Rough road ahead for Yanks

Welcome to Tampa Bay, home of the 2008 AL East champion Rays. The Yankees have 25 games left, trying to make up a seven-game spread between themselves and the Red Sox. Yesterday’s slugfest over the Tigers didn’t show me much, but it was a win nonetheless. Robinson Cano made another costly error, Sidney Ponson continues to struggle and the bullpen almost gave up the lead. Phil Coke had a nice inning, as did Damaso Marte, but what’s with Edwar Ramirez? The league seems to have started to figure him out. Brian Bruney remains the second-most reliable option behind Mariano Rivera right now. This road trip is going to be rough for the Yankees, who don’t play teams like the Rays and Angels particularly well. They need to go 6-3 at the worst in the next nine games, but I see a 3-6 or 4-5 stretch more realistic. Coke and Chad Moeller were the only players called up yesterday. Who else would you like to see get some playing time in September? Phil Hughes? Ian Kennedy? Austin Jackson?  ... (link)