Coke-Aceves Update #3

Both Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves were brought back down to earth a little last night by the Red Sox. Then again, the miserable playing conditions may have at least been partly to blame.

Aceves started the game, pitching 4 innings, and giving 4 runs on 5 hits and a career-high 4 walks. The major damage came on first-inning home runs to Jacoby Ellsbury and Kevin Youkilis. Still, the Yankees led 13-4 when he was pulled after a second rain delay, costing him a chance for his second major league win. Coke relieved Aceves after the rain delay and pitched 2 innings, allowing his first major league run on 4 hits, while striking out 2.

Aceves has now pitched 30 innings, and is 1-0 with a 2.40 ERA. He's allowed 8 runs on 25 hits, while walking 10 and striking out 16. Probably done for the season after last night's start, he certainly has earned the opportunity to be considered for next year's starting rotation. Coke is 1-0 with a 0.66 ERA, allowing one run on 8 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 12 in 13 2/3 innings. He has most likely earned at least a role in the Yankees' bullpen for next year.

Coke leads the poll, which closes Monday night at midnight, by a slim 6-5 margin, with one vote for Brett Gardner as well. Incidentally, Gardner was 2-for-6 with 4 RBI last night, while another Yankees rookie, David Robertson, out-pitched both Coke and Aceves, earning the win by throwing 2 scoreless innings, striking out 3, and allowing just one hit.