Dustin Moseley Answers Yankees Alarm

The performance by Dustin Moseley last night against the Boston Red Sox reminded me of test taking. Remember when you would study for weeks in advance of a big test and when it came down to actually complete said test, your mind would go blank? Remember those tests when you crammed to study the night before, keeping the information fresh while also not allowing you to overthink it?

Generally those tests results come back showing some success. That’s exactly the results Yankees starter Dustin Moseley got last night in the Yankees 7-2 win over Boston.

Expected starter A.J. Burnett was scratched due to tightness in his back. The Yankees sounded the alarm and Moseley came firing.

With just 24 hours notice, Moseley would be making an emergency start. A start that would be televised nationally on ESPN against the Boston Red Sox.

Moseley stayed at the stadium late Saturday and arrived early Sunday to go through scouting reports and watch tape of Boston hitters. What result did Moseley get from this last minute test? How bout a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd!

Moseley would go 6^1/3 innings on Sunday, giving up just two runs. He was sensational both with his arm and glove. Moseley made a trio of very nice defensive plays to help himself.

The righty gave up just six hits while striking out five Boston batters. Filling in for Andy Pettitte in the Yankees rotation, Moseley has made the most of his chance. The Yankees have a pleasant surprise on their hands. Moseley is now 2-1 on the season with a 3.86 ERA, including some time out of the bullpen.

Derek Jeter, Nick Swisher, and Mark Teixeira all had two hits to help out their emergency starter. Yankees newcomer Lance Berkman had a big night, going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Two of Berkmans hits were doubles.

Just the night before, Berkman was booed following his final at bat in the Yankees loss. The veteran first baseman / designated hitter had struggled since coming to the Yankees via a trade deadline deal. He was consoled by captain Derek Jeter after that final at bat. Jeter was seen putting his arm around Berkman and talking to him, eventually getting a smile. Maybe that was all Berkman needed to loosen up and hit the ball the way we know he can.

Despite the offensive work of those four guys, the star of the night was Dustin Moseley. Like I said, sometimes it’s better to go out on short notice and wing it. When you can’t over think things, your pure talent takes over. Moseley is clearly a talented athletic player.

The Yankees and Red Sox close out their four game series with an afternoon game today at the stadium. Phil Hughes will be on the mound for the Yankees.