WHY YOU NEED TO GIVE AJ SOME CREDIT

“We did a lot of nice little things today, and that’s why we won.” --Joe Girardi

AJ Burnett deserves a standing ovation. Not because he was amazing yesterday... he wasn't, but because he received his 4th win of the season and has proven that he can be a leader on the Yankees. AJ has quieted the doubters Ladies and Gentlemen and I have no doubt that he will continue. The difference this year compared to others is confidence. AJ trusts his stuff. Yes, his curveball wasn't working for him, but he still did what he needed to do to get things done...again, not truly dominant, but he definitely helped keep the Yankees in the game. In years past, AJ has lost his mojo during the year and by September, there was struggle. But something's different... AJ is a new man this year thanks to Larry Rothschild and the Pyramid of Pitching Dominance, so expect AJ to have a good year. After all, he's overdue. Today AJ allowed 4 runs and 9 hits. He didn't walk anyone today and struck out 4. Not great, but not bad either.(photo:AP)

The best part of today was small ball and sacrifice. Yes, you know I'm a fan of that. No homers today. Wow. 7 Yankees had hits today and all of them were singles. Tex had a double... that was the only extra base hit for the Yanks. It's so weird if you think about it because this is a team that's been cranking out home runs every game this season. The Yankees hits today were built on patience. Waiting for the right pitch, not to crank out, but instead to put in play and hopefully get a run in. Today they did that and it's something I've been looking for them to do all season.

The play of the game came in the sixth inning. Russell Martin threw down to third to cut down Juan Rivera trying to steal. He got him and the best part was it completed a double play... AJ K'ed Encarnacion seconds earlier. It was heads up, no doubt.(photo: Daily News)
The Three Headed Monster appeared today and came to the rescue. There were no signs of trouble for them. The 7th, 8th and 9th were a piece of cake and Joba, Soriano and Mo are back.

Overall, nothing spectacular today, just good baseball. At the end of the day, the Yankees win and that makes me smile, but more importantly, we've tied the series and next we need to take the series. That, of course is the key. That, of course will get us to our goal in October... another championship.

Final Score: Yankees 5 - Blue Jays 4.

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WHY SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE

Sometimes Cashman reminds me of the tortoise in the old Tortoise and the Hare story teaching every child about life. He really does, especially after this winter after Lee decided he was afraid to play in New York.With Phil Hughes "maybe" being on the shelf this year with "maybe" Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, many suspect "maybe" Cashman will push the panic button and go get a starting pitcher. (The latest on Hughes is HERE.) According to Cash, that's not the case.

Says Cashman: "There's no starting pitching to go find. Everything we have to deal with is right here in front of us."I get it. Who's out there that we can get? Yes, we long for the days of King Felix in pinstripes, but that may be the big name for the trade deadline. If you're talking about right now, names like Colon, Garcia and Millwood dare I say Carlos Silva have been snatched up already, by us. Guess what? They were the best of the free agent market after Lee and we got them.

So, let me be frank, we need to stop the bitching and stick with what we got. Yes, Yankees fans are used to the here and now and "We can do anything we want." But the harsh reality is, Cliff Lee changed that for Cashman and the Yankees. So now we hate Cliff Lee. So, how do we get back at him? Beat him down with our Bomber bats next time he's scheduled to pitch against us. Or, how's this for a winning scenerio; A Game 7 World Series in Philadelphia this fall. Our Yankee bats could unleash a hit attack to send Lee a message as we go on to win our 28th championship. That, may I suggest, would be the greatest payback of 2011

But back to my point. Cashman is taking things slow. If we learned anything so far, we learned the Yankees put trust in rusty veterans and were getting back on our "cheap" investments. When someone becomes available, Cash will snatch them up. For now though, we stick with what we have...and we should.

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Best Dressed Diva Of The Week: Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton was simply breathtaking at the royal wedding. She looked stunning in her ivory chantilly lace Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown.

It was right amount of tradition and modernity. Pure perfection from head to toe!

I am certain the late Princess Diana would be very proud.

Worst Dressed Diva Of The Week: Melba Moore

I love Melba Moore and I admire her going through difficult times and rising up but this ensemble is beyond unforgivable!

It literally looks like she ripped her curtains off at the last moment and wrapped it on her body.

Whomever is responsible for her hair and make-up needs to be haul off and shot! I can't get over her greasy face. Did she put a gallon of vaseline for her face powder?

Now I have to repent for my evil ways!

MOVING FORWARD...

On September 9, 1968, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bernabe Williams-Figueroa was born. We know and love him as Bernie Williams, #51, or simply, “Bern”.



As a child growing up in Puerto Rico, Bernie cut his teeth in sports in baseball and track. He was a medalist in track and field at the age of 15, which explains his grace and speed around the baseball diamond. As he grew, his skills developed, and eventually, on July 7, 1991, Bernie took the field as the New York Yankees Center Fielder.



Throughout the span of his 15-year career in pinstripes, Bernie’s batting average was .297, having hit 287 home runs and 1,257 RBIs. He won four Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger Award, and was on the American League All-Star team five times. He was named the ALCS MVP in 1996, and is the proud owner of four World Series Championship rings.

With such a resume, it’s hard to believe that the New York Yankees brass allowed Bernie’s contract to expire in 2006. He was left in limbo for the entire off-season that year, when he was finally offered an invitation to Spring Training as a non-roster invitee; however, the Yankees wouldn’t guarantee him a spot on the 40 man roster. A little stung by this less-than-promising offer, Bernie politely said “No thanks”, and, without missing a beat, began moving forward.



Luckily for the world, not only is Bernie a fabulous athlete, he is also an accomplished musician. Trained at a very young age in classical guitar, Bernie’s playing breathes new life to a perfect blend of classical, jazz, and Latin music. He signed with Paul McCartney’s publishing company soon and recorded his first album, “The Journey Within”.In 2009, his album “Moving Forward” was nominated for a Latin Grammy award, and featured the collaborative efforts of many musicians, including Bruce Springsteen and Jon Secada. Bernie Williams’ music provides the perfect soundtrack to complement his outstanding career, and also helped give a soulful goodbye to the original Yankee Stadium during its closing ceremonies, when he played his music for fans during the final game played there in 2008.In July of 2011, Bernie’s first book, “Rhythms of the Game”, will be available to readers everywhere. It truly seems that for Bernie Williams, there are no endings, just new chapters. With everything he does, he is always “moving forward”.







--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer







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WHY STRANDED RUNS NEED TO SCORE

So it wasn't exactly Freddy Garcia's night, he struggled early on and gave up some runs. Guess what, sometimes pitchers do that and that's why you have a team behind you. You're teams job, or in Garcia's case, the Yankees need to get those runs back, plain and simple. Look, Freddy settled in and did OK, he gave up 3 runs, the problem was the Yankees couldn't come back. You want to blame Freddy for that? Don't. Stranding men on base has nothing to do with Garcia. It does have everything to do with the Yankees offense.

The Yankees had huge opportunities to score, yet, they ended up leaving 11 men on base. Many have said early on that the home run could hurt the Yankees long term. That appears to be happening right now because stranding 11 men on base in 1 game is not a good thing. Look, the homer is awesome and Cano had a few tonight... that's great, but they need to have clutch hits with men on base to get runs on the board. They're not doing it enough and I want them too, because at the end of the day, that's baseball.(photo: Getty)
Like I said, Cano looked amazing and you have to get excited watching him play as well as he does. He's in the batter's box and he looks so natural. He's very talented and I know this is his year for the MVP or batting title or something special.

Ricky Romero pitched well tonight for the Jays and he's a very good pitcher. Give him credit and give the Blue Jays pitching credit as a whole, they kept the Yankees to 3 runs and that big inning in the 8th could have been much much bigger with the bases loaded if the Yankees were able to hit solid. The Jeter strikeout showed me age tonight, sadly. I never like to criticize the Captain, but it was clear to me he was sluggish. The Swisher ground out just deflated me. I smelled pie for a bried moment... and then it was gone.

What can you say, the Blue Jays won fair and square tonight, but I'll preach what I always preach... the Series, win the Series and you make the playoffs.

Final Score tonight Blue Jays 5 - Yankees 3. Tomorrow we come back and win one.

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WHY BASEBALL IS A GAME OF RISK AND REWARD

(photo: US Presswire)
You know, it's funny, as soon as the New York Yankees were spurned by Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte hung it up, Brian Cashman had to do something, and quick. Most of the marquee starting pitching names were all signed and there were a few low risk veterans available, by the names of Bartolo Colon, Freddy Garcia, and Kevin Millwood. At the time, we had no idea what we'd get, so low risk was what we called them, but they were veterans who knew how to pitch so we threw Colon and Garcia into the mix in Spring training and let them loose with kids like Ivan Nova. Mission? Compete for the 4th and 5th spots... the Yankees had nothing to lose.In the end of Spring and the beginning of the season, Bartolo Colon had and has proven to everyone that he had the heart and talent to be part of the Yankees rotation, especially with Hughes struggling. Freddy Garcia was named 5th starter when the season began and his veteran experience has paid off so far. As far as Millwood is concerned, in his most recent minor league start last night, he was shelled for six earned runs over just two innings. Hardball Talk has written that with that horrendous start at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankee and Millwood could part ways. Read it HERE. Millwood has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out on May 1st. There is a suggestion that the Yanks may just cut ties.

The point is, the Yankees have taken chance on low risk pitching and some have developed into high rewards. While it's never really been the Yankee way, Cashman looks good, and he should, he's saving money and he's guys a chance and they are taking advantage of that chance any way they can. Let's just hope these guys continue their journey to victory and don't break down. As Casey says, it will be the story of 2011. Let's hope so.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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Rihanna Reb'l Fleur Fragrance Launch At Macy

Rihanna promoted her fragrance " Reb'l Fleur" at Macy's in New York.

Rihanna continues to show her softer side in this fabulous polka-dot Mandalay chiffon dress.

I simply adore the lace and the satin bow detail. It looks like maybe someone is growing up.

She completed her look with a soft up-do and nude Christian Louboutin pointy heels.

5th Annual DKMS Gala

Stunning, Stunning and beyond Stunning!

I actually took my life savings and hire multitudes of scientists to study the beauty of Iman and discover why this woman doesn't age!

The supermodel looks sensational in her fuchsia silk chiffon Jason Wu dress. The color is glowing on her perfect skin-tone.

She completed her look a sleek bob, turquoise earrings and a fuchsia clutch.


Rihanna was honored at the event for her work with finding Leukemia sufferers bone marrow donors.

I love it when she switch things up and look sophisticated and elegant. The singer looks beyond beautiful in her black lace Louis Vuitton peplum dress.

She completed her look with a soft up-do and flawless make-up.


Eva Mendes looks great in her delicate sheer overlay Prabal Gurung dress. I adore the contrast of the black waistband and the crinkle pleated bodice.

She completed her look with a messy ponytail which I am on the fence about and black Casadei pumps.


This is the best that I've ever seen Keri Hilson look! The singer is giving me sexy glamour in her white cut-out Versace dress. "The Girls" are perky and on point.

I am looooving everything about this look from her sleek blond bob to her flawless make-up.


I am not a fan of 100 pounds of weave on top of your head, but I am looooving Solange funky wild afro!

I wish I could say the same about her draped Grecian Halston dress. It's just way tooo much draping and it just look beyond sloppy. I feel the dress needed to be one size smaller.


Leighton Meester looks divine in her chocolate satin one-shoulder Vera Wang dress.

She completed her look with side swept hair and gold satin Brian Atwood heels.

Which Diva Wore It Better? Shala Monroque Or Iman?

Shala Monroque Or Iman

The fabulous Shala Monroque first wore this gorgeous fuchsia silk chiffon Jason Wu dress to 7th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Funds Awards. She paired her dress with her trademark royal blue turban and dangling earrings.

Supermodel Iman wore hers last night to the 5th Annual DKMS gala. There is no words for how magnificent Iman looks. The woman is a superhero when it comes to beauty and fashion. She completed her look with a sleek bob and a fuchsia clutch.

Both of these women are "Fashion Icons" so this is an extremely tough decision. I just love Shala's pop of color turban so she wins!

The Royal Wedding!

Finally, This royal wedding is over! I am probably the only one in the world who didn't care about this wedding. I love Kate and Prince William but the media just turned their wedding into a circus.

The wedding costed 70 million dollar! Yes, you heard me right. I am sorry but with all the starving children and homeless people in this world, how can you justify such an enormous amount of money for a wedding? I know the royal family do a great amount of charity work but that is still ridiculous.

When I woke up this morning and view the pictures, I did get a little emotional because she looked beyond stunning in her ivory French chantilly lace full skirt Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress.

Her beautiful train is over six feet long and her "Halo" tiara was made by Cartier.

Kate kept the balance of tradition and modernity with artistic vision which is classic Alexander McQueen.

Instyle has more gorgeous pictures and details from the wedding.

SWISHER & JOBA EXCHANGE TEXTS

Joba: bro. U started hitting! yeah lol

Swisher: f u bro ;)

Joba: doing radio interviews distracted you haha

Swisher: No. i was waiting for soriano to not let up runs, then i'd hit

Joba: yeah right? Haha he's alright

Swisher: dudes angry

Joba: yeah had a hilarious joke about hughes arm and sori just starred at me when I gave the punchline

Swish: what??

Joba: even hughes laughed

Swish: no personality

Joba: he's ok, adjusting

Swish: we should pie him lol

Joba: HAHA he'd punch u

Swish: fo sho

Joba: but seriously, r u out of the slump now???

Swish: damn i hope so lol

Joba: wonder y u sucked?

Swish: shut up dude

Joba: ur thinking about hollywood bro haha

Swish: I like being a rock star tru dat ;)

Joba: yeah

Swish: but love ny and bballs my passion

Joba: I hear u.

Swish: ill hit homers again, started last night!

Joba: u'r dreaming of hosting snl!!

Swish: that would rock dog!

Joba: jeet did it

Swish: yeah

Joba: I watched it, I was in 8th grade hahaha

Swish: hilarious

Joba: ill get sori to not be a tight ass if u break out of the slump

Swish: deal bro

Joba: deal

Swish: ur $

Joba: I know

Swish: what a dick!!! Lol

Joba: ;) later dog

(NOTE: THESE ARE FAKE TEXT EXCHANGES. THIS IS ME USING HUMOR AND MAKING A GUESS OF HOW THE PEOPLE INVOLVED WOULD SPEAK TO EACH OTHER VIA TEXT. THERE IS NOTHING REAL ABOUT THIS. IT IS DONE STRICTLY FOR LAUGHS. ENJOY)


By the way, check out Bronx Goblin for the latest funny stuff HERE. It's about Mariano and it's funny.

Also, Check out Bomber Boulevard. Terrific Yankee Blog.


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.