Yankees Bullpen Suddenly a Concern

NEW YORK -- Once upon a time -- say, two weeks ago -- the Yankees bullpen was so deep and effective that manager Joe Girardi couldn't resist going to reliever after reliever.

He did it again Wednesday in Game 1 of the World Series, but because he was looking for someone effective.

The five Yankees relievers who followed CC Sabathia combined to allow four runs in five hits and three walks in just two innings, putting a two-run game out of reach.

Pitching coach Dave Eiliand said he saw "a little timidness" from the group.

"I have a lot of confidence in our bullpen," Girardi said. "The walks hurt us. The first two walks hurt us. [Lefty Damaso] Marte came in and did a good job, [Dave] Robertson did OK."

Phil Hughes, though, has to be of most concern to the Yankees. After establishing himself as a dominant eighth-inning man during the regular season, he has melted in the playoffs.

Hughes walked the only two batters he faced after coming in to start Wednesday's eighth inning. In seven postseason appearances, he has given up nine hits and walked four over 4 2/3 innings, with a 9.64 ERA.

"He missed with his fastball a little bit tonight," Girardi said. "We'll continue to talk to him. I mean, he's been great for us all year. He walked two guys and ended up hurting us tonight, but we still believe in him."

Hughes left the clubhouse without granting interviews.

His earlier problems this postseason, the Yankees said, were the result of rushing his delivery. Hughes said earlier this week that was just something that happens to him from time to time and had nothing to do with the pressure of pitching in the postseason.

But Eiland said Wednesday's fiasco could have been the result of nerves.

"I think he was trying to be too fine. Instead of being in attack mode he was pitching, maybe -- I'll stop short of [saying] timid -- but he was trying to be too fine. It's just a mental thing. You have to attack. You have to attack and trust yourself.

"It's his first World Series game. Hopefully he got the jitters out tonight. ... We're not going to throw in the towel on him yet."