Exclusivity

"Well known in the 'hood...where everybody love you..."

Beatnuts - Routine

Baseball is a numbers game, built on history and statistics...and every season brings a new milestone, and opportunity.

The Future

Alex Rodriguez is on the threshold of something special...600 home runs to be exact, and while he was unable to deliver this past weekend in front of the home Bronx crowd, he will soon join the likes of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Babe Ruth as a member of the prestigious HR club.

A-Rod is one of the greatest baseball players ever, and as the new faces were inducted into the hall of fame today...it's safe to say that Rodriguez will be on the first ballot when all is said and done.

Checkmate

"Jay's favorite line...dog in due time..."

Kanye West - Touch the Sky

LeBron James shook up the sports world last week when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Since then the media and and general public have been giving him the Kobe treatment.

Control

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...

-William Shakespeare

LeBron James is a professional athlete and he has done what was best for him and his family. My first job upon my graduation from Temple University was with the National Basketball Association...when I was laid off due to an economic downturn...my heart was in pain, and I felt betrayed, however at the end of the day it was a business move.

When I look at the circumstances of James' decision...the similarities are familiar. I can understand the way people felt when he choose not to return to Cleveland, because whenever emotions are involved...the vision can become cloudy...yet this wasn't about the fans, or loyalty to his adopted home, it was strictly business. If the Cavs would have traded him to another team last February, it would have been merely the way things are done in professional sports. So there shouldn't be any hoopla when the athlete takes the reigns for once.

The NBA rookies of 2003 are as heralded as the '84, and '96 classes, so with James, Wade, and Bosh on the same squad...it's Xbox come true. Imagine Bryant, Nash, and Ray Allen, or Jordan, Barkley, and Olajuwon together against the league...the possibilities would be endless.

I see nothing wrong with this move to Florida. When A-Rod won the AL MVP award with the Rangers...he was a great player with tons of individual awards, but what truly burned his competitive fire was the quest for a World Series ring, which he captured last October. He is currently about to reach the 600 home run milestone, and now as a champion he can revel in the accolades. It has nothing to do with the Yankees being Derek Jeter's team...it has everything to do with the reason why all athletes play.

Only time will tell if this new star alignment will earn multiple championships...right now as things are, the Celtics, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can prove to be a thorn in Miami's side, but until next June arrives, we'll all just have to watch and wait.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

9th Wonder

Heroic

"Cause this is business, not personal..."

Little Brother - Lovin' It

Johnny Damon worked a 9-pitch AB, and the he stole 2-bases in the final inning, and Alex Rodriguez, hit an RBI double that led the Yankees to a 7-4 victory over the Phillies.

Patience

In baseball I absolutely love games like this...the Yankees held the lead late, but the Phillies made a comeback tying it at 4 in the 8th. Close games in the World Series are much better than a blowout...with the game on the line, ARod stepped into the batter's box, and he delivered, playing with a calm that speaks volumes.

After the game I spoke with CC Sabathia, and Rodriguez.

AG: Can you talk about Philadelphia...even going back to Game 1, and then tonight and the battle that you've had with them thus far?

CC: They're a good team. You know, they're the defending champs. They have a good lineup. Like I said earlier, they have an American League lineup, and you have to battle. I was just trying to get out there and battle, and do everything I could to keep our team in the game, and try to get a win.

AG: Can you describe your desire. You've been really patient in your AB's, especially Game 3 and tonight. But it's also like you're being aggressive, as well. Is this the way you envisioned it, when you talk about really wanting it on this stage?

ARod: Well, I think it is important to stay calm. For me making an adjustment after Game 1 and 2 was very easy because what I was doing was just being a little overanxious. You know, one think about the post-season, if you want to hit, you've got to swing at strikes, and if you don't swing at strikes, you're going to expose your weakness. That's all I've been trying to do.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Instant Replay

Patience

"Life is just a game...we're all just the same..."

Prince - Controversy

The Phillies and the Yankees are in the midst of the World Series, and because of my childhood in Philadelphia, and New York, I am more neutral than biased.

RESPECT

When Alex Rodriguez signed with the New York Yankees, I'm sure he had no idea it would play out like this. Switching from his trusty number 3, to 13 seemed to get him to an ominous start...however after many ups and downs, he is now playing for all the marbles, in a post season to remember.

Prior to this morning, there had only been one World Series game in the 11th month...in which Derek Jeter added the name Mr. November with a home run that cleared the outfield wall after midnight. Nevertheless, 8-years later the results are the same, as the Yankees defeated an opponent in a World Series game.

The Phillies/Yankees matchup on Halloween started with a Philadelphia 3-0 advantage for the first 3 innings, but it was in the 4th, that Cole Hamels began to falter using a hanging cure ball numerous times that doomed a chance at victory. Rodriguez got his first hit of the series, and naturally it was the controversial kind, as the umpires needed instant replay to call a ball that caromed off a TV camera...a 2-run home run.

Andy Pettitte, Nick Swisher, Johnny Damon, and Hideki Matsui stepped up for New York offensively with timely hits, and aggressive base running. Jayson Werth went yard twice off Pettitte to keep Philadelphia within striking distance, but in the end it was the Yankees 8-5 over the Fightin' Phils.

After the game I had an opportunity to interview ARod, at which many of my family and friends were able to witness on live TV...this is my first World Series, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Mr. Clean

Immortal

"When we was 8....we went to bat day to see the Yanks..."

Ghostface Killah - Impossible

The inclement weather was the story prior to Game 2 of the ALCS, however it wasn't the rain that made a difference...it was ARod.

99 Problems

The game began on a frigid overcast inky Bronx Saturday night...and ended with a Yankees 4-3 win on Sunday morning. Derek Jeter, and Robinson Cano had some fielding errors, however the Yanks stayed calm, after playing most of the 5 hours, and 10 minutes tied at 2.

Chone Figgins struggled all night for the Angles, but his single to shallow left scored Gary Matthews, Jr. in the top of the 11th inning, as Anaheim led 3-2. Nevertheless, it was the resurgent Alex Rodriguez that smashed a 0-2 pitch into the stands to knot it up at 3.

Two innings later the Yankees won as Leche (Melky Cabrera) hit a chopper between 1st and 2nd, and Maicer Izturis misplayed the ball, which allowed Jerry Hairston Jr. to cross home plate in this amazing win.

A lot of things went wrong for both teams tonight, as throwing and fielding mishaps proved costly, and the hitting woes of Vladimir Guerrero, Figgins, and Abreu, continued...providing another win for the Yankees.

The series moves to southern California on Monday afternoon, and as Yogi Berra once said..."it ain't over, 'til it's over..."

Patience has been paying off for both the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies, and amidst all the miscues in both series, things are a long way from being complete. The remedy in the NLDS, and ALDS is solid pitching, and a team's ability to manufacture runs. Everyone has relied on the long ball...and that's fine as long as the pitching holds up.

Photo: Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Thiller

Walk off

"Now I'm doing fine...up here on cloud 9...."

The Temptations - Cloud Nine

The Minnesota Twins stranded 17 base runners in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees, which set the stage for Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira to add to the October lore of baseball in the Bronx.

Tradition

Its the tenth month and the New York Yankees are finding ways to win baseball games...much to the dismay of the Twins and their fans. The Yanks won on Friday night in dramatic fashion, after being down by as many as 2 going into the 9th inning...however ARod delivered a 2-run shot to tie it up...and Teixeira ended the game in walk off fashion in the bottom of the 11th.

This game isn't without some controversy as the umpires clearly called a fair ball...foul which could have given the Twins momentum in the top of the 11th...however the Bronx Bombers closed out the inning and are 1-game away from ending the series.

Rodriguez is enjoying his career best postseason, as he also singled in the 6th for an RBI that brought Derek Jeter home. Now I don't want to get too far ahead of myself...but this club reminds me of the '98 team, as they had great pitching, and a batting order that could strike fear in any opposing team's ace. The Yankees are ahead 2-0, as they travel to Minnesota for a Sunday matchup. The Twins have a lot of talent, and pride, so this series will be tough to close...so stay tuned as the best it yet to happen.

Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Special Delivery

Change

"Scarface, King of New York, I wanna be it..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Respect

After missing the playoffs last year, the most storied franchise in all of sports are back in the postseason, as the New York Yankees are squaring off in the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins.

A Bronx Tale

It's no secret that the Yanks have one of the highest payrolls in the MLB, and with an owner that signs the best players, and expects superior results....Alex Rodriguez has often been the blame for what is wrong with the team and the overall game. The main reason he is under so much scrutiny is because for all that he has accomplished in his career...the critics and fans alike want results in October. To say he has struggled would be putting it nicely, however it is a team game and the Bronx Bombers haven't won it all since defeating the crosstown Mets in 2000.

Today provided yet another opportunity for ARod to "earn" his pinstripes and not only did he show his worth and offensive talents, the Yankees won 7-2, with Rodriguez batting 2-4 with 2 RBI's and a run scored. Its only one game, however this is a huge contribution, as the chip may have finally fallen from his shoulder...now he can play ball, and prepare for the success that is just ahead of him.

Photo: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Full Circle

Triumph

"The ladies in the place like it just like that...I'm an around the way guy with the baseball cap..."

KRS-One - Return of The Boom Bap

Alex Rodriguez has been the lighting rod for the Yankees success and failure since he first buttoned up in pinstripes during the '04 season. He has accomplished numerous things in the Bronx...however there is one adjective that has eluded him during his Yankee years...clutch.

I Love NY

ARod hit career number 500 as a Yankee, as well as he won 2 American League MVP awards, but as everyone knows...the team is judged only on the championships they win, and it has been 8 years, and 10 months since they have captured the crown. What happened last night in the South Bronx could be considered a watershed moment for Rodriguez, as he finally got the albatross off his neck by hitting a 2-run home run in the 15th inning, to beat the rival Red Sox 2-0.

In a word, he was as CLUTCH as Derek Jeter's career. The game lasted 5 hours and 33 minutes, and with one swing it was over...it being the years of frustration as Alex has finally earned his pinstripes. Baseball is all about production and being able to deliver...and while it took the better part of 5 hours...the Yankees won...keeping the lead in the AL East, making ARod a hero...if only for one night.

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Reminisce

The Kid

Teammates

"I guess Michael Jackson was right...you are not alone..."

Mos Def - Mathematics

Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez starred for the Seattle Mariners in what seems like a lifetime ago...however last night they rekindled some of their magic as opponents in the new Yankee Stadium.

Hall of Fame

I began watching baseball because of Junior, so when he hit career home run number 621 in the 6th inning off Andy Pettitte...I cheered. The Yankees won 4-2, for their 7th consecutive win, as this game turned out to be one for the history books.

Griffey and A-Rod entered the game with at least 550 home runs each as they both extended their totals by connecting on home runs. The last time a feat like this happened, it was Hank Aaron and Willie Mays on May 8, 1971.

Baseball entails thinking in various situations, but at the end of the day it's a numbers game, and its because of moments like this, that I revel in it.