So Long, Jose! Hello, Brian!

Brian Bruney officially came of the DL for the Yankees today, and one of their most ineffective pitchers has been DFA'ed. Jose Veras, the reliable set-up man who inexplicably lost the ability to pitch in close games this season, was DFA'ed to make room for Bruney in the bullpen. This gives the Yankees a solid eighth inning bridge to Mariano Rivera for the first time all season.

Sammy Sosa Newest MLB Player Tied To PEDs

As I logged on to ESPN.com today, I looked over and saw a story about Sammy Sosa being named as one of the 104 tests in the 2003 steroid test which nailed Alex Rodriguez. I shook my head, and read the story.

I wasn't surprised Sosa was named to the list, and I wouldn't be surprised if he actually did take steroids. What I thought about was how the player's union screwed up this test terribly, putting former and current players in this position to be blindsided by accusations from these reports.

Let me quote part of the article from The New York Times:

"Under guidelines agreed upon with the players union, the test results were to remain anonymous."

Clearly, someone in the chain of command violated this agreement. Now, I'm not pointing this out to say that we should let all steroid users off the hook. These guys should face whatever penalties will come to them for using performance-enhancing drugs. But, if you're a player, you have to feel as if the union you trust let you down. There needs to be accountability from the union. This is the second name to leak from this so called "anonymous" test. Why is the players union not investigating this leak? If I'm a player, I'm not worried about the results of this test, but about other tests in the future. What if someone leaks that a player has a certain disease, etc?

The players union needs to take a look at these "leaks" and end them. Yes, it has shown some light on those who used PEDs to get ahead. But there shouldn't be people leaking information from an anonymous report. The players union should find the leak and end it, allowing the players to rest easy about their personal information being protected.

The Wang Debate

On the eve of Chien-Ming Wang's third start since returning from the DL with a mysterious foot/leg/hip injury, I wanted to take the chance to look at his unceremonious return and pose a question:

Should he even be in the starting rotation?

Now, if the Yankees want to give him some confidence, then starting him against the Nationals isn't a terrible idea. This is a team with 16 wins and can be used as a nice little punching bag. However, the Nats surprisingly rank in the top 10 in some offensive categories, and they do have guys who can hit the ball (Ryan Zimmerman, Adam Dunn.) The Nationals, for all intensive purposes, are a major league club and can still hit the ball.

No one has really been able to pinpoint why Wang has struggled so much since he's been inserted into the starting rotation. Some writers and bloggers have blamed it on the lingering effects of his injury. Others are discussing shaken confidence, and the list continues on an on. I think the injury argument fails. If he's still hurt, then why has he started to touch his usual speed of 92-94 mph on his sinker.

But let's take a look at the confidence issue. There are times when Wang looks like the vintage, 19-game winner. He's getting the sinker down, and guys are pounding it into the ground. This performance can carry through an inning or only a batter. And then, as quickly as it comes, the ability is gone. The sinker stays up in the zone, and his pitches get smoked all over the field. His inconsistency is maddening for fans and coaches. And so, Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman have leveled an ultimatum - pitch well, or you're getting the hook.

It's not the perfect situation with Chien-Ming Wang, but the Yankees brass should take the blame on this one. Phil Hughes was up and down as a starter, but he's also a 22-year-old kid with limited big league experience. They needed to show some patience and leave him in the rotation. Clearly, Wang hasn't worked out whatever is bothering him. By being rushed up to the big leagues, the Yankees lost that ability to fine tune whatever was bothering him. Now they're stuck in a situation where they are putting unnecessary pressure on Wang to produce.

The Yankees rushed back Wang to face the Rangers (who Phil Hughes has owned in his career, by the way) and Boston. They lined him up to pitch against two very good teams, and teams that have the ability to hit. The timing, etc. was terrible, and the Yankees need to admit their mistake.

If Wang does poorly tomorrow night, I don't know where the Yankees turn. They've already made one mistake by rushing him back early. I can only hope they find a way to bring Wang back to his old self.

Randy Johnson Wins #300

I know this is non-Yankees related, but congratulations to Randy Johnson for winning his 300th game tonight. The Big Unit wasn't terribly impressive with the Yankees (34-19), but he's had a remarkable career. Not only did he win #300 tonight, but he currently has the fourth-best winning percentage of 300 game winners. He's also the sixth lefthander in history to record 300 wins, becoming the first since Phil Niekro. Despite what people think of his attitude, etc., Randy Johnson is a great pitcher.

However, I was a little disappointed with the crowd in Washington, D.C. tonight. I know it must be tough to be a Nationals fan, but there were only a few thousand fans there? If I could have been at a potentially historic game, I would be there in an instant. Shame on the fans of the Nationals. People in D.C. showed tonight that baseball isn't a huge priority, and no Steven Strasburg is going to fix that. If a 300 game winner can't invigorate that city for some baseball, what can?

Game 54: Melky Cabrera Leads Late Charge Past Texas

Melky Cabrera delivers again.

The Yankees outfielder, a bench player on Opening Day, hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning and the Yankees defeated the Texas Rangers, 8-6, Thursday afternoon in New York.

Cabrera's home run was his fifth go-ahead hit in the eighth inning or later this season. After walking Robinson Cano, C.J. Wilson (3-3) gave an inside fastball to Cabrera, who turned on it and put the ball into the leftfield seats, just out of the reach of a leaping David Murphy.

It was the Yankees 19th come-from-behind victory this season.

Chien-Ming Wang made his first start since coming off the disabled list. The former ace began hot, striking out three of the first six batters he faced.

But then Wang ran into trouble.

Rangers first baseman Chris Davis doubled in the third inning and came around to score when Wang slipped on the mound and threw a wild pitch. The Rangers went on to score in the third, fourth and fifth innings.

Nelson Cruz hit a home run that knocked Wang out of the game. The home run was the first Wang gave up to righthander since Adrian Beltre took him deep in September 2007, a span of 22 starts.

The Yankees were able to battle back against Rangers starter Brandon McCarthy. Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena singled to begin the fifth inning, and walks to Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher forced in a run. Mark Teixeira then hit a bases-clearing double to tie the game at five.

Alex Rodriguez followed with a single off of reliever Jason Jennings, giving the Yankees a short-lived 6-5 lead.

The Yankees bullpen pitch 4 1/3 innings, surrendering only one run on a Ian Kinsler home run. David Robertson (1-0) received the win after relieving Phil Coke in the eighth inning with two outs and nobody on. Robertson relieved Elvis Andrus on a fly ball.

Box Score:

Damon: 1-for-3, SOLO HR, 2 Rs

Swisher: 2-for-3, RBI, R

Gardner (PR): did not record an official at-bat

Teixeira: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, R

Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI

Cano: 1-for-3, R

Matsui: 0-for-3

Cabrera: 1-for-4, 2-RUN HR

Cervelli: 1-for-4, R

Pena: 1-for-3, R

Wang: 4 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 5 K's (47 of his 69 pitches went for strikes, but by the fourth inning he was leaving the sinker up in the zone and got hit hard. A somewhat encouraging start.)

Aceves: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB's, 2 K's (20 of his 34 pitches were strikes...the only relief pitcher to give up a run this game)

Coke: 1 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's (11 of his 19 pitches were strikes)

Robertson (W, 1-0): 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Rivera (S, 12): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K's (17 of his 24 pitches were strikes)

My Thoughts:

1. Should Wang Have Started? I Don't Think So.

I'll have a longer post on this, but I don't think Wang should have started. The Yankees should not have brought him up so early, and they tried to make up for the mistake by starting him today. After the second inning, it looked like Wang may have tired a bit. Before that, he had good bite on all of his pitches. But then he started to leave the sinker up, and he got hit hard. Meanwhile, the Yankees had Phil Hughes waiting in the wings, who absolutely dominated the Rangers five days ago. I guess there was some progress, but I just don't think it was smart to throw him in today.

2. This Is The Teixeira The Yankees Paid For!

Since A-Rod returned to the lineup, Teixeira has been playing extremely well. Just last month, Tex hit .300 with 13 homers and 34 RBI, and he racked up 38 hits. I know lineup protection is debatable, but the return of A-Rod has been a godsend to Tex. He's showing why the Yankees threw all of that money at him in the offseason, and it's been welcoming to see him doing well.

3. Melky Does It Again.

And to think, Melky Cabrera began the season as the Yankees fifth outfield option. He's really returned to form, and clearly his hard work is paying off. One stat, however, to notice: all six of Melky's home runs have come at home. But when you need a clutch hit, just let Melky Cabrera know. He'll be there to deliver it.

Game 51: Chamberlain Dominates Indians as Yankees Win Series

Not even another attack of the dreadful midges could slow Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain Monday night.

The righthander went a career high eight innings, and the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Indians, 5-2.

Chamberlain (3-1) retired the first 11 batters he faced until he allowed a home run to Victor Martinez in the fourth inning. Chamberlain scattered four hits over eight innings, walking two and striking out five.

Chamberlain also made a dazzling defensive play in the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and nobody out, Chamberlain made a diving catch on a popped up bunt by Indian's catcher Kelly Shoppach. The righthander quickly got to his feet and fired to second base to get Ryan Garko for the double play.

He celebrated with a shout and a fist pump.

The Yankees took the lead in the seventh inning on a Nick Swisher double. After Indians pitcher Greg Aquino (1-1) walked the bases loaded, Swisher hit a double off the leftfield wall for a two-run double. Alex Rodriguez followed that with a single, scoring two more runners.

Aquino came in after Cleveland starter Jeremy Sowers walked the bases loaded in the sixth inning. Sowers breezed through five innings before the sixth. Aquino was able to get out of the situation.

Cleveland pitchers walked 11 total Yankees Monday night. They lead the league with 222 walks issued.

The Yankees set a major-league record by playing their 18th straight error-free game, breaking the record of 17 set by the Boston Red Sox in 2006. The last Yankee error came May 13 at Toronto when shortstop Ramiro Pena misplayed a ground ball.

The Yankees have gone 14-4 during the streak.

Box Score:

Jeter: 2-3, R

Swisher: 2-4, 2 RBI, R

Teixeira: 1-3, 2 BB

Rodriguez: 1-4, 2 RBI

Posada: 0-4

Cano: 0-4 (6 LOB)

Cabrera: 0-3

Berroa: 0-2

Matsui (PH): BB

Pena (PR): 0-1, R

Gardner: 0-2, 2 R

Chamberlain: 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K's (66 of 106 pitches were strikes, and he set a career high in innings pitched)

Rivera (S, 11): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

My Thoughts:

1. Can This Be The Start of Swisher?

He's already off to a better pace then last month, when Swisher was miserable. The two-run double was nice, especially because it came in a clutch situation. He looked like he had some good at-bats tonight, and maybe we'll see Swisher begin to heat up with the weather.

2. Joba = Greatness

Tonight's start was, by all means, an incredible start for the young righthander. Not only did he make that nice play in the field, but he was able to be economical throughout the game. 106 pitches through eight innings isn't bad at all, and he was able to get deep into the game. I don't think we can or should come to expect this from Joba every time out, but these performances should shut down those who argue that he should be in the bullpen.

3. ESPN's Coverage Team = Not Great

As the "Worldwide Leader In Sports", I feel ESPN should be more responsible in their sports coverage. Their announcers should be knowledgeable and give insightful opinion about the team's they're covering. That's why I find it inexcusable that Steve Phillips made a mistake tonight when he said Jeter was batting first because Damon was getting the night off. He should have known that Jeter has batted leadoff all year. There's no reason to make erroneous statements, especially one as blatant as this example. Anyone could have done basic research and found out Jeter has been hitting leadoff all year. Very irresponsible journalism on Steve Phillips' part.

Game 51: Chamberlain, Yankees Look To Take Series From Indians

Joba Chamberlain will look to win the series tonight for the Yankees as he faces the Cleveland Indians in the rubber game of a four-game series.

Chamberlain (2-1, 3.97 ERA) will return to Progressive Field, where the infamous "midges" incident occurred two years ago. This will be his first start in Cleveland. He pitched two scoreless innings of relief last year, and has not allowed a hit over 5 2/3 innings in Cleveland.

Chamberlain pitched against the Indians April 17, where he gave up five runs over 4 2/3 innings. The Yankees rallied to win the game, 6-5.

The Indians will send Jeremy Sowers (1-2, 7.71 ERA) to the mound in tonight's game. The left-hander is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees.

Sowers will face a red-hot Yankees lineup, featuring the streaking Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter. Texeira has a 13-game hit streak, in which he is batting .400 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs.

Jeter is batting .397 during a 14-game win streak, and has five straight multi-hit games.

And now, your starting lineup for the New York Yankees:

Jeter SS

Swisher RF

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez DH

Posada C

Cano 2B

Cabrera LF

Berroa 3B

Gardner CF

And on the mound, the flamethrower, Joba Chamberlain.

Game time is 7:05, and you can catch the action on ESPN or YES.

My Thoughts:

1. Angel Berroa?

Yes, you didn't read that wrong - Angel Berroa will be starting at third base tonight. I don't know why Girardi would use him in the situation - I'd rather see Ramiro Pena. But I guess we'll get the treat (or should I say the horror) of watching Berroa in the field.

2. If You're Nick Swisher, Maybe Your Happy It's June

Swisher had an absolutely horrible May. Here was his stat line - .150 AVG., .311 OBP, .275 SLG. Clearly an abysmal month for any hitter, especially after he started out on fire in April. Maybe with the calendar turning, we'll see Swisher pick it back up.

3. Can The Yankees Keep It Rolling On The Road?

The Yankees are 4-2 on this 7-game road trip, so no matter what they'll finish with a winning record. They're also 15-12 on the road this season. Good numbers so far, especially with their early struggles at home. You know the team would love to finish this road trip with a win.

4. History Can Be Made

Jeter needs two runs to reach 1,500 for his career. He'd be the fourth active player and fourth player in Yankees history to reach that milestone.

Game 43: Yankees Look To Pettitte to Even Series

The Yankees will hand Andy Pettitte the ball to stop the streaking Phillies in today's afternoon game at Yankee Stadium.

The Phillies (23-17) have won seven of eight game on their season-high tying 10-game road trip. Last night, the team hit four home runs in a 7-3 win, ending the Yankees nine-game winning streak.

The Phillies are a major league best 15-5 on the road this season.

The Phillies will hand the ball to their young lefthander J.A. Happ (2-0, 2.49 ERA). The lefthander is making his first start of the season after replacing Chan Ho Park in the rotation.

Happ, who has never faced the Yankees, is 1-1 with a 3.58 ERA in five career starts.

The Yankees will give the ball to veteran lefthander Andy Pettitte (4-1, 4.18 ERA). The lefty is looking to win his third straight start. Pettitte is 2-2 with a 3.38 ERA in six starts against the Phillies.

And now, you're New York Yankees lineup:

Jeter SS

Damon LF

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez DH

Cano 2B

Cabrera CF

Swisher RF

Cervelli C

Pena 3B

And on the mound, the steady lefty, Andy Pettitte.

Game time is 4:10, and you can catch all the action on FOX.

My Thoughts:

1. Uh oh, a soft tossing lefty.

The Yankees haven't had great success against pitchers they've never faced before. The team needs to get to Happ early in this game and give him the Scott Richmond treatment. If they can get all over him, they can get into that Phillies bullpen, and maybe they'll get to pick on Chan Ho Park. But, with the dominant performance by Brett Myers last night, the Yankees need to strike first in this game. I don't think their bats stay dormant for long, but it worries me that they have to go against a guy they've never faced before.

Game 42: Ruiz, Phillies Snap Yankees WIn Streak

In his fist at bat, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins set the tone for tonight's game.

The shortstop sent A.J. Burnett's first pitch into the rightfield seats, the first of four Phillies home run, to lead his team to a win, 7-3, over the Yankees.

Carlos Ruiz, Jayson Werth and Raul Ibanez hit the other home runs for the Phillies, who snapped the Yankees winning streak at nine games.

After Rollins gave the Phillies the one-run lead, Ruiz hit a two-run shot in the second inning. The home run was his first since Game 3 of last year's World Series.

Werth hit a two-run blast in the fifth inning, becoming the first player to hit a ball into the second deck in the new Yankee Stadium. His shot ran the lead to 5-0.

The run support was plenty for Phillies starter Brett Myers (4-2). Myers went eight innings, allowing three runs and eight hits. He struck out five and didn't walk a batter.

Burnett (2-2) dropped to 0-2 in his last seven starts. The Yankees righthander went six innings, giving up five runs on six hits and allowing three of the four Philadelphia home runs.

The three home runs allowed tied a career record for Burnett.

With the win, the Phillies have won seven of eight, with all the victories coming on the road.

Box Score:

Jeter: 2-for-4, SOLO HR

Damon: 0-for-4

Teixeira: 2-for-4, SOLO HR

Rodriguez: 2-for-4, SOLO HR

Matsui: 1-for-4

Swisher: 0-for-4

Cano: 0-for-4

Cabrera: 1-for-4

Cash: 0-for-3

Burnett: 6 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BBs, 7 Ks, 3 HR ALLOWED (59 of his 95 pitches went for strikes)

Wang: 3 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 Ks (29 of his 51 pitches went for strikes)

My Thoughts:

1. We've got the shake, now where's the bake?

Coming into the season, I thought CC and A.J. would become almost Talladega Nights-esque with their partnership. CC would bring the shake, and A.J. would bring the bake. Well, in the last seven starts, we haven't got the bake. Burnett has been struggling early in the season, and it just seems he hasn't been able to gain any momentum. I thought he had a good start in Toronto. And I thought that might propel him into a string of good starts. But it wasn't meant to be. It's been even more frustrating watching him because his struggles are so pronounced. Through three innings, he was near 50 pitches tonight. He was able to get through six, but he still let up three big shots. After tonight's performance, his ERA is up to 5.28. Ever since that start in Boston, Burnett hasn't been able to be the good pitcher we saw earlier this year. Let's see if he can turn it around.

2. Yes, that was Chien-Ming Wang in the 7th inning.

Wang wasn't terrible on the mound. He actually lowered his ERA to a respectable 25.00! In all seriousness, there was a return of the velocity tonight on the mound. He's still a little low (usually he's at 94-95, today he was at 92), but most of the balls were on the ground. It was an encouraging three innings, but it still left something to be desired. After all, he gave up six hits in those three innings, and many of them were hard hit balls on the ground. He did get a very Wang like double play ball. Overall, not a terrible outing.

3. It had to end some time.

Well, the win streak is over at nine. The Yankees just couldn't find a way to break Myers tonight, and in the end they couldn't make a dent in Ryan Madsen. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and an opportunity for another streak to start.

Game 42: Yankees Look To Win 10 Straight As They Welcome The World Series Champion Phillies

The New York Yankees will look to stretch their winning streak to ten games Friday night when they take on the world champion Philadelphia Phillies in the start of a three-game series.

The matchup pins the league's two top offenses against each other. New York leads the majors with 66 home runs and ranks second in runs per game with 5.66, trailing first place Philadelphia, who averages 5.74 runs per game and tops the National League with 56 home runs.

Philadelphia is 6-1 during their 10-game road tripe, and they carry a 14-5 road record into the game, best in the majors.

The Yankees will send righthander A.J. Burnett (2-1, 5.02 ERA) to the mound. The righthander is winless at four outings in the stadium and hasn't recorded a win in his last six starts. The streak matches his longest winless streak, when he went 0-for-6 in his final seven appearances as member of the Florida Marlins in 2005.

Burnett is 5-7 with a 4.57 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Pitcher Brett Myers (3-2, 4.50 ERA) will take the ball for the Phillies. The righthander is 3-0 in four road starts, and is the only Phillies pitcher to have a winning record.

Myers won his only start against the Yankees in 2006.

And now, you're starting lineup for the New York Yankees:

Jeter SS

Damon LF

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez 3B

Matsui DH

Swisher RF

Cano 2B

Cabrera CF

Cash C

And, on the mound, the $80 million dollar arm, A.J. Burnett

Game time is 7:05, and you can catch all the action of YES.

Cano Powers Yankees To Ninth Straight Win

Even with a new number two hitter, the New York Yankees offense kept on chugging Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles.

Robinson Cano, hitting in the second spot in the order, drove in three runs as the Yankees overcame a first inning injury to starter Joba Chamberlain to defeat the Orioles, 7-4.

Cano drove in the first run of the Yankees' four-run first inning against Baltimore starter Adam Eaton (2-5). Mark Teixeira then doubled home Cano, doubling the Yankees lead.

Melky Cabrera would extend the lead to four with a double that scored Teixeira and Nick Swisher.

In the second inning, Cano connected for a two-run shot off of Eaton, extending the Yankees lead to 6-0.

Righthander Joba Chamberlain did not make it out of the first inning because of an injury to his right knee. Baltimore centerfielder Adam Jones lined a ball back at Chamberlain, which hit him in the knee. Chamberlain was able to throw Jones out, and convinced Joe Girardi and Yankees trainer Gene Monahan to let him continue to pitch.

After giving up two straight singles, Girardi came to the mound and removed Chamberlain, who walked away gingerly. Alfredo Aceves (3-0) came in to earn a win in relief.

X-Rays on Chamberlain's leg were negative, and he is listed as day-to-day with a right knee bruise.

Game Notes:

Mariano Rivera, who came in for the save, recorded his 57th save against Baltimore, the most among any team...This is the first time the Yankees have won nine games in a row since June 5-14, 2007...Aubrey Huff was booed every time he came up to the plate in tonight's game. The booing stemmed from an incident May 10, when he made two exaggerated fist pumps toward Chamberlain after hitting a home run off the righthander.

Box Score:

Jeter: 1-for-4, R

Cano: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R

Teixeira: 2-for-3 RBI, R

Rodriguez: 0-for-4

Matsui: 1-for-4, SOLO HR

Swisher: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB

Cabrera: 1-for-4, 2 RBI

Cervelli: 0-for-4 (maybe John Sterling will hop off of the Cervelli Train for one night...maybe)

Gardner: 0-for-3, R

Chamberlain: 2/3 IP, 2 H, 1 K (left after being struck by an Adam Jones line drive - day-to-day with a right knee bruise)

Aceves (W, 3-0): 3 1/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K (threw 50 pitches, 32 for strikes and gets his third win of the season)

Albaladejo: 2 1/3 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K's (gave up two home runs in those two innings - not a good night of work)

Veras: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H (12 of his 22 pitches were strikes)

Rivera (S, 9): 1 IP, 1 K

My Thoughts:

1. Who needs Johnny Damon?

Robbie Cano had a great night in that #2 hole. There must be something with that spot. Step in the #2 hole, and you're going to produce. Cano had been slumping coming into this homestand, with his average dropping below .300 for the first time all season. But he's been hot since the Yankees have come home, and his average is back up above .300. It hasn't only been Cano, but the whole lineup has been doing its job. Cano just had the superior night.

2. How serious is the injury to Joba?

Well, it seemed like the Yankees were getting healthy until this unfortunate accident. While the X-rays were negative, there's no way of knowing the extent of Joba's injury. The Yankees don't think it's too serious - Girardi said he took Joba out because of the way he ran towards the first base line, not because of the pitching. The team doesn't seem to be worried about it, but you have to wonder if someone from AAA will be getting an emergency start Tuesday night in Texas just to make sure Joba's ok. We all know how much the team protects its young starters.

3. Winning is nice...

The Yankees have played very well during their nine-game winning streak. Every hitter is producing, and the Yankees pitchers are keeping other teams at bay. If I can be nitpicky, it seems the Yankees are sometimes letting teams back into the game. Tonight they jumped out to 6-0 and 7-1 leads, but they let Baltimore chip away and make it a slightly uncomfortable 7-4 win. I know there's supreme confidence going around that clubhouse, and it seems this team is playing loose and having fun.

Game 41: Yankees Look To Keep Good Times Rolling Against Baltimore

The Yankees will look to sweep their second straight series tonight and win their ninth game in a row against the Baltimore Orioles Thursday night.

Joba Chamberlin (2-1, 3.76 ERA) will get the start as the Yankees look to defeat the Orioles for the fourth time in a row this season. Earlier this season, Chamberlain went six innings and gave up three runs in a Yankees victory.

The Yankees righthander is 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA as a starter against the Orioles.

Adam Eaton (2-4, 7.93 ERA) will start for the Yankees. Although Eaton has been hit hard this season, he held the Yankees at bay in his last start. The righthander went five innings and gave up four runs in a 12-5 victory over the Yankees on May 9.

Lifetime, Eaton is 2-1 with a 5.17 ERA against the Yankees.

The Yankees won last night's game, 11-4, on the strength of three straight home runs. Those home runs increased the Yankees season total to 64 - tops in the league.

Tonight's game also marks the first time Chamberlain will face Aubrey Huff, who mocked his fist pump after hitting a home run off the pitcher on May 10. Both players have downplayed the incident.

The Orioles pitching staff has struggled recently, compiling a 7.20 ERA on their road trip. The Yankees pitching staff has compiled a 2.88 ERA during their eight game win streak.

The Yankees will look to win nine games in a row for the first time since June 5 - 14, 2007.

The lineups have yet to be announced. I'll post later when they come out.

[UPDATE (6:00 PM): HERE'S A NEW LOOK YANKEES LINEUP]

Jeter SS

Cano 2B

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez 3B

Matsui DH

Swisher RF

Cabrera LF

Cervelli C

Gardner CF

Game time is 7:05, and you can catch all the action on YES.

My Thoughts:

1. The importance of an early lead

During this winning streak, the Yankees have been able to play ahead, usually scoring early. That's helped this team dramatically. It's always easier for a pitcher to relax when they have a lead. Even with Phil Hughes getting hit a little hard yesterday, that five-run lead was a big help. Continuing to strike first will only continue to bring good results.

2. The pitching staff lives up to expectations

As stated above, during the winning streak, the Yankees pitchers have a 2.88 ERA. It seems like the pitchers have been able to figure it out, and they're limiting the damage. It helps that the offense has time and time again come up with a clutch hit or a big inning. But these guys have pitched well, from the starters to the bullpen.

3. The Joba - Huff matchup

I have a prediction for Huff's first at - bat: Huff steps up to the plate, and Joba pitches to him. Either he gets a hit or he makes an out. I don't think we're going to see Joba brushing Huff back, etc. It doesn't even seem like it's bothering him. But I'd love to see him strike him out and give him a little fist pump. We'll have to see what happens, but I don't think it's going to be a huge deal.

Sorry The Blog Hasn't Been Updated

Hey all,

I just wanted to send a quick apology about the blog not being updated. I've had finals and, unfortunately, studying comes before the Yankees (I know, it's a shocker.) Expect full game previews/recaps and more activity come Thursday.

Once again, sorry for the inconvenience.

AJ

Matsui, Sabathia Power Yankees To Win

It seems that the Yankees are finally seeing their big-time free agent pitcher.

CC Sabathia tossed eight innings, giving up two runs as the Yankees defeated the Blue Jays, 3-2.

Hideki Matsui, who returned after missing a game with a hamstring injury, gave the Yankees a lead with a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning. Matsui hit a 2-2 slider from Jesse Carlson (0-2) over the rightfield wall for his fourth home run of the season.

Sabathia (3-3) allowed five hits in eight innings to win consecutive starts for the fourth time this season. All three of Sabathia's wins this season have come on the road.

Both Matsui and shortstop Derek Jeter returned to action after missing last night's game. Jeter, who sat two games with a strained oblique muscle, finished 1-for-5 with an RBI. Matsui finished 1-for-3 with a walk.

The win gave the Yankees three straight road series wins and moved them back to .500. Toronto, meanwhile, lost consecutive home games for the first time this season.

The Yankees scored the first run of the game when Nick Swisher worked a bases-loaded walk against Blue Jay's starter Brian Tallet. The Blue Jays tied it in the fourth inning with a solo home run from Alex Rios.

Toronto took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning. Scott Rolen led off the inning with a walk and scored on Rod Barajas' one-out double. John MacDonald followed with a single, but Yankees centerfielder Brett Gardner threw out Barajas at home.

The Yankees came back to tie the game in the seventh inning. Gardner left off the inning with a walk, and advanced to third on a successful hit-and-run with Frank Cervelli. The Blue Jays brought in Jason Frasor, and Jeter hit a single to bring home Gardner.

The Blue Jays loaded the bases on Sabathia in the bottom of the seventh, but the threat ended when Aaron Hill grounded out.

Tallet allowed two runs and six hits in six plus innings, issuing a season-high five walks.

Box Score:

Jeter: 1-5, RBI

Damon: 1-5, 2B (tied the franchise record for most consecutive games with an XBH)

Teixeira: 1-4

Rodriguez: 0-5

Matsui: 1-3, SOLO HR

Swisher: 0-2, RBI

PH: Cabrera: (defensive sub - did not get an at-bat)

Cano: 1-4

Gardner: 0-2

Cervelli: 2-4

My Thoughts:

1. Is this the CC we paid for?

CC Sabathia has been picking up steam, having a great start in Detroit and continuing to carry that momentum. He went eight innings tonight, making sure he brought his team to Mariano Rivera in the ninth. It seems he's found his comfort zone on the mound. The four walks were a little high, but he still pitched pretty well tonight. He had some hard hit balls, but at one time he retired eight in a row. These are the starts we should expect from an ace, and in his last four I feel CC has stepped up and become the ace of this staff. Just an interesting tidbit: In the past two games, CC has gone 17 innings and gave up two - TWO - earned runs (that's a 1.06 ERA)

2. Is Teixeira finally coming around?

Tex had himself two pretty good days. Overall, he went 3-for-8 with an RBI. It seems as if he's been showing glimpses of coming out of this slump he's in, and the past two days have been encouraging. It can be a little maddening though - it seems every time we see something good, Tex goes back into a shell and strikes out four times in a game. We'll wait to see, but I think we saw some good things from him in the past few games.

3. A-Rod, where did you go?

Since A-Rod has come back, he's 3-for-16 with three strikeouts. He's had four walks, and he's made some solid contact, but I was thinking we'd see him come out a little more hot. Maybe I was just a little to optimistic. I would assume that tomorrow we'll see Ramiro Pena at third, as A-Rod has started six straight days at third base. In the pregame show, Kimberly Jones of YES made it seem as if Girardi wants to try and limit his play in the field early in his comeback.

4. Would you look at that - a winning streak!

Sure, it's only two in a row, but you have to think the Yankees feel confident after winning their third straight road series. They beat a good Blue Jays team, and they played solid baseball. They also, finally, beat some tougher AL East competition. The team has watched CC pitch two good games, and now they head home for a weeklong homestand. At 17-17, the Yankees are only three back in the loss column from Toronto and Boston.

By the way, all three Boston teams lost tonight. I have no rooting interest in the NBA, I'm glad the Sox loss, but as a Devils fan I was hoping to see Carolina bounced from the playoffs. But at least I don't have to hear Bob Ryan gloating about how great Boston sports are tomorrow.

Game 34: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays

The New York Yankees will look to win their second consecutive game and third straight road series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

The Yankees bounced back from their loss against Roy Halladay with a win last night. The Yankees scored six runs in the second inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Brett Gardner, propelling them to the win, 8-2.

CC Sabathia (2-3, 3.94 ERA) will take the ball for the Yankees, looking to build off his last start. In his last game, the lefty threw a complete game shutout over the Baltimore Orioles.

Sabathia, whose two wins this season have come on the road, is 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA at Rogers Centre. In his career, he's 7-3 with a 3.46 ERA against Toronto.

The Blue Jays will hand the ball to Brian Tallet (2-1, 4.95 ERA). In his last start, Tallet went seven innings, allowing one run on two hits and seven strikeouts in a win against the Oakland Athletics.

Tallet is 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA in 20 relief appearances against the Yankees.

And now, your starting lineup:

Jeter SS

Damon LF

Teixeira 1B

Rodriguez 3B

Matsui DH

Swisher RF

Cano 2B

Gardner CF

Cervelli C

And on the mound, the Hefty Lefty, CC Sabathia.

Game time is 7:07 p.m., and you can catch every pitch on YES.

My Thoughts:

1. Someone Get A Fire Extinguisher, 'Cause Johnny Damon is on Fire!

I know, I know, the title was corny. But seriously, this guy is hot. He's been playing out of his mind, going 17-of-38 (.447) with five home runs, 16 RBI, 10 runs scored and 12 extra-base hits in his last nine games. He's been the Yankees most consistent producer early this season, and it seems he's playing for a new contract he'd love to get.

2. Which CC Shows Up Tonight?

Will the Yankees get the CC who showed up against Baltimore in his last start? Or will they get the Sabathia who walks the yard and leaves with 125 pitches in the fifth inning? The Yankees are really hoping they get the former, rather than the latter. In his last three starts, CC's looked on point. He started in Detroit, beginning to get his command and look comfortable. It looks like its carried through each start, and while I don't expect another shutout, seven solid innings would be nice.

3. Can The Yankees Score in The First Three Innings?

One of the keys to the Yankees victory last night was the ability to rough up Blue Jays' rookie pitcher Scott Richmond early. As pointed out during the game, Richmond didn't have his best game. But getting those runs early allowed Andy Pettitte to pitch ahead for the rest of the night. Another strong performance with the bats could make a series win more realistic.