Yanks take one step forward and two steps backward.

After the 5th inning of the Yankee's rout/no-hitter, I had a nice little blog already writing itself in my head.

The 2007 Yankees came into today with a share of the record for most consecutive games using 5 or more pitchers; 10.

Injures as well as a shortage of talent were to blame. It didn't help that the Yankee bats have been ice-cold in the meantime, actually asking the pitching staff to keep them in games. They simply couldn't. Bad recipe.

5 innings into Phil Hughes' no-hitter, I was ready to pat myself on the back. Not only have I been praising this kid since he has come up, I've avidly supported the decisions while others have screamed "too soon". I used my top waiver priority in my fantasy baseball league to get him. I predicted that not only would the Yankees hit well tonight, but he would pitch well, and break that ugly streak of 5+ pitchers a game.

The self-love fest was looking great until Phil Hughes had his no-hitter bid come to an end.

No, it wasn't due to a hit; he didn't give one of those up. It wasn't due to pitch count; he'd only thrown 83. It was a hamstring injury; one that would force him out of the game and out of the lineup for four to six weeks.

He joins fellow starters Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, and Jeff Karstens on the crowded DL; leaving Joe Torre with a pitching staff that looks a little something like this;

1. Andy Pettitte (3.00 ERA)
2. Chein-Ming Wang (5.84 ERA)
3. Kei Igawa (6.08 ERA)
4. ????????? (?.?? ERA)
5. ????????? (?.?? ERA)

No, those question marks aren't lack of research on my part. I really have no idea; and I don't think the Yankees do, either.

On a day that was looking to be a turning point and a bright spot in the season, the Yankees leave the game with a win in the standings but another crippling blow to their team.

I'm sure most of you won't shed any tears for the Yankees, as they are one of the most hated teams in sports... but at least feel bad for Phil Hughes. The kid was 8 outs away from making history, and becoming the only AL rookie since 1991 to pitch a no-no. Would have liked to see him get the chance.

Oh, and feel bad for my fantasy team, too. I'll miss him.