ALDS Game 2 Afterthoughts

photo courtesy of nj.com

Umpire Phil Cuzzi, is unfortunately, the most wanted man in Minnesota. And unfortunately for him, he's still working the Yankees-Twins series. Cuzzi knows he blew the call in Game 2 and there's nothing that can be done about it.

It's amazing how dumb some reporters can be. During the Game 2 press conference, a reporter asked Twins manager Ron Gardenhire if the correct call would have changed the complexion of the game. Gardenhire did his best to keep from exploding before finally saying, "The next guy got a single. You tell me."

Twins closer Joe Nathan seems to have forgotten that it was he who blew the Twins lead in the 9th.

"...hopefully the umpire realizes he has to do something to get better,” as if Cuzzi needed more on-the-job training."

Alex Rodriguez' hip surgeon Dr. Marc Phillepon watched his start client take batting practice before the game and also examined his hip. Phillepon came away impressed with what he saw and feels there's a 90% chance A-Rod won't need further surgery.

A-Rod's 3-RBI singles have knocked in Derek Jeter each time.

The Game 2 crowd was the new Stadium's first in excess of 50,000 fans.

Breaking News: A-Rod out 10 Weeks with Hip Surgery

ESPNdeportes is reporting, courtesy of A-Rod's brother, that the third baseman will be out 6-10 weeks to undergo hip surgery. The Yankees have not acknowledged the information, but A-Rod reportedly will have the surgery done in Colorado on Monday, by top hip guy, Dr. Michael Philippon.

It's a blow to the Yankees hopes of getting off to a good start, but thankfully, much of the time missed will be during spring training. It makes the signings of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett even more significant to keep games lower scoring.

This means that Cody Ransom will most likely be the starting third baseman, with Angel Berroa serving as the utility infielder. It also means there is no way that Brian Cashman can trade Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher. It also means there is no way the Yankees should move Mark Teixeira back to his old third base position.

It also means Yankees fans should not start saying they should have signed Manny Ramirez, or that they should go out and get a player to replace A-Rod.