No, the above pic isn’t from tonight’s series opener against the Rangers at the Stadium. I just like it a lot, and it says what I’m sure Nolan Ryan is thinking right now.
No, one game doesn’t mean anything in the larger scheme of things, but it sets a tone. And tonight’s tone was: We’re better than you.
Even with a substitute starter, even without our cleanup hitter, even with a lineup and bullpen that includes former stars past their prime, the Yankees beat the Rangers in convincing fashion.
Not that it looked good early on. In fact, I was muttering to myself during the first few innings. But Phelps regrouped and the bats exploded (Swishalicious! Ichiro! Jeter! Chavez!) and Lowe threw four shutout frames for his debut in pinstripes.
Do I think Lowe will be an asset over the long haul? Who knows. He was sweatier than Sweaty Freddy, but his sinker sunk and he said all the right things about playing in pinstripes. Can’t wait for his reception if he gets into a game against Boston.
Bottom line? The Scary Rangers aren’t invincible after all.
