by Wikipedia as the fourth heaviest man in MLB baseball, to and from Pennsylvania Coal Country has doubled not only the Yanks' carbon footprint, but their actual footprints. The satirical bar for batters is hitting their weight. If only Britton's ERA could match his poundage.

Melancon pitched last night for Scranton, giving up no runs, reducing his ERA below 1.80, and adding to his reputation as "This year's Joba."

Though Brian Cashman has repeatedly said Melancon will not pitch for the Yanks this year -- it's too soon after TJ surgery -- those words are viewed as a sign that Melancon definitely will pitch for the Yanks this year.


Besides... Melancon, other bullpen options include... uhm, well... Chris Britton.

What are we waiting for? Pavano?