WHY THE YANKEES WILL RISE AGAIN

I woke up early today. I went to be around 2am this morning but I couldn’t sleep and woke up at 5. I decided to go into work early this morning. While I traveled, I kept thinking about everything that could have been done differently in Game 5. The reality is, everything was done right, except of course the timely hit that would have propelled us into the ALCS.

I’m mad at the Yankees right now. I’m not sure why, I understand baseball. John Sterling says it all the time, “It’s baseball Suzyn, you can’t predict it.” Bottom line, last night’s game was ours for the taking and we didn’t take it. But, like a real Yankee fan, I did what I was supposed to do this morning; I threw on my Yankee jacket and walked out the door to go to work. After all, I’m a Yankee fan, I’m a true Yankee fan and I’m not going to NOT wear my jacket because they lost. I’m not ashamed, I’m just disappointed. My family was asleep when I left and I knew that when my son found out this morning, he'd be crushed. I put his 2011 Topps Yankee set back on his nightstand with a note "It didn't work this time, we'll try again next April," I wrote. He gave it to me to put next to the television last night for as he put it "Good luck for the Yankees." Man, I'm superstitious, but it must be rubbing off. He’ll be disappointed and I get that.

I received a text from a good buddy of mine this morning. He’s a huge Tigers fan. He wrote “Tough one.” Yeah, it was. The dude wasn’t rubbing it in. We have a mutual respect for each other’s teams. He could have razzed me, he could have told me the Tigers were much better. He didn’t. He understands defeat, so while he was just texting me as one baseball guy to another, it stung, but with win comes loss. I get it. That’s not even a baseball thing, it’s a life thing.

My iPod this morning had a song called Goodnight, Goodnight by Maroon 5. While the song itself has nothing to do with the New York Yankees, I just found it ironic and the first set of lyrics I heard hit home to how I was feeling:

“I licked my wounds but I can’t see them getting better. Something's got to change... it cannot stay the same.”

Change is needed and we'll be hearing about it soon enough. We can try and blast Joe Girardi but personally, I don't think you can. You definitely can’t blame AJ Burnett this time Ladies and Gentlemen, he was the best pitcher for the Yankees ironically… 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in this ALDS. You can’t blame Granderson, Cano, Jeter, Gardner… and you can't blame the bullpen, no. What about our hero this ALDS... Jorge Posada? Nope, they were all terrific.

I know... when we lose, we’re always looking to blame someone. You want to blame Ivan Nova for being hurt? You can’t. How about CC Sabathia for giving up the 3^rd run? Personally, I wouldn't.

Blame the Yankees for not having the timely hit. That’s it. Blast Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher for being the heart of the lineup and giving us absolutely nothing, but then, may I suggest, you don't blame them either... instead, let's just move on. Bitching about those guys won’t change anything. Season’s over. Steinbrenner said it best: "Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing."

Take a minute and applaud Brian Cashman. After all, every move he made this season turned to gold. We fell in love with Russell Martin... the Freddy Garcia & Bartolo Colon combination was amazing. How about Nova, huh? Remember when he almost went to the Mariners last season? We had 97 wins… the best record in the American League, that’s a great run.

We have nothing to be ashamed of... being disappointed is another story, but one thing you can't do is hide the interlocking N-Y. Don't NOT wear the Yankee cap like you're punishing the Yankees. Instead, embrace it. I wore my gear proud today. I was looking for someone to say something. I wanted to engage. I wanted to get it off my chest and move on. Yes, we're the Yankees and we blew it, but we rise above it. Bottom line... we lost, we didn't die. It could be worse... we could be Red Sox fans.

So yeah, as I was writing this, ironically another close pal just sent me a a text. He knows I’m a gigantic Yankees fan. He wrote “Sorry about your Yankees. You’re the biggest fan I know and I know you’ll rise above it. They’ll be back.”

Damn. It is crazy how things happen. I believe in my New York Yankees, no matter what and he’s right, we will be back, it’s the Yankee way. So, take a day or 2 and forget about the loss, but don't be ashamed of our New York Yankees...EVER. After all, we had a great run... all of us... together in Yankeeland.

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THE DAY THE LAUGHTER DIED

We were in the Bronx. We were with our family, in pinstripes, bleeding blue, ready for the Yankees to beat the Tigers and advance to the ALCS. It's the Yankee way, it's destiny. I never like to climb back in games to win, but that's exactly what the Yankees have done so many times before in the playoffs, maybe tonight would be along the same lines. I tell you what though, I was kicked in the gut as soon as the game started.
The first inning was horrible for Ivan Nova and it made me mad nervous. Yes, Austin Jackson got a quick K as did Miguel Cabrera but Don Kelly and Delmon Young both cranked solo shots.
Now it's 2-0. Fister looked good, but hittable. The Yankees usually go through the order before they start hammering, so, I'm not getting crazy yet. Luckily Mark Teixeira cranked a double. To bad they couldn't get him around to score.
The 3rd inning Phil Hughes came in to relieve Ivan Nova. Apparently Nova had tightness in his arm. I was surprised actually, I was expecting another inning. Hughes struck out to first 2 batters he faced. Delmon Young got a single and then he got Miguel Cabrera to ground out.The bottom of the third, Brett Gardner singled. Jeter struck out and Curtis Granderson worked a walk. Robinson Cano came up and I had hope. Cano popped out to center field. Inning over.One thing I need to point out. The strike zone again was horrible. There were pitches that game in too low or off the plate that were called strikes and strikes that were definitely balls. There were many questions by the Yankees tonight and with good reason. Bad calls. Alex Rodriguez had a very very bad night.

The 4th inning gave me another surprise, after the first out and a single, Girardi made yet another pitching change. I'm thinking... man I hope it's not going to be one of those nights. I prayed at that point that Yankees offense would turn it around and the Girardi binder doesn't insert itself all night, otherwise, there's no way to win this damn thing. Boone Logan came in. I groaned. Yes, Boone struck out the side the last time out in the ALDS, but you never know what your going to get with this guy. I started to get pissed, what the hell is Girardi doing? Logan pitched to lefty Alex Aliva, and of course, the guy gets his first hit of the ALDS. Now we're in trouble, men on first and second. Peralta flied out which was great. Luckily with 2 men on Boone Logan got a strikeout.

The top of the 5th brought Alex Rodriguez to the box. I noticed ARod had a quicker swing in the last game. I'm hoping I'm right and he cranks it out. I told someone on my train expect hits by ARod tonight. Yeah right... who am I kidding? Luckily ARod walked this time. Nick Swisher then singled to right. 1 out. Jorge Posada came to the plate. A huge single and now the bases were loaded with 1 out. After a Martin pop up, Brett Gardner was up, our hottest hitter and the whole stadium was into it, Gardner popped out. I was crushed.
CC Sabathia came in to start the 5th. So strange to see him in relief. He allowed a run to score and at this point it's 3-0. I am shocked and I know the Yankees are running out of time.

The bottom of the 5th there were 2 quick outs in Jeter and Granderson. Wimpy outs. Then Robinson Cano came up. He buried the ball into the right field seats and suddenly it was 3-1. I realized right then that this was Yankee Stadium, the best place you want to be in a playoff game. I realized, we can do this, but our pitching needs to be solid and keep the Tigers from scoring. Luckily our pitching was great, the hitting was crap.

Rafael Soriano came into relieve CC in the 6th inning. He immediately got the double play. Good job RaSo.

Looking at the bottom of the 6th, Max Scherzer came in. Mark Teixeira was the first Yankee batter and flew out to Austin Jackson. Nick Swisher continues to disappoint and ground out and then Jorge Posada had a single. Russell Martin came to the plate with Jorge at first. He struck out. Way to kill a rally.

Rafael Soriano had a good second inning in relief. The Tigers looked off balance at the plate, I placed my Bucky Dent / Mike Torrez autographed bat on the floor in front of the television. I was desperate.In the bottom of the 7th, Delmon Young came out of the game. I felt the ghosts of Yankee Stadium coming out. I prayed this game would be in our favor. Gardner came to the plate and struck out. Jeter came up and fought hard waiting for his pitch, then, he beat out an infield single and at that point I saw a glimmer of hope. Say what you will about old man Jeter, he can easily set the tone. At this point Scherzer came out and Granderson came to the plate against Joaquin Benoit who had an enormous band-aid on his face and Girardi strategized and asked to have it removed, hopefully it rattled Benoit. Granderson rips one for a single. Now, men on first and second and Robinson Cano comes to the plate. An easy dribbler next to Benoit and he missed it. Bases loaded for ARod. Alex struck out. Unbelievable! Something's got to be wrong with this guy. How could that happen? Teixeira then came to the plate. He walked. 3-2 at this point and the bases are still loaded for Nick Swisher. If anyone needs to deliver tonight, it needs to be Swisher. Swisher struck out. The biggest opportunity of his career and he blew it. Based on this post season alone, I would not pick up Nick Swisher's option. You can't be all flash and show no bash in the playoffs. Pathetic.

David Robertson came in the top of the 8th and showed me why we love him. The inning went quick. The bottom of the 8th needed to be big for the Yankees, they needed 1 run. I took out my 1956 autographed Mickey Mantle Sports illustrated. I was clearly desperate at this point.
Jorge Posada came up in what could be his last at bat as a New York Yankee. Posada has been one of the hottest Yankees all playoffs. He needed a hit right now. We all did. He grounded out. Martin came up and he was overdue. I was sure he'd deliver here with a base hit. Martin struck out. Are you freaking kidding me? 2 outs and we look like crap. Shortly later, with Gardner on base, Jeter cranked one high to the wall, but caught by Don Kelly. So close...but not close enough.
Mariano Rivera came in in the 9th inning. The score is still 3-2 by the way, I'm not getting this, but whatever, this is what Girardi does, he either doesn't pull the pitcher quick enough, or the binder tells him all about match-ups and changes pitchers like Kool-aid. Mo was brilliant, a 1,2,3 inning.

This is it, 3-2 game. The Yankees are down in the Bronx. I have been at games and seen games on TV that have blown me away, always with the ghosts coming out and always with the Yankees winning. I've prayed, I have all my favorite collectibles out. We need alittle hitting now to win this God damn ball game. I do not want to see this clown Valverde dance in the Bronx, we must beat him.

Granderson came up and popped up. Robinson Cano had a broken bat hit that was caught all the way in center field by Austin Jackson. Then, once again it was up to Alex Rodriguez...and with a strikeout, the Tigers won.
Just like last year, Alex Rodriguez strikes out for the last out. Remember when he struck out and Bengie Molina jumped up and ran out to the mound to celebrate? I'm so crushed right now.
(Photo: 2010)
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am. The Yankees season is over. Jorge Posada's career is probably over in pinstripes. I wouldn't be surprised if in the next 4 days or so, you start hearing whispers of CC Sabathia wanting to opt-out and questions about whether or not Nick Swisher should come back. After having the best record in the American League, the Yankees lost to the Tigers. The Tigers didn't beat the Yankees, the Yankees beat the Yankees tonight. The pitching was good, the timely hitting was not.

Tip your hat to Jim Leyland, I love that man. He's a true baseball guy and he managed a good team.

If Bleeding Yankee Blue takes a day off, I know you'll understand.

Final Score: Tigers 3 - Yankees 2

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WHY THE YANKEES NEVER SAY DIE

(Photo: Getty)
The Yankees are going back to the Bronx and Jose Valverde can suck it. Whether he was joking or not, it doesn’t matter, the Yankees have a message; “No one speaks out of turn against the Yankees and gets away with it.”

We, the fans will be ready for a performance of a lifetime in Ivan Nova, someone who has grown before our eyes and proven he’s the real thing. With today being a day off, it's great for all of us to recharge the battery. Let's face it, since that Friday night rain out, it's been a non-stop roller coaster. One things for sure, the bats came alive last night and everyone has finally started hitting. The big guys showed and even though the hits weren't 3 run home runs, the bat quickness of Alex Rodriguez is now visible and guys like Brett Gardner no longer need to carry us on our back to the finish line. If everyone contributes Thursday night, there is no reason why we don't advance to the ALCS and play the Texas Rangers...NO REASON.

Derek Jeter, the guy who's proved to the world that he could turn a lousy 2010 season into a brilliant 2011 season needs to lead us. Last night when the Yankees needed a must win...he did and back in the Bronx, no doubt, it will continue. He’s been there before, he knows how it works.

Look, I don’t need to tell you how important this is. It’s been a long battle, everyone’s tired. Mother Nature messed with us and the fan base was worried before last night, but now there's faith. I always have questions about my team... why guys don't always hit and why Joe Girardi makes certain moves because, let's face it, I do get frustrated, I’m human. But for the love of my New York Yankees, I need to sit back and watch a ballgame Thursday night and have confidence, just like I did last night.

The Yankees are now in the driver's seat. We’re home. I wrote a piece in September titled WHY THIS LOSS MEANS HOME, NOT PANIC and the title says it all. Home is where we are comfortable. Home is where the fans are. It’s like a kid who's lost in the store. An officer walks up and says what’s wrong, the kid says “I want my mommy, I want to go home.” Home’s safe. The Yankees are home, we're all home...together as a family.

I’m not going to preach, I’m not going to bitch, I’m going to watch my team Thursday night. It’s go time. We win and we move onto the ALCS, plain and simple. The bats need to show up and the pitching needs to be fantastic.

So let’s do this, it’s what we play for all year long and it’s come down to a Game 5. Let’s win it. Bottom line.

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THE YANKEES ARE ALIVE!

The Yankees had their backs against the wall and no one was hitting Burnett was to pitch...and all day today, it was the only thing on my mind. Then, like I said in WHY I'M IN AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND, something happened. I felt better because my iPod was telling me something. Why else would Empire State of Mind just randomly play on shuffle? It was a sign...The Yankees are back and tonight proved it.
(Photo: AP)
The first inning for AJ Burnett was horrendous, but I had hope. After walking 2 and 1 more intentionally, the bases were loaded with 2 outs. Don Kelly then hit the crap out of the ball to deep center and Curtis Granderson made a tremendous catch. Brian Anderson, the announcer called the play a "big break" for the Yankees. A big break? He also called it "kind of a mis-play". How about an outstanding catch? I'll never understand the TBS guys. I will give Ron Darling some credit. He's complimentary to the Yankees while trying to give constructive analysis. Smoltz is terrible. Sorry John.

The top of the second inning, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher went fast. One positive though, Alex and Tex hit the ball hard, which led me to believe they are close to snapping out of their rut. The bottom of the second went quick for AJ. Thank God. He started to get into a rhythm and actually looked good.

The top of the 3rd was beautiful. The Yankees actually had Ducks on the Pond and got them home. Jorge Posada was hit by a pitch. Russell Martin then singled. Brett Gardner stuck out on a lousy, high third strike call and then Derek Jeter came up. He cranked a double to center field and Posada and Martin scored. Martin's slide was sweet around Avila and touched home with his hand as he slid by. He was pumped.(Photo: AP)
The 4th inning just showed me Nick Swisher striking out and looking ridiculous. Let's face it, Swish can't do a thing in the postseason right now. The bottom of the 4th Victor Martinez took the ball yard. He just crushed it, there was no doubt about it. At this point, the score was 2 to 1 Yankees. Then Jhonny Peralta doubled. This is right about the time where AJ starts to feel the pressure. Right around the second time around the order, the opposing team sometimes gets to AJ. At this point, I was wondering what was up Girardi's sleeve. Then, AJ struck out Wilson Betemit stranding Peralta... inning over.

In the 5th inning Russell Martin singled again. Man was he pumped tonight. Then red hot Brett Gardner singled moving Martin to second. At this point there were no outs and Jeter coming to the plate. Jeter bunted and give credit to Rick Porcello, he threw to third and nailed Martin. 1 out. Curtis Granderson then rips one down the right field line, base hit and it scores Brett Gardner. Jeter moves to third. Robinson Cano was then intentionally walked to load the bases. Alex comes up the plate and you know he had home run on his brain. Instead, he sacrificed and Jeter scored. 4-1 Yankees. Mark Teixeira shit the bed and stuck out. Between he and Swisher, I really don't know who's worse at this point.

The bottom of the 5th, Austin Jackson singled to left. Then a quick double play and a beautiful scoop by Teixeira in the dirt to complete the double play. Delmon Young then knocked it back to AJ and the inning was over. Nice work so far AJ.

In the 6th, Nick Swisher now came up for his third time of the night. A hit to second and out number 1. I tell you... I have no use for Swish right now, what is going on with this guy? Will he ever hit?

In the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs, Girardi came out and relieved AJ of his duties. At this point I was excited to see the team pat him on the shoulders and tell him "Good job." We fans tend to forget that these guys are human. Rafael Soriano came in and his first batter cranked one to center field. Now I've seen outstanding catches in my 40 years of life, but seeing Granderson horizontal and making that catch to end the inning is something I have never seen. You think the Yankees want to win this one? I do.

The bottom of the 7th was smooth for Soriano who got out of the inning fast, 1,2,3.

In the 8th inning Alex Rodriguez finally got a hit. I said it earlier, you can tell by the swings, he was going to get a hit soon. Now, all I wanted is for that to rub off on Teixeira and Swish. Then a dribbler for Tex down third and suddenly 2 men on and no one out for Swisher. Then, it happened... Swisher got a single. See? There are 2 things that are addictive in baseball, losing and hitting. The Yankees are hitting in this Game 4 and now, everyone is starting the hit. That's a good sign.

Jesus Montero came to the plate with the bases loaded as a pinch hitter. It's good to see this kid in a postseason game. Phil Coke was replaced by Al Alburquerque and suddenly, a balk. ARod scores and it's 5-1. Montero crushed a single through 3rd and Short and Tex scored. 6-1 Yankees at this point. Alburquerque was replaced by Schlereth and Gardner keeps on hitting and another run comes into score. At this point I cracked open a beer and sat back. I felt the need to finally relax. With the bases loaded, Jeter came to the plate and struck out. Then a wild pitch brings in a run... 8-1. Cano came up to the plate and looped a single over shortstop. 2 runs scored and at that point it was 10-1. Another pitching change and then Alex came up and cranked a single. He hit it hard...he's hitting now. Like Ron Darling said, the bat speed is there now, Alex is back. Remember I said that.

Mark Teixeira then ripped one to right field and deep, but it was caught to end the inning. "Mark" my words, pardon the pun, Tex is back too.Phil Hughes came in and he got the Tigers 1,2,3. He looked great and it was a relief to see because who knew what he'd have. Girardi used him perfectly, a non-pressure situation to get some confidence and it worked.

In the 9th, Jesus Montero got postseason hit number 2. Martin then hit into a double play and the inning was over. The bottom of the 9th brought in Boone Logan. I knew it was 10-1, but why was I nervous? I shouldn't have been, Logan struck out the side.

Final Score: Yankees 10 - Tigers 1

The Yankees are going back to the Bronx, and Jose Valverde can suck it. The New York Yankees are back and just in time, we have everyone hitting and we're headed home, just where I love to clinch. I believe. I know we can do it.

I leave you with this:



Looking forward to seeing my guys clinching the ALDS at home in the Bronx bitches!!!!! Go Yankees!

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THE YANKEES GREAT WHITE HOPE

AJ Burnett gets the ball tonight in what is being called do-or-die for the New York Yankees. It is... it really is do-or-die and the most ironic thing about it is the guy we've slammed all year... the guy we all told Yankees management to dump, to trade, to bench is our great hope. Funny how things take a turn like this.

All of Yankeeland will be focused in on AJ Burnett. HE, my friends is who we all need to depend on. He, a Yankee fans nightmare, a punching bag and now, we are putting our faith in this guy to win a game to tie the series and bring the ALDS back to New York. I have news for you, don't give up yet.
AJ wants the ball. This is the biggest stage of his life and he knows if he fails, well, then it's over for him in pinstripes. The Detroit Tigers are not a great ball club, but their a damn good, feisty ball club and they can get to AJ. So, whatever head games and issues AJ has had in the past, he needs to dig deep, focus and know that the Yankees need him now more than ever. Everything we've said and did with AJ is in the past. Everything he's down lousy is long gone. We have a clean slate tonight and AJ is our leader. So instead of thinking it's the end Ladies and Gentlemen, let's turn the page and suggest it's the beginning.

We tried our best guy in CC Sabathia last night, and with the help of lousy calls of balls and strikes, and a not so grand CC, the Yankees lost last night. Forget it. You have to. Now it's go time, and it's a MUST WIN.

But let's back up for a moment. It's not just AJ that all of Yankeeland should be depending on. What about the Yankee bats? It hasn't only been about pitching, it's been about missing perfect pitches and popping them up. It's about becoming TOO dependant on the walk. There's a formula in the batter's box and you need to have a balance. Something's a miss. Where are my Bombers?

Earlier this weekend, I posted something about Nick Swisher referring to his “over amped” anxiousness at the plate during the playoffs. He even stated that he needed to channel his energy so he’d be able to perform. Yes, in the late innings of Game 2 in the Bronx, he was finally able to relax a bit and crank out a solo shot and I thought hopefully that would start a little run for Nick. But it didn't, Swisher looked stupid in Detroit last night. If he's hoping to stick around in the Bronx after this season, that's no way to do it.

Then I started thinking about Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira. Yes, Girardi pointed out that ARod had 2 RBIs and walked last night, but look, let's face it, even Ramon Santiago is playing bigger than ARod. What the hell is going on with my New York Yankees?

Alex and Mark and just a few examples. These guys are some of the top hitters in the league and I know Alex was out for nearly 63 games with injury and surgery, but you have to think something’s coming. Right? Look, sometimes I think I’m being unfair. I reminisce about 2009 and how hot Alex and Teixeira were. Then I get annoyed because I realize expecting too much from these guys is exactly what I’m supposed to do. I’m a fan, these guys need to perform, it’s the playoffs!

The biggest problem we are having right now are “Ducks on the pond.” That’s a baseball expression that has to do with men on base. The Yankees need to get those ducks OFF the pond… and bring them home. It has to do with timely hitting. A perfect example is Game 1 and Game 3… Brett Gardner got a 2 run hit in both games at the right time to put the Yankees ahead or in last night's case, we tied it. He understands... get the Ducks OFF the pond. I hate to sound like an angry fan, but I am. Runs need to score or the Yankees don’t win. Long balls are great, but they need to happen when men are on base.

Jorge Posada, the guy everyone told me was too old for the playoffs has done his job. Yet, Robinson Cano hasn't shown up since Game 1. You know what I mean? Where’s the small ball, better yet, where’s the baseball? You need to move the runners over and I almost feel like the Yankees have forgotten that.

Now, we’re in Detroit, a place I don’t like, plus we're down 2 games to 1. There are feisty fans and when the Tigers are on, they will drown out any potential Yankees rally. So, there are keys to a Yankee victory. We really need to deliver now…we need to take the Detroit crowd out of it. That only happens if there is timely Yankee hitting and AJ, our sweet AJ does his job tonight. If not, it's over.

So pray to the Yankee Gods tonight, rally, put on your lucky jersey, kiss your Jeter poster, whatever you need to do, but most importantly put your support behind the guy who needs us now more than ever. AJ Burnett. It's time to dig deep AJ. This game's for you.

Go Yanks!

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WHY THE YANKEES FELL SHORT

The Yankees started off aggressive in the Motor City. Not knowing what to expect from CC Sabathia tonight, we needed to strike early and we did. Yankees had a 2 -0 by the end of the first, but it was clear that CC Sabathia wasn't doing his best CC impersonation. Instead he was doing his best AJ Burnett. Not good and walks galore.

By the bottom of the 3rd, the game was tied at 2. It was the second time around in the Tigers order and CC clearly didn't have it. Luckily for us, he did what he does best... fake it and get through the innings, not giving up a ton of runs and he kepy his team in it. On the other side Justin Verlander started out not looking great either. But that's what makes baseball great... you never know what's going to happen. In what was billed as a pitching duel, it wasn't. 2 pitchers on short rest, but only one would look good. It wasn't CC. Michael Kay said that the umpire was calling the same game for CC and Justin Verlander. I disagree. Clearly I wanted CC on top, but I tell you what, the strike zone for CC Sabathia was mysteriously small tonight, no doubt. I noticed several pitches that were strikes, were never called strikes for the Yankees. I'm not saying Verlander wasn't throwing them in the zone, he was, but so was CC. Bottom line.

In the 5th, it was clear that CC was laboring. Ramon Santiago put the Tigers in the lead 3-2. Both he and Brandon Inge were 2 for 2. You know, it was strange, Verlander appeared better than CC later, like he had something in reserve, striking out the side in the top of the 5th inning, making Brett Gardner and Russell Martin look silly. To me, I felt terrible. Yes, CC was doing his best dance, but the stuff wasn't there. But say what you will about CC, the guy showed heart and never gave up and never let the runs get out of hand. He did his best under the circumstances, I give him that.In the 6th, Derek Jeter got his second hit of the night. Granderson struck out and was clearly over-matched. He looked like a Little Leaguer up there. ARod struck out and looked ridiculous. To be honest, back to calling balls and strikes, 2 pitches to ARod both were the same pitch, one was a ball, one was a called strike three. I don't get it.(Photo: Getty)
CC Sabathia got knocked out in the bottom of the 6th and Rafael Soriano came in and took care of business. At this point it was 4-2 Tigers and I felt confidence again, my stomach wasn't in knots. I know that if we have stability on the mound, we can get some runs... or can we? We've done nothing since the first inning.

The 7th was nerve racking but there was hope. Posada walked and Martin got hit by a pitch and suddenly Verlander didn't look so good. Of course we needed a base hit for Brett Gardner just to keep the rally going with 2 outs and take the Detroit crowd out of it. Gardy delivered big, 2 RBI double and the game was knotted at 4. I was screaming in my basement at that point, Detroit was silent. But, you know what ticks me off? The announcers sounded sad about it. What the hell is that all about? I thought maybe I'd blow it off,
then Rafael Soriano made a pitch that Delmon Young drove into the right field seats and Brain Anderson, the announcer, was overjoyed. What a dick. At this point, it's 5-4 and I am longing for Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling. I can't stand the way TBS does baseball.

The top of the 8th, Granderson gave one a ride, but it was an out. Cano struck out on a crappy high called third strike. Alex Rodriguez came up and walked. But he looked slow and disoriented the whole at bat. Teixeira came up with 2 outs and a man on first and popped out weakly to Inge. Again Brian Anderson, the announcer sounded thrilled. John Smoltz actually made a comparison of Justin Verlander to hall of famer Nolan Ryan saying he's never seen anything like "this" since Nolan. Are you kidding me? The guys pitching a good game, can't we just we just leave it there?
David Robertson came in in the bottom of the 8th inning. Robertson struck out the first batter but then nails Peralta. It happens.

Then, Valverde came out to try and close out the 9th against the Yankees. Nick Swisher came up and popped out. Unbelievable. One out and Jorge Posada stepped into the box. He's 4-8 at this point. Posada worked a walk. Man on first and 1 out. Running for Posada was Eduardo Nunez and when Russell Martin came up, he gave the pitch a ride, but it was caught in right and Nunez could not advance. 2 outs and Gardy came to the plate. Nunez stole second and now he's in scoring position. Next thing you know, Gardner works a walk and men are on 1st and 2nd for Derek Jeter. The table is set. But there was not joy in Yankeeland... Derek Jeter had struck out.

Final Score: Tigers 5 - Yankees 4

Tomorrow IS do or die.

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CANO RIDES THE SUPERNOVA

The Yankees lead the ALDS 1-0. I liked typing that.
(Photo: Getty)
"Nova's doing great." That's my 9 year old. Sometimes the most simple statement speaks volumes. He's right. Ivan Nova was terrific tonight. He looked like a seasoned veteran who's been pitching in the playoffs for 10 years. He had total control, for the most part and trusted his fielders to take care of business behind him. Tonight, pitching and hitting was balanced perfectly. The Yankees looked good... damn good.Nova ran into some trouble in the 5th, you could tell, alittle wild, balls in the dirt were making Martin work a bit behind the plate and with 2 men on and a solid hit to Granderson, it looked for sure like Alex Avila was going to score from second. Not so fast, a throw to Derek Jeter and then a throw to Russell Martin and they pegged him at the plate. Martin held onto it, unbelievable. Tie game 1-1 after the 5th. I know the play was a normal type of play, clearly you try and nail the runner at home, but the play just reminded me of the Jeter Flip. Not the same impact of it, but just the smoothness of Jeter, always there, always instinctive and always in the big play. I was impressed. Again... Kudos to Martin for holding onto that ball. That play alone was the turning point of the game for the Yankees. Momentum started there.The Robinson Cano double started the offense and to be honest, it looked like a homer to me. It was a tough call. I am not privy to the rule book, I didn't know that if the ball bounced back into the field, it wasn't a homer. Who the hell knows. I just assumed it was a home run, but I'll take the double. 2-1 Yankees in the 5th.

The top of the 6th for Nova was great; A double play executed by Robinson Cano and then a diving catch to right field by Nick Swisher and you could see the momentum shifting the Yankees way. By the time the bottom of the inning, Mark Teixeira doubled, Jorge Posada walked and Brett Gardner knocked them both in.At that point it was 4-1 Yankees. The best part was after Derek Jeter hit a single, the Stadium was chanting MVP - MVP - MVP when Curtis Granderson came to the plate. With surround sound, I felt like I was there. Once Granderson walked, the bases were loaded and when Cano cranked a Grand Slam, the crowd went wild and I swear to God, I did the sign of the cross. I'm not sure I've ever done that before, but I realized at that moment...these are my New York Yankees...dominant.



The Yankees continued to just hit the ball hard. Robinson Cano cranked another double past Austin Jackson in the bottom of the 8th. Not sure what was more impressive, Cano having 6 RBIs at that point or Derek Jeter scoring from 1st. Great job!
Luis Ayala game in in the 9th, he gave up 2 runs that were Nova runs and at 9-3 with the bases loaded, Mariano Rivera came in and the Sandman closed it out. Beautiful.

Final Score: Yankees 9 - Tigers 3. The Yankees are up 1-0 in this ALDS Division Series.

Tomorrow, Freddy Garcia will face Max Scherzer. Garcia has the post season experience. Hopefully momentum will continue tomorrow after an outstanding performance by Ivan Nova. Bravo kid.

Also, according to Ken Rosenthal, it's confirmed, CC Sabathia will in fact pitch Game 3.

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