NEW YORK -- Can a slider really be a slider if it doesn't, you know, slide?
That philosophical question was raised in fourth inning at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, when Masahiro Tanaka threw one that didn't dip, bend or curve any noticeable way as it crossed the plate. If you hit a drive this straight at your local golf course, you would surely stand on the tee box for a beat or two and admire it.
Tanaka, however, just watched as Boston first baseman Mitch Moreland drove the ball deep into the right field seats, then lowered his head in disgust.