About Joel

What's rattling the Bronx Bombers?

Ten things wrong with the Yankees, right now:

1. They really miss Bernie Williams

No more about his unsure base-running and occasionally flighty defense. It is all worth it to have his switch-hitting bat in the middle of the lineup, bringing power and patience from both sides of the plate. The Yankee lineup simply is not as long, diverse or good without him.

2. They really miss Nick Johnson

Who would have thought that before the season? But Johnson's patience and lefty bat were ideal for the lineup. In addition, he brought defense to an atrocious defensive team.

3. They are an atrocious defensive team

They make too many errors - mental and physical - and their range is short just about everywhere.

Only Robin Ventura and Raul Mondesi (when he is not showing off his arm) are above-average defenders. And please, no more about Juan Rivera being a good defensive player.

4. They are prospect-less.

Rivera? Not only is he hurting the team, but he also is damaging his trade value, which will likely be far more critical. Erick Almonte has been hurt and now Triple-A pitching prospect Danny Borrell is likely out for the season. The best the Yankees could do for a pinch-runner/spare outfielder was Charles Gipson. That is sad.

Ventura is an exceptional fielder on an atrocious defensive team. (AP)

5. They had to obtain Ruben Sierra

It is yet another symbol of the Yankees moving away from the high-character foundation that helped define them and make them special. Sierra is saying he has matured. Right. The under-over on him complaining about playing time is three weeks. Tops. This roster is now populated by too many questionable characters. David Wells is probably the team's best starter, but that should not embolden him to be whining about his contract while the team is struggling. Keep in mind that Jeff Weaver and Juan Acevedo were the best starter and reliever last season on the Tigers, a total loser organization. Mondesi is no winner.

6. They are not the same team, but Joe Torre is still the same kind of manager

His caretaker style was ideal when the Yankees had self-policing. But this group has needed a sterner hand to be proactive on so many mental mistakes. And Torre simply has not maneuvered his roster well.

7. They have not assembled a good roster

The set-up relief is bad, the bench is terrible. The Yankees spent $180 million and left too many holes. There needed to be legitimate speed, defensive and lefty items put on the bench. And the Yanks should have been more aggressive in trying to find set-up arms, since Steve Karsay was an iffy proposition off of back surgery.

8. They have George Steinbrenner hovering in the worst way possible

Torre needs support from his owner now. And what has he gotten? Derek Jeter named captain without his say. His least favorite Yankee (Sierra) returned to the roster. Usurping of his word when it came to Jose Contreras' demotion. And constant second-guessing behind the scenes.

9. They have a rotation that is worrisome

Wells and Roger Clemens are no worse than the second and third most important starters. But they also are both 40. If they were to break down the Yankees would have their greatest problems yet.

10. They have lost their confidence

They are talking about how other teams get up for them. Heck, other teams have gotten up for the Yankees since Ruth. They certainly got up for the 1996-2001 Yankees, and those clubs responded with greatness not meekness.

The Rocket and David Wells, both 40, have been carrying the starting pitching load. (AP)

Charles Gipson is to the art of pinch-running what Roseanne was to singing the National Anthem. Heck, Rickey Henderson is available and the Yankees should think about him. We know he won't get picked off to end a game.

The Cubs actually have gone longer than the Red Sox without winning a World Series. But Mark Prior and Kerry Wood would make Chicago a real post-season threat in the Randy Johnson/Curt Schilling vain.

You know it is starting to look like Jose Contreras and Hideki Matsui are going to be downright vital to Yankee success.

Why exactly would anyone want Roberto Alomar in a trade? Is there really a market for disinterested, faded former stars?

If Ty Wigginton is a real third baseman, Vance Wilson and Jason Phillips a legitimate catching duo (to move Mike Piazza to first base) and Jae Seo gets through 25-30 starts impressively, you would not call this a totally lost season for the Mets.

Ernie Banks may have wanted to play two, but the Mets sure haven't. The Mets have not only been swept in three double-headers this year, they have been outscored 46-15.

You know who might really help a team in a pennant race and net the Mets a prospect - Graeme Lloyd. The lefty has walked one batter in 20 innings this season and pitched to a 2.66 ERA. Plus, he has big-game experience from his days with the Yankees.