So, the Yankees split a 4-game series with the Rays who are really so much better than they should be. They lost most of their offensive oomph as well as their entire bullpen and although they are not breathing down either the Yanks' or the Sox' necks, manager Joe Maddon has them playing above their heads. But playing them in that stupid dome - which Granderson in centerfield had so much trouble with that he pretty much handed one of the games to the home team - it's hard to tell if the Yanks pitching was as great as it looked, or if the Yanks bats were as bad as they seemed: the Rays can really pitch, but they can't hit a lick...

Speaking of the Rays pitching here's an interesting tidbit gleaned from the YES broadcast (a broadcast free of the ever-babbling Michael Kay to the delight of my ears and my brain): the Rays have now played 700 straight games started by a pitcher under 30 years of age. Night and day from the Yankee staff.

It's 10 days until the July 31st trading deadline and there's not much out there. Clearly the Mets are going to move Beltran; they have to, but I am hoping he doesn't go to either the Bosox or the Phils; the Giants could really, really use that big bat in the outfield and probably have the pitching prospects (I mean, really, Brian Sabean has to be taken seriously as a great developer of young arms; see: Lincecum, Cain, Baumgartner, et al) to potentially overwhelm Sandy Alderson and the Mets.

I am, of course, biased here. I don't think the Yankees will pursue the good-hitting outfielder unless it's to keep him away from the Sox who really don't *need* any more bats. C'mon give JD Drew another chance...

Watch this spot for upcoming information on the writers/poets salon I am starting soon. It's to be called "Batting for Punto: A Salon" and mark September 22 in your calendar as I do believe that will be the maiden voyage. Keep me to that if you have a mind to.

Thanks
Brian