The Yankees hold a 2-0 lead over the Angels after winning in 13 innings last night.  Although the talking heads are hailing the game as a classic, it was actually a mess.  It was played in a downpour, which likely contributed to the sloppy play.  Robinson Cano booted two easy ground balls, and Derek Jeter – DEREK JETER! – of all people, kicked a sure double play ball late in the game.  AJ Burnett wild pitched in the tying run in the 6th inning.  The Yankees had thirteen hits, but their batting was largely negated by hitting into four double plays.  In many respects this was a game the Yankees should have lost.

But they found a way to win.  Arod has now officially exorcised his postseason demons.  The man who could not hit in the clutch poked yet another game tying home run.  With Teixeira and Cano mired in deep slumps, Arod is carrying the team.

And despite his erratic pitching style, Burnett has been the good AJ, the one who is largely unhittable.  If he continues to pitch this way, the Yankees have a one-two punch in Sabathia and Burnett that no one can match.

Derek Jeter had another home run.  Joe Buck publicly acknowledged that the numerous pundits who said Jeter was over the hill have been forced to eat their words.  The captain has the team totally focused.

Finally, the team continues to overcome Girardi’s incessant overmanaging.  Once again the peerless leader attempted to give the game away.  He emasculated the offense by prematurely removing Swisher and Matsui from the lineup.  He got a total of five outs from his three primary setup men (Coke, Joba, Hughes), then found himself squeezed and had to use Mo for 7 outs.  After Aceves gave up the lead run, he let him start the next inning, then inexpicably removed him so that Marte could face Morales.   Which would have been fine, except Morales is a switch hitter, who promptly turned around and batted right handed.  Marte got Morales, but then was inexplicably replaced by Robertson.  At that point, Girardi had only Gaudin left in the bullpen.  If the Yanks had not won in the 13th, Girardi would have been forced to use his last pitcher.  If Gaudin had proved ineffective, I guess he would have brought in Swisher, except Swish had already been removed.

But the Yankees survived him.  They continue to survive all adversity.  Perhaps they are a team of destiny.  They can prove it with six more wins.

C.C. Sabathia officially became a Yankee tonite, holding the Angels to one run over 8 innings in Game 1 to lead the Yanks to a 4-1 victory.  While C.C. has pitched well all season, tonite marked a breakthrough performance. 

As all Yankees fans know, the road to Yankee Greatness is fraught with many perils.  A blood-thirsty NY media.  An unforgiving ownership.  Hideous traffic jams on the Major Deegan.  A downright dangerous neighborhood in every direction from the ballpark.  Hungarian midgets…  (Admittedly, this last one is a fiction.)

But while many can claim to have worn the uniform and earned a living with the New York Highlanders, far fewer can claim to have actually earned the right to wear the pinstripes that are the hallmark of this great franchise.  Put another way, a ballplayer can play well during the regular season, and even win things like the Cy Young Award or the MVP.  But until he actually comes up BIG in the postseason, he will never truly know what it means to be welcomed into the Yankee family.  This is to earn the pinstripes. 

By way of illustration, Mike Mussina earned his pinstripes in Game 3 of the 2001 ALDS against Oakland when he almost single-handedly (save for the Derek Jeter flip-play) stopped a three-game Oakland sweep and turned the tide of that classic series, saving the Yankees from ignominious defeat at the hands of a younger and very talented Oakland club.  Andy Pettitte earned his pinstripes when he outdueled Cy Young winner John Smoltz in Atlanta in a 1-0 shutout in Game 5 of the 1996 Fall Classic – a victory that cemented the passing of the torch from the Braves to the Yankees as the dominant team in Baseball in the 1990s.  Likewise, Scott Brosius: Game 3 of the 1998 World Series.  The list goes on. 

Tonite C.C. joined the hallowed ranks.  True, C.C. had already turned out a quality start against Minnesota in the ALDS.  But that was C.C.’s first playoff win.  And he did it against a tired and injured (though admittedly momentum-driven) Twins ballclub.  Tonite, by contrast, he turned out an utterly dominating performance that shut down a very good Angels team before it could even get started.  When the Angels stumbled out of the gate in the 1^st inning with mental mistakes and a fluke dropped pop-up that gave the Yankees an early 2-0 lead, it was C.C. who made sure the Angels never got off the mat.

And this was not without significant efforts and adversity.  The weather was certainly not in anybody’s favor, it being a miserable 45 degrees and raining to start off the game – the coldest game in the Bronx this season.  The home plate umpire, Tim McClelland, also didn’t help with what seemed like an unusually tight strike zone.  (In fairness to McClelland, he called it tight for both teams, creating more than one occasion where pitchers, broadcasters, and fans on both sides wondered how the previous pitch could not have been a strike.)

Meanwhile, the Angels’ starting pitcher, John Lackey, was impressive in his own right.  The weather clearly was impacting Lackey’s curveball, which forced Lackey to throw more fastballs than he would’ve liked.  But he allowed neither this nor his teammates’ 1^st inning fielding incompetence to rattle him.  Instead, he grinded it out with 3 innings of fastballs, then 3 innings of breaking balls, giving up only 2 earned runs and pitching out of more than one jam through sheer mental resilience. 

And finally, there was that awesome defensive play by Angels’ catcher Jeff Mathis, who fielded an off-center one-hop throw to the plate, then lunged leftward into an oncoming A-Rod who ran him over like Tom Berenger in Major League II, but was called out anyway when it was determined that Mathis had held onto the ball.  A remarkable effort that helped keep the Angels in the game. 

But in the end it was not enough to overcome Sabathia and Rivera.  Tonite’s victory was a solid one, and will hopefully set the tone for this series.  There is still a lot of baseball to be played.  But victories like these have really got us believing that the Power and the Glory will soon be ours once again, now and forever, Yankees Universe without end, Amen.

For the first time in a very long time, the world is starting to make sense again.  Tonite the Yankees beat the Twins 4-1 to complete the three-game sweep and advance to their first ALCS in 5 years.  A-Rod continued his heroics with a solo HR, finishing the ALDS batting .455 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs – the clear MVP of the series.  The Yanks’ victory capped off a weekend where everything – and I mean everything – went our way.

With all the great things that happened this weekend – the Yanks’ dramatic Game 2 victory on Friday; the Red Sox falling behind 2 games to none, then blowing today’s would-be victory in devastating fashion; the New York Football Giants blowing out the Raiders; and the Patriots losing to Denver in overtime – the Yankee victory tonite seemed inevitable.  Things did not seem so good at first, with Pavano mowing the Yankees’ down, and the Twins drawing first blood in the bottom of the 6^th.  But the Yanks answered immediately, with homeruns by A-Rod and Posada in the 7^th.  Then, with a leadoff double in the bottom of the 8^th by Nick Punto, and the tying run poised to score, a critical base running error by Punto sealed the Twins’ fate when he ran threw a stop sign at third and was gunned down by Posada as he tried to get back to third after Jeter, in a brilliant heads-up play, threw home instead of to first on a high bouncer up the middle.  Three walks and two insurance runs by the Yanks in the top of the 9^th removed any further suspense; and Rivera came out in the 9^th to finish the job. 

The Yanks’ win tonite completed a perfect 10-game sweep of the Twins for the 2009 season.  Certainly the Twins could not hope to measure up, their heart and their late-season run notwithstanding.  Not with Justin Morneau on the DL; Joe Mauer playing hurt with a hip flexor issue; an overpowering Yankees’ offense that wouldn’t quit; and the Friday night disaster in the Bronx still fresh on their minds.  With all these things going against Minnesota, all the Yanks had to do was lean on the Twins until they fell. 

The Yanks go on to face the Angels in the ALCS.  Historically, the Yanks have struggled against the Angels, losing two short post-season series to them in 2002 and 2005.  This year is different, however.  The Yanks are focused, and they are running on all cylinders.  They also recently took 2 out of 3 from the Angels in September, to even the season series at 5-5, for what that is worth.  But most of all, the Yanks are absolutely determined to win.  They play hard all 9 innings, regardless of the score, and they get results.  They are not without flaws; but they win despite them.  And, perhaps best of all, they really seem to be having fun being the Yankees again.  The irrational expectation of the last several years, that they must win the World Series or be declared a failure for not doing so, is gone.  This team has something to win, rather than something to not lose.  And with that levity, it really is a pleasure to root for them again.  It should be an interesting ALCS.  Go Yanks!

After weeks of boring, unimportant games the playoffs are finally here.

I’m a little mad at Anaheim right now after the Ducks spanked the Bruins 6-1, but I’m very excited about the Sox and their familiar foe, the Angels. The Angels have lost to the Red Sox three out of three times in the ALDS, and are 0-4 to them all-time in the playoffs. History would give the Sox the edge, but the Angels are a different team this year.

Jon Lester is pitching tonight against John Lackey. The Sox clearly have the pitching advantage, with the only match-up that favors the Angels being Game 3’s Bucholz-Kazmir duel. The teams are even at the plate, with the Sox having the power edge and the Angels having the small-ball advantage.

The umpiring crew may be a factor in this series, as some of baseball’s worst are among it. Curt Schilling called in to WEEI this afternoon and had some words of wisdom about the crew. He said a few of them sucked, and he went so far as to calling Joe West and ass and criticizing him for being against the Red Sox. Whether or not this will be a factor remains to be seen.

Another positive note for this postseason is the coverage TBS will provide for the series. Chip Caray is working the Yankees-Twins series this year (suckers!) and working the Sox-Angels is none other than NESN play-by-play man Don Orsillo. Sure we have have to contend with Buck Martinez mispronouncing Ortiz’ name again, but at least this will only happen every few innings.

When the season ended for the 2008 Yankees there was one glaring need: Pitching.  This was nothing new, and as the old adage went, “you can never have enough.”  But the Yankees from 2004 to 2008 never had enough starting pitching to bring a World Series, or even a Pennant, home.  The Yankee pitching staff has not been outstanding since the end of 2003 when Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens momentarily defected to the Astros.

So when the Yankees signed C.C. Sabathia to a huge deal, they hoped they got the true ace they have long coveted.  Well, in case anybody was not sure after a dominant year of 19 wins, C.C. Sabathia proved to all that he was for real tonight.  Sabathia may have labored through some long innings, and some bad breaks, but he limited the damage, and only let up 2 runs in 6.2 IP.

Those two runs were more than enough for the Yankee offense, which hammered the Twins for 7 runs.  Derek Jeter, of course, was on base all four times he came to the plate.  Hideki Matsui had an important two run home run.  And Nick Swisher had a key double.

But the biggest news of the night was the exorcism that took place at Yankee Stadium.  No I am not talking about a movie from the 70’s, but the two clutch hits, and yes I say clutch hits, for Alex Rodriguez.  There are two important parts to these hits.  First, the team, and A-Rod, will not have to deal with questions about his inability to hit in the clutch during the playoffs.  Second, the manner in which A-Rod got these hits proves he is more devoted to the Yankees.  The two clutch hits were singles that drove in one RBI.  In years past, A-Rod would have been swinging for the fences, trying for the big splash on one swing.  Perhaps he finally realized that a single with RISP in the playoffs is just as important as a homerun; something Bernie, Tino, and Paulie knew all too well.

Whatever the reasons for A-Rod’s sudden productivity in October, all this blogger knows for sure is that A-Rod exorcised some demons with a couple of big swings tonight.  And the Yankees now lead the series 1-0.

Oh, the end to the 2009 regular season was heartbreaking. But there were many wonderful accomplishments. I’m going to write down some of those accomplishments:

• Congratulations to Jair Jurrjens who was named September NL Pitcher of the Month.
• Garret Anderson got his 2500th hit on 1 October 2009. Go Garret!
• My favorite Peter Moylan was phenomenal after the All-Star Break, having an ERA under 1.00 (considering that he had a 145.00 ERA by the time he got his first out, that’s very impressive). He surpassed Chris Reitsma on the Franchise All-Time appearances with 87! I’m very proud of Pete, considering all he went through to come back. If it weren’t for Chris Carpenter, I’d totally say Pete was going to be NL Comeback Player of the Year! And did I forget to mention that he didn’t give up a single homerun in 09? Go Pete!
• Tim Hudson was very, very awesome his first time back. He had two wins, though I’m sure he deserved more. I really hope he’s around next year. He’s a good person and a great pitcher.
• Tommy Hanson had a wonderful rookie year. I so hope that he wins Rookie of the Year.
• Matt Diaz was just awesome this year! Despite a base-running blunder to end a game against the Marlins, I have very little complaints about how well MattE D did this year.
• Kris Medlen, though I can’t say he was remarkable, was pretty good. I just love Little M, for more personal reasons, but you know me.
• Martin Prado had an outstanding year. I really like Kelly Johnson, but Martin is my choice for 2B next year!
• Yunel Escobar, besides a few attitude problems, was just fantastic this year. I really hope we can see more of Yunel has got!
• And finally, Javier Vazquez has been amazing. I hear his name is popping up in Cy Young Award discussions, so let’s see how Javy does!

Though the end of the season was disasterous, I’m still faithful to the Braves and cannot wait for next year. One last year of Bobby Cox, which I still have mixed about. The boys really had me excited about the NL Wildcard race, and although they didn’t win, this was ten times better than last year. In 2010, we’re a force to be reckoned with. No doubt it my mind.

Also, both Mike Gonazlez and Rafeal Sorianoare free agents this year. I hear there is a fifty-fifty chance on keeping Gonzo and little chance of keeping Soriano, but the other day at a season ticket holder’s event, Frank Wren mentioned (without realizing it) that they would have to replace both. I’m very curious as to how this works out. Because I also hear that my favorite Peter Moylan could possibly replace them as closer. You probably can guess my opinion, but if they don’t re-sign Gonzo, well then I’ll be upset. I love his fire, his excited air that he gives off. Though, Yunel should be able to fill that whole :p.

One last note, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Johnson are expecting their first child in December, according to Chop Talk! Though I don’t think Kelly will be around next year, that is very exciting! I have no doubt the child will be as adorable as daddy dearest.

Until next time!

The final baseball game of the 2009 regular season was an absolute gem – perhaps the most exciting game of the season.  The Twins overcame a 3-0 deficit to outlast the Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings before the largest crowd in Metrodome history.  This was not a great comeback, however, so much as it was a grueling inning-by-inning slugfest.  Both teams made some terrible mistakes, as well as great plays, as players from each team lost – and then saved – the game time and time again. 

By way of example, Detroit leftfielder Ryan Raburn gambled and lost in the bottom of the 9^th inning when he dove for a base hit that bounced past him and went all the way to the wall for a lead-off triple, opening the door to the tying run being scored shortly thereafter.  But after opening that door, Raburn then shut it in the same inning when he gunned down the would-be winning run from left field with a perfect throw to send the game into extra innings. 

There was also a great bang-bang double play by the Twins to kill a late inning rally when Magglio Ordonez hit a line drive to the Twins shortstop, who then doubled up Curtis Granderson off of first base.  And then there was a great diving play by Brandon Inge for a 5-3 putout that otherwise might have knocked in the winning run had the hot grounder in the hole  gotten past Inge. 

And so it went, back and forth, until the Twins finally punched home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 12^th.  The action was fierce, and the competitive play just riveting as hell.  In short, it was one of the most exciting games in recent memory – a shining example of baseball at its finest. 

All this having been said, our interests as Yankees fans in admiring this AL Central slugfest are admittedly more sinister.  While a great baseball game is to be appreciated, a 12-inning baseball game wherein the team you’re about to face in less than 18 hours has spent itself and its bullpen both physically and emotionally, on the other hand, is very encouraging indeed.  The Twins used 7 pitchers, including 1.2 innings from closer Joe Nathan, who presumably will be unavailable to pitch in Game 1.  Further, it is 10 p.m. EST.  The Twins now have to get on a plane, fly to New York, and try to sleep and prepare for a confident and well-rested New York team who, incidentally, went 7 and 0 against the Twins this year.  It is also worth noting that one-half of the Twins’ M&M combo, Justin Morneau, will not be playing in the ALDS.  Add all that up, and the Twins’ awesome evening may turn out to have been a very good nite for the Yankees as well. 

But all that remains to be seen.  For now, congrats to the Twins for their great victory, and goodbye to the 2009 regular season, which went out tonite with real style, courtesy of the Tigers and the Twins.

Bobby…Bobby…Bobby

Okay, okay.  So I panicked in my last blog.  The last couple of years have not been easy.  I was afraid to hope.

But today it all came together.  Victory number 100.  The clinching of the American League East title.  And against the Red Sox.  With a sweep.  What could be better?

Well, a World Championship would be better.  But for the moment, this was a day to savor.  Unless and until someone else wins the World Series, the Yankees are the best team in baseball.  As they should be.

This year was a triumph for the mighty four – Andy, Jorge, Mo, and, most of all, Derek.  No matter how many out of town writers vote for Joe Mauer, Jeter is the MOST VALUABLE player in the league.  If that is the true definition of the award, then Derek should win in a walk.

The year was also a validation for CC and Tex.  They came aboard and proved they are among the elite players in the game.  Robinson Cano came of age.  Phil Hughes justified his “can’t miss” label.  Swish showed he can still play (although pretty badly in the outfield).  A bunch of unknown kids (Melky, Garnder, Coke, Pena, Cervelli) showed there is a bright future.

Brian Cashman proved once again that he is the best GM in baseball.  He kept adding pieces (Burnett, Swisher, Hairston, Hinske) until he had built a powerhouse.  His genius overcame Joe Girardi’s managerial bungling.  Girardi is still a dope, but today is not the time to dwell on his deficiencies.  We won the division, and even Girardi is entitled to celebrate.

It has been a season to remember.  Let’s hope it is followed by a postseason for the ages.

The season is winding down and the playoffs are looming. The Yankees have all but wrapped up the division despite several Red Sox fans still insisting they go all out for the last few games. The Sox do have the Wild Card and will play the Angels again in the 1st round.

Yesterday, Jon Lester took a liner off the side of the leg—the right quad to be exact—and he is listed day-to-day. This is terrible news considering he was just named the Game 1 starter in the postseason. The good news is that he does have time to recover before the playoffs, but just how healthy he will be is a giant question mark. The rest of the rotation is iffy right now. Josh Beckett hasn’t been as dominant recently as he was earlier in the year, which is why Lester was named the Game 1 starter in the first place. Clay Bucholz has been lights-out as of late, but he has never pitched in October. Daisuke Matsuzaka was huge in the ‘07 postseason, but he is still returning from injury that has drastically shortened his year. How he pitches today against CC Sabbathia could be a big sign of what he may be like in the playoffs.

The lineup is not a problem at all for the Sox, as 1 through 9 have been producing, not including Jason Varitek. The two guys in the lineup who will be key are David Ortiz, who’s 2nd half stats do not reflect those of the first few months, and Alex Gonzalez, who has given the team much more out of the 9-spot than Gold Glove defense at short.

Jason Varitek on the other hand is a black hole in the lineup and he isn’t worth it defensively. While he calls the game better than most catchers in the league, it’s not like Victor Martinez can’t hold his own behind the plate, and against a good hitting team like the Yankees, the Sox can’t afford to give away outs like Varitek that could be avoided. I have a feeling this might be Tek’s last year in Boston and the talks with Texas over Jarrod Saltalamaccia and/or Taylor Teagarden will start back up and get deeper this offseason. As good as he has been in his long tenure with Boston, it just doesn’t seem like Vartiek will fit with the Sox moving forward. But as bad he has seemed to Boston fans this year, he would still be a valuable addition to a young playoff contender like the Marlins to give their pitching the boost it needs.