Lucky Lefty

"Your dreams will take you very far..."

Earth, Wind, & Fire - Shining Star

It's been quite a while since I have written anything...let alone done something for myself...as it's been a busy summer. Nevertheless, I had an idea last week to drive to Baltimore for the Orioles/Yankees weekend matchup.

I didn't make the trip, and as I write this entry...I wish I did.

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CC Sabathia entered last night's game with a 19-6 record...seeking the MLB's first 20 game winner since Yankee hurler Mike Mussina did it in '08. The Bronx Bombers jumped out to a 2-0 1st inning lead, and Sabathia never looked back, leading the Yanks to a 11-3 victory, for his first 20 win season.

Throughout his career he's been consistent, from the Cy Young award, to the World Series ring...CC is a proven winner.

With October baseball on the horizon, both the Yankees and Phillies look as if they are on a course for a World Series rematch...in the meantime they will be busy vying for their division with the Yankees hosting the Rays this week, and the Phillies will entertain the Braves.

This is the time when baseball heats up, and every pitch counts more than ever...there are 2 weeks left in the regular season, and anything can happen...see you in October.

Photo: 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

Century Club

Champions

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaata - Planet Rock

Today the New York Yankees did a complete 180-degree turn from last season...from their new beautiful ballpark to the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett, this year is completely different.

How Sweep it is

The MLB is as unpredictable as it gets in sports. The main reason is that once the postseason begins...anything can happen in a 5-game series. However from the beginning of spring training the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies have been favorites to win their respective pennants...and while both teams accomplished victory on Sunday...it was the Bronx Bombers who made the biggest statement in winning the AL East crown over the rival Red Sox.

The Sox were facing a weekend series sweep coming into today's game, and they were prepared to escape defeat...leading most of the game 2-1, but it wouldn't be enough as the bats of Cabrera, Cano, Matsui, Jeter, and Texieira rose to the occasion for a 4-2 win, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After missing the festivities in 2008, the Yankees ushered in a welcome change by taking care of business over Boston, winning their league best 100th game...as the hunt for October begins in less than a week. Now I don't make predictions...I just watch and report on the games...nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few familiar pinstripes on the diamond in the upcoming World Series.

Photos: Associated Press Henny Ray Abrams, Kathy Willens

The Empire Strikes Back

Teammates

NY State of Mind

Pride

"Remember Bronx River, rolling thick...with cool DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout on the mix..."

KRS-One - South Bronx

I absolutely LOVE the game of baseball, and the past season has boiled my fervor for America's pastime. From the collapse of the New York Yankess, and Mets...to the rise of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Tampa Bay Rays...things have been outright interesting. However it is the off season that has somewhat overshadowed the joy of October, as the Yankees have, as always gone shopping for new talent and headlines.

A Bronx Tale

The Yankees had plenty of highs and lows last summer, from the 2008 MLB All-Star game, and the closing of their historic stadium, to missing the playoffs, and finishing with a sub par 89-73 record...times have been tough, and CHANGE was very necessary.

Like his father before him, Hank Steinbrenner has invested millions of dollars into All-Star caliber players, in an effort to put the most famous team in all of sports, back on top. After signing the top free agent pitchers CC Sabathia, and AJ Burnett, the Yanks have emerged as a true contender by adding power and dexterity with Mark Teixeira. The first basemen brings youth, and power from both sides of the plate, infusing an offense that boasts the likes of Derek Jeter, AROD, Robinson Canoe, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera, and Johnny Damon. 

Unlike Sabathia and Burnett, the signing of Teixeira came out of nowhere, as the Yankees made one offer several weeks ago, and stayed pat, while the Orioles, Rex Sox, Nationals, and Angels vied for his services. Yesterday at about 2pm, it was announced that he would don the pinstripes, becoming a New York Yankee...coming from another American League franchise, much like Reggie Jackson did over 30 years ago. 

Will the World Series return to the South Bronx...only time will tell, as Yankees look good on paper, but the Phillies are champions until proven otherwise. 

Happy Holidays baseball fans.

Photos: Jeffrey Zelevansky/Getty Images