Berkman leads the grand strand

The Yankees lead the major leagues in runs scored per game (5.32) but are 29th out of 30th in leaving the most men on base (7.52) over nine innings.They are also 29th in leaving runners in scoring position (3.89).

There's plenty of blame for all of this, but we'll make rally killer Lance Berkman the prime offender.

Berkman is hitting .364 in September with ONE one run batted in. That's almost impossible.  He grounded into a double play with the bases loaded in the 11th inning against Baltimore on Sunday. Berkman, who played first base for the injured Mark Teixeira, has one hit in his last 11 at-bats.

There are not many alternatives to using Berkman against righthanded pitchers. Supporters for Marcus Thames as the every day designated hitter must note that he struck out as a pinch hitter yesterday and is down to .296.