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

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