I'm Passing on Some Tidbits

Believe me when I say that Alphonso is pissed.

I was with him all afternoon in a bar up on 74th street , watching the Yankees lose. Alph ( my name for him ) called the game a loss as soon as Javy threw his fourth pitch of the game.

Even when the Yanks game back from down 5-1 and took the lead, Alph said: " This game is lost. Our hitters are just not delivering and our relievers are awful. Dave Robertson has had his run at the major league level. He can't get anyone out anymore."

Shots and beers followed shots and beers, until Alph decided to vent:

1. "It really is no big loss to have Grandy on the DL for 2 months ( Alph's prediction ). The guy is hitting .220. "

2. "It's time for Joe to make a move on Javy. At minimum, you can't let him pitch in Boston."

3. About 15 minutes ago we heard that Melancon is coming back up , to shore up the worn out bullpen caused by Javy.

" He sucks," is about all Alph would say. I don't think he has forgotten the last time when Melancon walked the first 4 batters he faced in pinstripes.

4. We watched Johnny Damon throw out Hideki at home and hit a walk-off HR for Detroit. Alph threw his draft beer against the back wall.

" ....... and we have Nick Johnson. He's hitting .138. All he had to do was walk when he pinch hit. So he hits a charity hop , slow grounder to second. He is just awful. Nick Johnson is finished as a hitter. Mark that down," he blathered.

5. " And we have no one in the minors except two phantom " catchers " who won't see the big leagues in our lifetimes."

I took him home to make him feel better.