There were many interesting parts of tonight's game as the Yankees lead the ALDS series 2-0. First off, small ball, sacrifice hits that scored runs were key. Second was speed. Gardner steals a base and it turned into a run after Grandy singles. Beautiful. And of course Jeter and his run scoring single, and his defensive double play. Got to love the Captain.
Player of the game by far is a tie for me. Curtis Granderson for sure is one of those guys: 1 double, 2 singles and a couple RBI's. Got to love this guys drive, he belongs in the playoffs. Secondly, you've to to give it to Andy Pettitte. After he settled down, he was lights out. I have said for days now that this game hinged on Pettitte's performance tonight. Right now, with the Yankees headed back to the Bronx for a Saturday game, it is clear to me, that we can take this series with a confident Yankee team and a rested Phil Hughes.
It's funny, every since the Yankees started consistantly getting to the playoffs, Andy Pettitte was the guy who was the game changer for the Yanks. If they were against the wall, he'd pitch and most likely dig them out single handedly. This time he was the one who really could help keep momentum on the Yankees side and did! Now we are on the verge of clinching. Can New York do it? I believe... yes.
By the way, I must point out Kerry Wood. His pitching is just totally amazing. The eighth was his and he handled batters like nothing. Beautiful performance and Mo of course. He is the man.
Also, there was nothing better than beating Carl Pavano for the second playoff game against him in 2 years. While he had a good season this year, he had 4 really bad ones with the Yankees and just milked his contract for everything he had. No one in New York likes him and everyone wanted him to lose. Feels so good to see him walk off the mound and let another team down for a change.
Tonight everything worked. It wasn't just homeruns, it was sacrifices, bunts singles, speed and aggression, not to mention stellar pitching. Tonight the Yankees played like a truly hungry ball club. It showed and it was glorious.
Now that I got the important stuff out of the way, I have to continue my rant about the absolutely horrible love affair between the TBS announcers and the Minnesota Twins. It is an absolute embarrassment to have National game broadcasters openly rooting for the Minnesota Twins. I am truly disappointed at John Smoltz. He, of all of them should try and be alittle fair, especially after all the years he played against the Yankees and how over the years he's expressed respect for them, and the feeling was mutual for Smotlzy as well from what I remember. Ron Darling is a waste of space and just says some of the stupidest things I've ever heard. And with all that noise, you really don't need Ernie Johnson, he just adds to the stupid rooting machine. And again, what the F is Craig Sager wearing? That guy must have raided Liberace's closet. Bro, it's a baseball game not a fashion show.
Saturday is game three of the ALDS. While it is important to sweep the Twins, it's not necessary. Although, for a confidence builder for a young Phil Hughes in a potential playoff clincher, it would kick ass.
A day of rest tomorrow. Let's reflect and think about what we are about to embark on again this year, a chance to move on to the ALCS. Go Yanks go!
Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.
A day of rest tomorrow. Let's reflect and think about what we are about to embark on again this year, a chance to move on to the ALCS. Go Yanks go!
Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.
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