Their staff of life

Pitching sustains Yankees in climb

It isn't a staff similar to the early 1950s when the Yankees had Ed Lopat, Vic Raschi, and Allie Reynolds, a trio that had a combined 11 All-Star appearances.

It's not as imposing as the staff a half-century later that included seven-time Cy Young winner Roger Clemens.

But despite not having a marquee pitcher, the Yankees staff has been the most effective in the major leagues this month, one of their most effective months in more than a decade.

Including Andy Pettitte's outing in yesterday's 10-3 victory over the Red Sox, the Bronx Bombers' starting pitchers have allowed three earned runs or fewer in 15 of their last 16 games, going 9-2 with a 2.22 ERA.

In July, the Yankees own a major-league low 2.81 ERA (182 innings, 57 earned runs) through 20 games, better than the team's ERA in July a decade ago (2.89).

Last night's win pulled the Yankees to a season-high 13 games over .500. Two months ago, the Yankees were 25-26 and in last place in the AL East.

Yankee manager Joe Girardi said pitching is the reason the Yankees are back in the pennant race.

"That's what's kept us afloat, and now we're starting to hit better, we're starting to score runs," he said. "It's a good combination to have."

Pettitte, who improved to 12-7 this year and 16-7 all time against the Sox, said the success of the staff has rubbed off on everyone else.

"We've been throwing the ball well and when you're throwing it as well as we are, I think the whole team just feels extremely confident," Pettitte said.

His teammates agreed.

"It all starts with our starting pitching," said third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

"Our starting pitching has got us back into this thing," said outfielder Johnny Damon.

Damon also credited catcher Jose Molina. "[He] is tremendous behind the plate - calling a game, how he catches the ball," Damon said. "I think he's been a big key."

The bullpen got a boost this weekend from the addition of lefthander Damaso Marte, but has been as dominant as the starters during an eight-game winning streak. Mariano Rivera (26 saves, 1.17 ERA) has been superb, as has Edwar Ramirez, who has retired 36 of the last 41 batters he has faced.

Pettitte cited the rotation's depth. "Obviously, [Mike Mussina] is having an unbelievable year," he said. "The consistency that he's went out and thrown in his 16 or 17 starts has been amazing to watch."

Mussina is 13-6 with a 3.26 ERA.

"[Joba Chamberlain is] throwing the ball great," said Pettitte. "He's had some hard luck as far as his run support. His stuff is so unbelievable. The sky is the limit for him.

"Things are looking good right now."

Especially from the pitcher's mound.