Yanks Up Three Games

I've always been up and down when it comes to A-Rod. There is no question that he is an incredible player, and this years AL MVP, but his attitude and cheap tricks tend to rub me the wrong way most of the time. Last night though A-Rod really stepped it up, possibly after being inspired by our lucky little squirrel. Despite going for a pre-game MRI that showed his ankle was only at 60% he looked Torre in the eyes and told him that he wanted to play, subsequently slamming two home runs putting the Yankees up three games in the wild card race. Love him or hate him, you have to respect him for what he did last night.

Phil Hughes made a slight readjustment last night which seemed to help. The kid is his own worst enemy and really gets down on himself when he losses. That is to be expect when you are 21 and playing for the most successful franchise in North American history, but relax Phil, we have confidence in you. Speaking of youngsters, Joba Chamberlin continues to impress us all. He was so worked up from his two game suspension (which I think was ridiculous) that he went and asked Torre if he was still on the roster. Of course he was and went on to earn his first win in the Majors (he didn't realize it until Rivera told him, but still.)

This weekend we match up against Kansas City who the Yankees have beat six times in the past seven meetings. I would like to say that I'm not worried, but considering the Yankees problems with the AL cellar I can't say it is a sure thing. One prediction that I will make though, Detroit takes the series over Seattle. Seattle is falling apart faster than the Bush administration. That worries me a bit, Detroit is certainly a tougher team to slug it out with for the wild card, but assuming we can play top ball over the coming week the Yankees should be able to cushion themselves enough make it to post season play. But until then we definitely need more squirrel.