Yanks Celebrate AL East Crown

NEW YORK – I think I’ve finally dried off from Sunday’s champagne shower. The winning doesn’t seem to get old in the Bronx. The Yankees hit the century mark Sunday, No. 100 in their 4-2 win over Boston.

They ripped Kansas City in the opener Monday night, but as I watch from my press box seat, the Bombers are currently on the wrong end of a 3-2 deficit, heading into the bottom of the eighth.

AJ Burnett pitched a gem tonight, allowing only one run to the Royals. Phil Coke pitched OK in relief, but his throwing error to second base cost the Yankees late.

They still have six outs to turn things around.

As for Sunday, it was another surreal experience. The Yankees clinched their 11th AL East crown since 1995, tying for the most division titles in the wild card era along the way. They have now won nine of their last 10 games against Boston after losing the first eight games in the season series.

It was also the Yankees' 49th comeback win, which is the most in baseball, and their 35th come-from-behind victory at home, which is the most in team history.

What can I say, there’s never a dull moment in the Bronx these days.

Matsui Delivers; Champagne Looms

NEW YORK – Hideki Matsui’s dominance of the Red Sox continues. He delivered a clutch two out, two RBI hit to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead in the sixth.

Matsui has the best numbers of any Yankee against Boston in 2009. He continues to make them pay, time after time. In addition, he has quietly put together the best season of any Yankee designated hitter as he approaches 30 home runs.

Brian Bruney, who recently switched his uniform number to No. 99, was perfect in relief. Move over Rick Vaughn, the new “Wild Thing” has been lights out. Bruney provided a sparkling 1 2/3 out of the pen and gave way to Phil Coke, one of the unsung heroes of the bullpen this year. Coke delivered once again, striking out David Ortiz to end the inning. Big spot with the revitalized Ortiz taking a shot at tying the game with one swing.

Mark Teixeira homered in the ninth and now, Mariano Rivera is making his way to the mound to close the door.

Yanks Can Clinch Today

NEW YORK – Looking on as the Yankees try to sweep Boston out of New York today, and in doing so, win the American League East Crown on a rainy Sunday afternoon in the Bronx.

Let's catch up with some news and notes from the press box.. Robinson Cano singled in the second inning for some more Bronx Bomber history in 2009. Now, Derek Jeter and Cano each have 200 hits. With Robbie's base knock, the pairing became the fifth combo in franchise history (sixth time) to each collect at least 200 hits in the same season, joining Lou Gehrig and Earle Combs (1927), Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio (1936, '37), Bernie Williams and Jeter (1999) and Alfonso Soriano and Williams (2002).

According to Elias Sports Bureau, no teammates have ever reached 200 hits in a season at shortstop and second base.

Congrats to DJ and Robbie!

Cano's resurgence has played a huge part in New York's turnaround from a season ago. The potent lineup the Yankees yield is so well constructed from an offensive standpoint with solid contributors playing the up the middle positions. Jeter is having one of the finest seasons of his career, an MVP type season, while Cano is arguably the best hitting second baseman in the league, and don't forget Jorge Posada behind th plate. He has really bounced back from injury. The Yankees have also had success with a rotation in center field. I can't tell you how many games Brett Gardner has won for the Bombers this season with his feet. That speed of his is indefensible, and it's an element the Yankee lineup has lacked in recent years.

The other half of that tandem, Melky Cabrera, homered today. He's also bounced back from a disappointing 2008 season. Melky's versatility has been a great asset. Today, he's playing left field.

We stand at 2-1 in the sixth. In the bottom half of the fifth, the Bombers were robbed. Nick Swisher doubled and tried to tag up on a fly to center. He made it to third, but the umpiring crew blew the call, saying he left too early. Boston appealed and Swisher was called out. Cabrera later singled, which would have tied the ballgame.

Standing by for a celebration. We'll see if the Yankees deliver.

Andy, Not Feeling So Dandy

NEW YORK – Tonight’s loss doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. The Yankees should be more worried about Andy Pettitte’s health.

The 37-year-old hopes a little rest now will go a long way toward a healthy October. After several sparkling starts in the second half, Pettitte will be skipped in the rotation tomorrow. The Yankees said Tuesday that the left-hander has a “tired pitching shoulder.”

Instead, Chad Gaudin will get the call tomorrow night. Pettitte will be pushed back to Monday night and face the Angels on the road.

“I think they just think that with the rest, skipping a start, that that should clear it up,” Pettitte said prior to the game. "I definitely don't want to be standing out on the mound in a postseason game or a game during the year that might matter a little bit more, with my arm aching a little bit.”

Pain in the same shoulder hampered Pettitte during the second half last season and he went 2-7 with a 6.23 ERA in his final 11 starts.

This is cause for great concern, even if the Bombers are only being precautionary at this time. Pettitte has been very consistent, going 13-6 with a 4.14 ERA for the AL East leaders. He has thrown 178 1-3 innings in 29 starts and gives the Yankees a chance to hide Joba Chamberlain until the American League Championship series, assuming they win the Division Series.

The Yankees can go with three starters in the first round, likely lining up CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, 1-2, with Andy finishing off the trio in the third spot, breaking up the two lefty starters between the hard-throwing Burnett.

“It is a concern,” manager Joe Girardi said of Pettitte’s tired shoulder. “That’s why we chose to skip him. We want to knock this out sooner than later.”

They better. I still say Joba could dictate the entire outcome for New York in the postseason. If he’s solid, there’s no reason to think the Yankees can’t win it all. If he’s terrible, the Bombers, even with all their offense, could be in serious trouble, especially if he moves up to No. 3. That would give a team like Detroit, New York’s likely first round draw, an added advantage.

Let’s face it, Burnett has been inconsistent himself and has never pitched an inning of post-season baseball in his life, and Sabathia is still unproven come October.

Andy needs to be right. The Yankees have what it takes to win it all, but they are still very thin when it comes to starting pitching depth. I hope they don’t regret passing on Roy Halladay.

These are the kind of x-factors that make October baseball the crap shoot it really is.

Tempers Flare: Posada Challenges Carlson

NEW YORK – Quick update in the top of the 8th. Yanks still losing to Toronto, 9-3, but the action is just heating up.

Jorge Posada just tackled lefty reliever Jesse Carlson. Georgy wasn't too happy with a pitch earlier in the at-bat, one that sailed right behind him, and he brushed past Carlson when he scored on a double by Brett Gardner moments ago.

Carlson called out Posada and a mini squable ensued. This, perhaps stemming from an earlier beaning of Toronto second baseman Aaron Hill.

Both benches cleared. Honestly, it's the most excitement the Yanks have provided since they had an early lead.

Posada was ejected. The Jays went to the bullpen and relieved Carlson.

Maybe, this will spark one of those crazy comebacks?

Stay tuned.

Looking Ahead: Yanks Wrap Homestand with Jays

NEW YORK – Sitting in the pressbox, watching the Yankees fall apart to Toronto tonight.

Hey, it happens.

Even to the best of teams.

What more can you ask from the Bombers?

They have won 15 of their last 20, 31 of their last 41, 42 of their last 57 and 55 of their last 75 games. They have the best record in baseball since the break, marking their second best second-half start (42-14 in 1938) since the All-Star Game was instituted in 1933.

Sounds good!

The Yankees have a 7 ½ game lead on Boston for first in the division. Now, we’re cooking!

They have been in first place (shared or sole possession) for 70 days this season, including each of the last 57. Fire!

They became the first in the bigs to 90 wins. Smoking!

And, the icing on the cake: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Yankees have never blown a lead of more than six games.

Advise: Starting lining up for playoff tickets. HOT!

Preview of More to Come?

NEW YORK – Last night’s makeup between the Yankees and the Angels had a postseason feel in mid September.

Could this be a possible playoff preview?

The Bronx Bombers finally had the look of a contender against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, a foe that even the Joe Torre era Yankees never seemed to figure out. The key for New York Monday night was simple: Beat L.A. at its game – the speed game.

Brett Gardner slid into third base on the front end of a double steal, then popped up and came home with the go-ahead run as catcher Mike Napoli’s throw rolled into left field.

With the speedy play, the Yanks proved they, too, can play small ball – something the franchise has lacked for the better part of this decade since topping the Mets in the 2000 “Subway” World Series.

Aside from the added element of speed in the Yankees arsenal, the story is twofold. First, the Yankees took it to their west coast rivals and in doing so captured a win that keeps them in control of the race for home-field advantage throughout the postseason – for now.

The Yankees magic number is now at 12 for the American League East crown and 7 for the Wild Card.

While the Yankees march toward October, keep these factoids in mind, too. The Yanks have now won five of their last six home games versus the Angels. They can’t meet in the first round if everything stays the way it is right now, but those are the kind of numbers that make you feel a little more comfortable with the thought of the two squaring off in a seven-game series for the pennant.

Right now, New York can do no wrong. They are 42-15 since the All-Star break.

October looms. You can throw all the stats out the window then. But, for now, the Yankees have the AL on lockdown – and that includes even the nemesis of nemesis, the L.A. Angels.

Relive Yanks, Sox at Fenway

In a new twist to my blog, I'm going to be adding several packages from the program in rewind, so to speak.

Already this week we took a glimpse back at Old Timers' Day and the Yankees/Red Sox in August at home. Today, we take you back a couple of weeks to Fenway Park in Boston. And for the first time, I've also decided to include the entire morning show from Friday, Aug. 28, which included our recap from the Yankees' weekend trip to Boston. Flash forward to around the 36 minute mark for the sports segment if choose not to watch the whole show.

It was a wild weekend in Boston — another Yankee sweep.

Open Friday 8-28-09 with Rhina Valentin

From One Captain to Another...

NEW YORK — Baseball immortality. And we were here to witness it — again!

Derek Jeter kept the crowd in suspense for at least one at-bat. With the all-time Yankee hit mark on the line, the captain whiffed in his first AB. But as Jeter always does, he made up for it shortly later with a single to right field in the third.

In the process, Jeter broke the Yankees' hit record held by Lou Gehrig for more than seven decades Friday night. That gave Jeter 2,722 hits, one more than Gehrig, whose Hall of Fame career was cut short by illness in 1939. He later singled to right in the fourth inning, pushing his even further.

Of course, the game against Baltimore must get through five innings and become official for Jeter's hit to count. The start was delayed 87 minutes by a heavy rain that had tapered off by the third inning.

Jeter's record-breaking hit was remarkably similar to the one that tied Gehrig on Wednesday night, a sharp grounder inside the first-base line. After this one, Yankees players poured out of the dugout and engulfed Jeter at first base with hugs and pats on the back.

Here in the press box, Yankees PR released a statement from principal owner George M. Steinbrenner. One that pretty much sums it up. "For those who say today's game can't produce legendary players, I have two words: Derek Jeter. Game in and game out he just produces. As historic and significant as becoming the Yankees' all-time hit leader is, the accomplishment is all the more impressive because Derek is one of the finest young men playing in the game today. That combination of character and athletic ability is something he shares with the previous record holder Lou Gehrig.

"It adds to the pride that the Yankees and our fans feel today. Every Yankees' era has its giants. It's thrilling to watch Derek as he becomes one of the greats of his generation, if not all the time."

This evening is extra special for me. Through some friends, I was able to get my brother and his family some tickets for the game. They are sitting in the stands right now. My 11-year-old nephew is out there. That's about as cool as it gets.

I grew up across the street at the old ballpark, and now the tradition continues within the family with my nephew looking on in the new digs. He's a big Jeter fan, as is my big brother. It's cool to share the moment with them.

My folks are watching from home in Florida, too. They wouldn't miss a Yankee moment like that for the world.

We're happy at BronxNet that we got the chance to capture it. Congratulations Derek. Thank you for all 2,723 hits...and counting.

(Rainy) Stage Set for Jeter to Pass Iron Horse

NEW YORK — The rain is coming down, but the umps are trying to get it in. Derek Jeter is walking to the batter's box here in the bottom of the first.

Andy Pettitte retired the side in the top half and Jeter goes for history. STAY TUNED!

Jeter Makes History...

Watch Derek Jeter's historic hit at Yankees.com.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090909&content_id=6878726&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy

The New Pride of the Yankees

NEW YORK — HE DID IT! HE DID IT! Derek Jeter has just tied Lou Gehrig as the all-time hit leader for the New York Yankees.

The "Iron Horse" held the hit mark for 72 years. Jeter just laced a line drive single down the right field line. Hit no. 2,721! From one Yankee captain to another, Gehrig, and now Derek Jeter, share the honor.

But, can Jeter own it tonight? I'll be checking back in with live updates...

Stay tuned, and don't forget to watch Friday morning for our special package honoring Derek Jeter and his remarkable career. The hits just keep on coming for Jeter and for BronxNet!!!!

Dream Lineup on 9.9.9

This is pretty cool...Just found this on Yankees.com.

I'm going to vote...you should, too.

What's your dream lineup of Yankees?

Today is 9/9/09, and it's time for you to decide.

Vote for the best single-season efforts by position, and stake your claim in Yankees history.

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/fan_forum/all_time_nine/index.jsp?c_id=nyy

Jeter Ready to Join Gehrig Atop Yanks' Hit List

NEW YORK — Something told me tonight would be special. I'm seating here in the press box at Yankee Stadium, looking on as Derek Jeter inches closer to history.

After being collared with an o-fer the last two nights, including a miserable doubleheader for Jeter on Monday where for the first time in his career he was held hitless in a twin bill, the Captain managed to breakout out of his slump with a crafty bunt in the first inning.

It was the kind of bunt that would make the late Phil Rizzuto proud. You know, the kind of moment the legendary Yankee shortstop turned broadcaster would characterize with his trademark "HOLY COW!"

Hall of Famer Ted Williams once said if the Red Sox had Rizzuto on his clubs in Boston, "we'd win the World Series every year."

That's the sentiment I feel when trying to put Jeter's career into perspective, especially for fans in other cities.

Jeter may not be the best player in the American League.

He may not be the best player in baseball.

Hell, he may not be the best player on his own team.

But I ask you: if you needed one hit with the game on the line, is there anyone you'd rather see in the batter's box than good, old No. 2.

Jeter is our generation's Phil Rizzuto. He's Mr. Intangible. He does everything well and always seems to be in the right place, at the right time.

No coincidences here.

This latest Yankees Dynasty won nothing before No. 2 took over at SS.

And now, he's one hit away from tying Lou Gehrig on the all-time Yankee hit list.

Simply put, I'm watching greatness right before my eyes.

Leaving Boston Behind...

The Yankees distanced themselves in August with a sweep of their bitter rivals, the Boston Red Sox, at home.

Let's look back on that series...

Bobby C - Yankees Insider Open 8-14-09 - Yanks Sweep Sox

Relive Old Timers' Day

Let's take a look back at Old Timers' Day 2009.

Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium