We're Back

Had a nice refreshing vacation and the Yankees went 6-2 while we were gone. Unfortunately, none of the games were televised, but we did catch some John Sterling on the laptop and "staticy" radio. First game back home last night was a good win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Phil Hughes struggled early, but settled down and the Giambino cracked a grand slam (thumbs up for hitting it the opposite way) and the Yankees romped 9-2 for their 6th straight win.

Lets take a quick recap of what happened while we were away.

Have to start with Alex Rodriguez. What an incredible season. Homered in 5 straight games to give him 52 on the season. That ties him with Mickey Mantle for the 5th highest Yankees total. He eclipsed 140 RBI and 130 runs scored. He's the first Yankee in 46 years to hit the magical 50 mark.

A-Rod was named player of the week after hitting .565 with 7 HR and 11 RBI. And the bullpen's rotation of their left shoulder in salute absolutely hysterical.

Chien-Ming Wang - The ace stepped up big with wins over the Mariners and Royals. He just plain wins. If you read any of the so-called fantasy baseball experts, they constantly knock this guy. We don't care how many people he strikes out, or more appropriately, doesn't strike out. This guy just plain wins! He's got 18 now and a match up Saturday with fellow 18-game winner, Josh Beckett.

The Yankees had a horrendous series against the Devil Rays. No question, but they came back beautifully in spanking the Mariners and Royals in 5 of 6. Of course now there is the big concern with Roger Clemens. The Rocket was horrendous against Tampa and it was clear something wasn't right. An MRI showed ligament damage in his elbow and he's received a cortisone shot. He hopes to give it a go against the Sox on Sunday. In the meantime we get Mike Mussina tonight, which could get ugly.

As far as the races go, the Yankees have opened up a 4 game lead (5 in the loss column) on the Tigers in the Wild Card. The slumping Mariners have faded to 6. 5 back.

In the AL East, a very long shot, the Yankees are 5 back of Boston, but just 4 in the 'L' column. It was nearly reduced further last night, but the Devil Rays blew an 8-1 lead the Sox won 16-10.