A day after earning his first save of the 2012 campaign, David Robertson blew one last night against division rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays, at the big ballpark in the Bronx. Now, unlike the night before when the bats did some work and left D-Rob with some breathing room, he had but a 1-0 lead that starter Phelps and the bullpen delivered to him in the 9th. Robbie, who hadn't given up a run all season, finally had that bad outing and when Girardi finally had to yank him, it was 4-1 and the way the Bombers have not been living up to that moniker, the end was inevitable.

But if Robertson has learned anything from learning from the master, Mariano Rivera, it's to turn the page and short-circuit your memory. The substitute Yankee closer is not going to make things easy like Mo did -- but there's nary been a closer who can; he can't fill Rivera's shoes, per se, but he can get the job done.

Meanwhile, a blood clot was discovered in Mo's  injured leg and it may have been there for some time, so there's some sense that this was a blessing in disguise in that it was discovered and is being treated. As soon as all the swelling, etc. goes down, then the surgery to repair the torn ACL can commence and then Mo can begin his recovery toward that goal of taking back his closer job in 2013.

But for now, this again does give the Yanks a free look at what the pen will be without Mo at the back end. As long as the team doesn't fall too far behind the Rays, this could be as good an exploration into what life will eventually be like for Girardi calling the shots out of the pen.

Gardner, who's been playing a few rehab games, could be back in a matter of days and then will be a boon to the Yankee lineup. I've been beating this drum, but the team had been missing the amazing pitch-taking abilities of both Gardy and Swish. Swisher has returned to the lineup and the outfield which has already paid dividends, but that will only get better when the full 1-9 is on the field and healthy.

*********************************************************************************

"Rose" has some people saying some real nice things about it this past week:

My friend Brian wrote this fun romp of a book - a series of short stories about women...because if there is one thing Brian Mazo knows about it is women...and words, and together, this is what you get!. Buy it now.


As someone who rarely ventures away from non-fiction, I am thoroughly grateful to have indulged in this quick, riveting read. Whether you're trying to get the girl or get rid of the girl (or boy for that matter) you just might learn a trick or two while being fully entertained. Mazo is quick to turn a phrase, twist a plot and tug at your heartstrings. This book is a perfect balance of what a collection of short stories should be. Only wish there were more letters in the alphabet..


If you want to read what they're talking about with such lovely praise, go here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SABVQC/ref=tag_dpp_yt_edpp_rt

Thanks,
Brian