THERE’S GOT TO BE A BETTER WAY
I’ve always been a big supporter of David Robertson’s. His Minor League track record was exemplary, featuring the killer strikeout rates he carried over to the majors. Last year, I felt the Yankees were too slow to embrace him and too conservative when it came to challenging him with appearances in critical situations. I remain enthusiastic about his Major League future. However, it seems like that future is not now.

In nine games this season, Robertston has yet to have one perfect appearance. His walks have been acceptable, his strikeout rate still good, but his mechanics and command seem to have gotten completely out of hand. His last three appearances, each spaced four days apart from its predecessor, have been disastrous. He’s allowed six runs in 1 2/3 innings, including yesterday’s two home runs, and has cost the team two games.

Despite the less-than inspirational appearance from Mark Melancon earlier this week, and the way that the mere invocation of the name Jon Albaladejo depresses, it might be time to give Robertson a refresher course somewhere away from the bright lights. As valuable as he would be were he pitching up to his established abilities, right now he looks lost.

PETTITTE’S SUCCESSORS
Given Javier Vazquez’s complete failure to be a Major League pitcher so far this season, if Andy Pettitte has to miss some time with his current elbow inflammation -- and a common-sense approach would make that all but inevitable, even if the disabled list is to be avoided (as per Brian Cashman this afternoon) the Yankees are going to have to make some tough decisions about how to fill out a rotation that is down to three reliable members. It’s safe to assume that Joba Chamberlain isn’t moving from the 'pen given that he and Rivera make up the whole of the relief reliable. Sergio Mitre, who doesn’t really have a role, could get sprung, indeed this seems like the most likely short-term scenario. Unfortunately, even when you have the manager as your sole fanatical believer, you’re still a few adherents short of a religion, something that opposing batters will likely prove.

Alfredo Aceves could also find himself promoted, especially if memories of his strong spring training performance are still strong. Aceves is a quality reliever, but his role is pitching in lopsided games (or as lopsided as they’ve gotten for the Yankees this year) should be replaceable. The only troubling thought about Aceves is a vague one that connects his late-spring back soreness with his failure to strike out more than one batter this season (Orioles rookie Rhyne Hughes).

The Triple-A starter off to the best start is Ivan Nova, who I believe was played by Claudia Christian on “Babylon 5.” Nova has a 2.43 ERA in six starts and even has struck out some batters, 32 in 37 innings, but the 24-year-old’s Minor League record is decidedly mixed, with a mediocre strikeout-walk ratio. If this is a new Nova, then swell, but otherwise he doesn’t seem to have anything more than middle-relief work ahead of him. Only one other starter at Scranton, Jason Hirsh, is pitching well, but Hirsh pitching well in the American League seems a fanciful dream.

The really interesting pitching is going on at Double-A Trenton, where David Phelps is continuing a very successful pro career. After four starts, he has put up a 1.52 ERA in 23.2 innings. That would be of only passing interest had the 2008 draftee (14th round) not been so good last year and the year before. Phelps has made 45 professional starts and has a 2.40 ERA. In 247.1 innings he has walked 54 and struck out 197. An aggressive promotion from Trenton to the rotation would be completely un-Yankees-like, but Phelps might be positioning himself for a move to Triple-A, and thereafter for another promotion a couple of injuries from now.