Yankees flounder Red Sox plunder

The Red Sox got the better of last night's contest by a score of seven-three in spite of Johnny Damon's two solo home runs.

Which begs to question why the leadoff hitters' efforts are in vain.

One can point to a number of elements and a clear indicator is the inability hit with runners in scoring position.

But how about a nerve factor? Can we put that into the equation?

It's possible and probable.

There are four hitters who seem to bat with runners in scoring position: Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi.

Let's start with the captain.

He has hit well with runners on base in the past but I believe he is more injured than letting everyone know. His physical limitation is getting to his head when runners are on base (he's been a hot hitter for the last three weeks but that is not indicative of his capabilities).

Mr. headcase (Abreu) is the best hitter with runners in scoring position on the team. Last night, he earned two hits off starter Tim Wakefield. On his third appearance, however, with runners on base, he chopped to Dustin Pedroia. He was not the worst performer from last night or in fact this season; but notgetting the runs home is a contagious matter.

But Alex Rodriguez is probably the worst case from last night and perhaps the season. The highest paid player in all of baseball is 0-5 hitting for the cycle in terms of leaving runners on Great news Yankees fans; your highest paid player is a pad stacker and a large part of it may have to do with his emotional state revolving around his divorce and his late-night visits with Madonna.

Finally, Jason Giambi has to come to the reality that if he starts hitting the ball towards left field, defenders will have no choice but to switch defensive strategy. This will open up the right side of the infield where he loves to hit it. Higher average, increase run production, and improved offense would be the benefactors leading to a more successful team.

But that's why the Yanks will not make it and why either the Twins, White Sox, or Red Sox will
finish as the Wild Card team; Boston leads the Minnesota by 2.5 games and New York by six.