The Yankees clinched the AL East a couple days ago with an impressive sweep of a day/night double-header in the Bronx combined with yet another crushing defeat of the reeling redsox by the mighty Orioles. Can't believe I was happy to see a smile on Buck Showalter's face; what's so much worse is that any bosox fan worth his weight in chowder was rooting for the Yanks this week. That has got to be so hard to stomach: in one game they had to cheer A-Rod; oh, the indignity of it all...

The Yanks pretty much took last night's game off and handed it to the Rays. Well, Colon maybe didn't mean to but he looks like he is pitching with nothing left in the tank. His body language sure showed it to me, but maybe he's being wise and holding something back for the post-season. And maybe that is a little wishful thinking because we need someone to step up. I believe when the bell tolls, CC will be ready to be CC again and when it really matters. Ivan Nova looks so sharp these days and really has taken the next step but who knows if he is ready and will have the poise to keep it up when the ALDS starts next Friday night.

Because after CC and hopefully Nova things get a little less promising. Hughes had an old herniated disk issue pop up and may not be able to pitch. This could be devastating to the Yanks' post-season as Garcia, much like Colon looks like he doesn't have much left and please, please, please don't get me started on AJ "Pass me the Bottle" Burnett. I don't want to see him on the playoff roster, let alone starting a game; thank heavens for the bullpen but that is not how championships are won.

And while I am on the subject of the bullpen, here's a big tip of the hat to Mariano Rivera. Mo, who has  long been considered the greatest closer the game has ever -- or will ever -- see and now, having carved save #602 (passing Trevor Hoffman for 1st all-time) giving him the numbers to back up all comers, all arguments he really is the best ever. Congrats Mo!


As for me, I am off for the weekend (missing the sox/Yanks weekend series, but gosh it would be great to sweep 'em and knock 'em out of the playoffs like Russell "I hate the red sox" Martin has hoped for) "tour managing" Zebulon Pike through Madison, WI (tonight) and Chicago, IL (tomorrow night). Math-metal is the order of the weekend...

Cheers,
Brian