4 Series, 4 Series Wins

When was the last time the Yankees had a good April? You can't tell me, can you? That's because it seems like it has been forever.

But these 2010 Yankees are off to a much better start than the the squad that won the World Series last season. Of course, much of the cast is the same, but there are significant differences in left field, at DH, and the back end of the rotation.

So far the Yankees have played four series and have won all four. The first time any Yankees team has done so since 1926. First, there was 2 of 3 in hated Beantown. Then another 2 of 3 against fellow AL East beast Tampa Bay for a 4-2 road trip. The first series at home saw the Yankees take another 2 of 3 from their long time nemesis, the LA Angels. And finally, with a game still to be played today the Yankees have already clinched the series with the Texas Rangers by winning the first two games.

In compiling an 8-3 start the Yankees have gotten great starting pitching, timely hitting, and superb defense. All of which Texas has not gotten in the first two games in the Bronx. They haven't even gotten good defense. The Rangers could have set a major league record for errors the last two days if not for a generous official scorer or two.

Right now I'm wondering what I was thinking for picking them to win the AL West (Minny in the AL Central, Philly in the NL East, St. Loo in the NL Central and LA in the NL West are the others).

But let's talk more about the Yankees. This is a team that has won 8 of 11 despite the fact that Alex Rodriguez didn't hit a home run until yesterday. Which, by the way, moved him past Mark McGwire on the all-time list (let's not even go near the obvious subject). Mark Teixeira isn't hitting a 5-yr old's weight, and Javier Vazquez's ERA is higher than the IQ of anyone on "Jersey Shore".

So what is going on? Derek Jeter is being Derek Jeter. He's had a hit in all 11 games, is batting .380 and is secondon the team with 3 home runs.

Robinson Cano is on a tear. His 10-game hitting streak ended Saturday, but he's still batting ("a gaudy", thank you Michael Kay) .356 with team highs in HR (4) and RBI (9).

Jorge Posada has an 1.128 OPS. Nick Johnson has only 6 hits, but 13 walks. Brett Gardner had 3 infield hits on Saturday and his speed caused havoc on the basepaths.

And Curtis Granderson has had no trouble adjusting to NY, posting a .924 OPS in his first 11 games.

Then, of course, there is the pitching. A.J. Burnett was outstanding on Saturday, following up another stand out performance by CC Sabathia on Friday. Andy Pettitte is coming off back to back solid starts as he goes for the sweep today.

And the defense has made just four errors thus far. Granted there have been plays in left field that should have been made, but that's what happens when Marcus Thames is out there.

It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes a team to build up an 8-3 record and the Yankees have gotten contributions from everywhere. Just wait until the calendar turns to May and Mark Teixeira starts hitting.

59 is divine?

Yesterday marked the 59th anniversary of two debuts. Both Mickey Mantle and Bob Sheppard made their debuts on April 17, 1951.