Girardi, Cash, Eiland- "Kennedy must earn spot"

[VinnyTheMick]

Did you know that Ian Kennedy was activated off the disabled list on Wednesday? He was - and at the same time was optioned to Single-A Tampa.

Kennedy has to prove himself all over again in the eyes of Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland. His performance in the majors this season (a 7.41 ERA in nine games) didn’t come with an automatic return trip when he got hurt.

Kennedy pitched for Tampa on Saturday and may stay there for another start before going back to Triple-A Scranton.

Joe Girardi eschewed his usual positive patter when discussing Kennedy.

“Right now we’re not really thinking of him,”he said. “We like the way our other (starters) are throwing the ball. I mean, you have to earn your call-up. … You have to earn your spot back.You have to pitch well to earn your spot back. He has to pitch well. He was optioned out, this is him getting right. This is like the other 175 players in the minor leagues, or however many there are.”

Just like the other players in the minor leagues? Yikes. There’s a message being sent there.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

Wow, pretty damning words right there. What's the over/under on IPK seeing YS again this season?

[Da Schwab]

He may be a late season rebuilding project if the Yanks aren't in playoff position, but if they're in prime position to make a big run, then he won't see any time in the show (barring another huge blow to the rotation).

The thing is, this is the same thing they did with Kei Igawa and we all know how that's worked out so far.

[nykgeneralmanager]

He'll be back this year. When he has his command he is better than Rasner and Geise, and a better option than Horne and McCutchen.

[cmaff051]

He should get one start in Tampa and then go straight to AAA. He needs some work in AAA, but working below that level isn't going to do him any good..

[Pharmcat]

nice slap in the face for this "prospect"