Bruney Coming Back, Nady "Making Progress"

From Kim Jones:

Brian Bruney: He could be activated before tomorrow's game, which would delight Bruney, who's hoping to avoid a rehab appearance in Trenton, anyway. Surely, last night's eighth inning helped convince decision-makers to consider expediting his return.


I hope to no end that Bruney comes back in full force. A bridge of Robertson, Wang and Bruney would look real good right about now. That, of course, entales putting Phil Hughes back in the rotation where he belongs.

And give David Robertson some credit. Tonight, he went 1 and a third, striking out Alex Cora, David Wright and Ryan Church. His only hiccup tonight was the double to Gary Sheffield. He was probably taken out too soon after giving that up. 12.1 innings pitched. 19 strikeouts. Only 3 earned runs. Robertson is very underused.

And when Phil Coke relieves D-Rob, he immediately gives up a hit to a slumping Daniel Murphy. He's overused.


Xavier Nady: Reading between the lines, Girardi wasn't brimming with optimism regarding Nady's status, saying he threw from 125 feet yesterday and experienced soreness and threw from 75 feet today. "He's making progress," Girardi said. "We're continuing to try to press on." This partial tear of the elbow ligament is a tough injury for Nady to come back from, and Girardi said he has to play the outfield in a Minor League game before he'll come back.


He might as well shut it down for the year. This is similar to the Orlando Magic's point guard situation. New York is winning without Nady, just like Orlando got all the way to the NBA Finals without Jameer Nelson. While Nady and Nelson are both fine players, they aren't needed to continue winning. The Yankees really don't need him back this season.

Even if an outfield spot opens up, they should bring Austin Jackson up from AAA-Scranton. He'ss 22-years old and is killing pitchers in the minors.

I can't wait until next season. The great debate will be: "Who plays in centerfield? Jackson, Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner?" Gardner may have hurt his chances with that weak throw last night in Boston. Either way, it's a good problem to have.


--Max Caster