Tormented by the Tribe

I saw the Indians / Yankees 22-0 score before going to bed last night, but didn't realise what a historic game it was. Omar Vizquel tied the American League record for hits with 6 (in 7 at-bats), and both teams set records:

The 22-run deficit was the worst ever for the Yankees. For the Indians, they matched the largest shutout win in the Majors since 1900, which the Pirates set Sept. 16, 1975, against the Cubs.

I don't expect the Yankees to suddenly crumble after losing such a lopsided game, but at the same time, this is hardly the kind of game they needed with Boston breathing down their necks.

Much has been said recently about the weaknesses in the Yankees' starting rotation, and it probably wasn't very reassuring for management and fans to see their starting pitcher give up 6 earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. Joe Torre probably summed up best New York's view of the defeat:

"The only thing you can say is that it only counts as one,"

but Red Sox fans have to be rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of the Yankees taking this one on the chin and trying to bounce straight back.