SO FAR SO GOOD

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.

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