What's the Deal with Javy?

(Inwood Hill Park, 2009)

From NY Magazine, by Will Leitch:

Since Javier Vazquez was traded away from the Yankees—after the iconic grand slam then–Red Soxer Johnny Damon hit off him in Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series—he’s consistently been one of the most valuable pitchers in baseball. His return to the Bronx was the highest-profile pitching addition to the world champs in the off-season; almost every baseball analyst thought it was a great move.

But Yankees fans, remembering Game 7, didn’t—and their antagonism toward the Vazquez trade has started to feel like a self-fulfilling prophecy, the pitcher responding to the disdain with which he was greeted by turning in wretched performances. Vazquez, as of press-time, sports a gnarly 9.00 ERA, and got booed off the mound in his first home appearance.

Vazquez's line from today's game? 3 Innings, 5 eared runs, and 3 homers against, in a 7-6 Yankee loss.

No blame need be laid, but this isn't going to work out.