Yankees play host to
the Nationals
June 17, 2009 by Marc Jerbs

The NY Yankees dealt the Nationals its 46th loss of the season after scoring a come from behind win in the opening of their three-game series. Last week, the Yankees were swept on the road by their archrival Red Sox. It was only a temporary setback as they won the next series against their subway rival NY Mets.

This series could be the last straw for NY pitcher Chien-Mien Wang to show his stuff to the Yankees since coming back from extended spring training to correct mechanical flaws in his pitch delivery. He did not perform well in his last start against the Red Sox. I think his start tomorrow against the Nationals could help him get his groove back. His pitches are back in form especially his bread and butter play, the sinker. But his confidence is not yet there, he needs to trust his pitches as well as catcher Jorge Posada's pitch calling. Another poor outing could send him back at the bullpen and have upstart Phil Hughes fill in his starter spot in the rotation. If he responds well, then the Nationals are in for a long agonizing night.

It's hard to be a bottom dweller in MLB, your team's image are magnified due to losses. Friction and pressure may build up as well. Nationals Manny Acta days as the team manager are numbered since his team are not meeting their goals for this season. But nobody should lay all the blame solely with Acta. They have decent players in the lineup but a good vibe and chemistry have not yet come around. It's better to reset their season goal; a .500 record is somewhat attainable rather shooting for the postseason.

Poor outing does not seem to lay fear to bettors as they still install Chien Mien Wang (-220) as the favorite to win against his pitching duel with John Lannan (+180). I bet you're thinking it's safer to choose Lannan after his superb last two starts.