Yanks (68-59) @ Tampa Bay (72-53): Hell-Oh!

[Dr. Detfink]

Seems clear the New York Yankees have put all their chips on trying to make the second wild card. I've always said, there is NO going back since the Dynasty that spawned 4 World Series. It is all about winning at any cost. Despite the inept drafting and money wasted on poor FAs, the AL continues to let their foot off the Yankees' throat.

3.5 games is ALL that separates the Yankees from the second Wild Card spot. How much is it worth to you? To the Yanks it's obviously worth MORE than the 189M marker.

That's because Hal and CAsh took for granted Yankee fans as zombies putting their money down on whoever is in a Yankee uniform. Didn't work this year.

Since Vernon Wells hot start, he's reverted back to his old underachieving self (hitting .234) and forced Cashman to make a deal for Soriano. The only problem is, Curtis Granderson has been BRILLIANT since coming off the DL. Grand St has 4 Hrs 8 RBIs and hitting .278...Suddenly an OF that struggled for power and runs has been CARRYING the team. Soriano, Granderson, Ichiro, and Gardner: Power, Speed, defense.

They'll need all of that as they run into Tampa Bay. Yanks can cut the difference to first in a BIG way with the top of their rotation: Kuroda, CC, Nova.

Pineda update: Sore shoulder, Cashman shut him down. He is presently 3-2 with a low 3 ERA in AAA.

[Dr. Detfink]

It's only afternoon and I am excited for this series. This is where the cards are on the table.

[Dr. Detfink]

You know a Yankee team has life when Gardner leads off with a hit, steals second, tags on Granderson's fly out...and scores when Soriano beats the shift by settling for a single.

1-0 Yanks!

And in keeping with tradition, A-Rod is an easy out.

On the other side, Reynolds DIVES for a foul ball and gets an out. Kuroda gets an easy pop up. Kuroda FREEZES Longoria.

1 inning in the books.

Bal vs Oak, Boston vs Dodgers....EXCELLENT opportunity to gain ground!

[Dr. Detfink]

Bloop single with a man on, bring Loney to the plate. TOUGH out!

[Dr. Detfink]

Kuroda gives up another single but a second fly ball. Two outs, two on.

[Dr. Detfink]

DAMMIT! Kuroda gives up a homer and it's 3-1 RAYS!

[Pharmcat]

doubt they score of archer again

[Dr. Detfink]

Gardner cuts it down to 2-7.

[Pharmcat]

hiro looks out of gas

others need to pick up ie cc

[Dr. Detfink]

Dammit CC!

[Pharmcat]

harsh reality check for the team

losing when #1 and #2 pitching

[craig01]

Sabathia pitched as well as I've seen him when facing the rays during the first 5 innings.

Looked like his velocity was up (95, vs 92-93 in his last start against Tampa).

Fortunately, the outcome went our way in what is a crucial series for both teams.

[Pharmcat]

RAYS SP is just ridicolous yanks stand no chance

[Dr. Detfink]

Sabathia pitched as well as I've seen him when facing the rays during the first 5 innings.

Looked like his velocity was up (95, vs 92-93 in his last start against Tampa).

Fortunately, the outcome went our way in what is a crucial series for both teams.

I don't have a problem with CC's velocity but then again, I don't think that's the problem with his pitching. I get the sense he's unintentionally tipping his pitching. The AL East has breasted on CC this year. Go back to when Boston pounced on him a couple series ago. David Cone was pointing out how the Red Sawx were almost expecting the next pitch to be right where they expected it. This has gone on most of this season.

So I really hope CC mixes his pitches up more and then in the off season corrects that mechanic.

As for last night, Longoria is one thing but Zobrist had him figured out. Right away that has me worried.


Onto today's game. Yanks/Rays empty their pens. Yanks hang on to win. That said, Yanks lost a game on the Rays.

Every game is must win.

[Rich Rane]

Ugh...playoff hopes dwindle inning by inning.