On Friday night, Joe Girardi’s decision to intentionally walk Jay Bruce in the fifth inning–a move his pitcher Mike Mussina did not agree with–back-fired. However, the Yankees were also overwhelmed by Edinson Volquez. Johnny Damon said “He’s one of the better guys that we’ve seen in a long time.” Jason Giambi agreed. “He’s got Pedro-type stuff. You’ve got to tip your cap. The kid threw a good game.” As usual, Derek Jeter got right to it. “Sometimes guys are going to be better than you. He was better than us.”

A mere blip. It happens. I don’t think anyone expected the Yankees to get shut-down on Saturday afternoon by a kid making his major league debut. But that happened too. Fresh direct from Double A, Daryl Thompson woke up at 4:30 in the morning, was understandably amped up, and then went out and threw five scoreless innings, getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the second. Four other Cincy relievers combined to shut-out the Yankees, 6-0.

For the Yankees, Dan Giese, was equally impressive. Unfortunately, a throwing error by Giese in the seventh lead to a four-run rally by the Reds, enough to do the Yankees in.