After Alex Rodriguez was hit by Felix Hernandez’s 88 mph changeup, I think I – and many other Yankee fans – may have gone through our own version the five stages of grief. Especially with the way this season has gone for the Yankees in regards to injuries. We’ve already lost Brett Gardner, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte for a significant amount of time with Gardner and Rivera gone for the season.

Now, it’s Alex’s turn to miss some time. Some estimates are as long as eight weeks.

Anyway, this is what I was feeling after everything happened…

1) Denial and Isolation – Noooooooooo! He can’t be hurt! He just can’t be! This cannot be happening again!

2) Anger – SOMEONE SHOULD HIT KING FELIX IN THE HAND AND SEE HOW HE LIKES IT!!!

3) Bargaining – If only Alex had been able to get out of the way. If only Hernandez had better control of his pitches. If only this were a nightmare and not reality.

4) Depression – I woke up this morning hoping I had dreamt what happened. Sadly, I was mistaken. My morning coffee did nothing to perk me up.

5) Acceptance – Now that it’s been determined that A-Rod is going to miss a significant amount of time there’s nothing any of us can do to change it so we might as well accept it, right?

So what happens now?

Some people think the Yanks will stand pat and just use Eric Chavez, Jayson Nix and Ramiro Pena for the next few weeks. There’s also the possibility of Eduardo Nunez returning to the big club soon as well.

Others think the Yankees might make a deal before the trade deadline. But who would they get? I’ve heard Chase Headley as a possible acquisition. Aside from his stats, I’d be all for it because I’m a big Blazing Saddles fan and yelling “It’s Headley!” every time he comes to bat would be a lot of fun.

What say you? What should the Yankees do?