The two-team race begins with Billy McKinney's lifetime in the lurch

The Yankiverse is a strange place, a dimension of space and time, unbound by the curds and whey of conventional physics. Here, an entire lifetime can unfold in a weekend. For example, consider the case of Billy McKinney, who delivered a hit last night, but who might disappear by Monday, and not return until September... (or ever, as a Yankee.) We are down a center fielder, and Jacoby Ellsbury is almost ready. That will send McKinney to Scranton, the city of coal museums and trade chips. If he hits there, McKinney could well become the focus of a mid-summer trade. We used to call Rob Refsnyder
"Brigadoon" because he only appeared once every hundred years. Frankly, many Yankee prospects could earn that nickname. 


If we've seen anything thus far, it is that Torontonians should think about hockey. By mid June, the Blue Jays will be a weekly garage sale, dedicating themselves to 2020, (aka the Year of Hugh Downs.) Their best player can't throw the ball to first base in the air. Their hitters look so bad that we cannot gauge Yankee pitching: are we that good, or are they simply awful?

Between now and October, we cannot fathom the comedy and/or tragedy that awaits us, only that nonstop events will enfold us like a fart in an elevator. And this year, everything revolves around two teams: us and the Redsocks.

Yesterday, the worst thing that could happen... happened. David Price pitched well, like the guy they thought they were getting via the priciest pitching contract in history. A big season from Price could be seismic event in the AL East, matched only by one of our own... Aaron Judge.

As usual, everything hinges on injuries... though you could add Price and Judge to the list of intangibles. Thus far, we haven't seen enough to know what to expect. If Judge produces anything like last year, it's hard to imagine the Yankees missing the post-season. If he were to completely tank, as he did last July, and become an outfield version of Chris Carter... well, that would be a 6'7" hole in the batting order. We'll deal with that if it happens.

Currently, the Redsocks have five players on the DL - Dustin Pedroia, Drew Pomeranz, Tyler Thornberg, Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez. Four pitchers and a 2B.

We have four: Ellsbury, Bird, Frazier and now Hicks. Three outfielders and a 1B. Both teams have been hit in concentrated areas. Which is why we're seeing Billy McKinney. Let's enjoy his Yankee lifetime, while it lasts. "Brigadoon" McKinney? Who knows?