Schadenfreude 86 (A Continuing Series)

Bob Klapisch, The Record:

It seems like a million years ago since the Yankees left spring training, convinced they had the talent, the chemistry and the winning pedigree to finally crash the walls of the Red Sox' empire. The AL East has belonged to Boston since 2004, but the Bombers were willing to bet every last cent of their $200 million payroll that a coup was coming.

Two-a-half months later, the Yankees are dazed and confused, wondering what happened to that limitless reservoir of self-confidence. They're 0-7 against the Red Sox with no end in sight. The standings insist there's no crisis, but ask around the room and to a man the Yankees agree: The inability to beat Boston has become an embarrassment.

Ken Davidoff, Newsday:

What, in the name of Steve Trout, should the Yankees do about Chien-Ming Wang?

They can't possibly give him another turn in the starting rotation, right? Even if that turn comes Tuesday night against the pathetic Nationals? ...

You know these are rough times for the righthander when he gets embarrassed on the mound, and yet he still lowers his ERA, from 14.46 to 14.34. ...

"I'm a believer in people," Girardi said, and he reminded us that he kept the faith in Mike Mussina during the veteran's early struggles last year, and that Mussina wound up winning 20 games.

That's lovely. ...

Joel Sherman, Post:

Let's work on our fake injuries for Chien-Ming Wang.

How about sprained right eyebrow? Or contusion of the left pinkie nail? Or how about hyper-extended ERA? ...

There is no acceptable answer for sticking with Wang. Hughes may not be perfect. He still may have a lot to learn. But he is at least competitive. Wang, on the other hand, is making Kei Igawa look good by comparison.

John Harper, Daily News:

[O]nce the emotion wears off Girardi needs to do the right thing and give Wang another chance. ...

George A. King III, Post:

... Wang pitch[ed] with the command of a 4-year-old playing pin the tale on the donkey ...

Wang wasn't the only one likely to keep Girardi from a restful night. His hitters went a pitiful 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position. ...

"We have played very good against the rest of the league but not against our rival," Damon said. "We would like to win one soon."