Andy Pettitte is entering his 16th Major League season,13th with the New York Yankees. He is a 5-time World Series Champion and 2-time All-Star. He also has 6 postseason series-clinching wins and 18 career postseason wins,both are records.

Andy is a father of four. His children, Joshua Blake (born November 3, 1994), Jared (May 28, 1998), Lexy Grace (January 10, 2001), and Luke Jackson (June 20, 2005).

Pettitte was drafted by the Yankees in the 22nd round of the 1990 draft, but opted instead to attend college in Houston. In May of 1991 Pettitte signed with the Yankees in the amateur draft.

Andy has been a 20-game winner twice in his career. In 1996 and 2003. He has been apart of 8 pennant winning teams and 5 championship teams. His 148 wins from 2000 to 2009 were the most in the decade. He has been labled one of the most clutch pitchers of all-time.

2010 Andy looks to continue the success he sustained during the 2009 season. He is entering his final years and this may be his last season in pinstripes but his stuff certainly suggests Pettitte has a lot left in the tank. Pettitte is the no. 3 starter in a rotation that boasts workhouses like CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, and Javier Vazquez. The Yankees won the World Series on the strength of 3 pitchers, so adding a reliable 4th starter in Vazquez no doubt makes them stronger. Pettitte, should he stay healthy can win 14-15 games and be a major contributor in another championship winning team. Andy signed a 1-year deal that will make him a free agent at season's end, does Andy return to the Bronx in '11? Hopefully he does,but let's stay focused on 2010 and the year Andy will be here. It seems to me, he'll be Ol' Reliable again. October baseball awaits this veteran lefty.

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Yankees

Derek Jeter is entering his 15th Major League season at the age of 35. He will turn 36 on June 24th. He is once again the starting shortstop and Captain for the defending World Series Champion New York Yankees. Here are some tidbits about Derek you may or may not know.

Jeter was born in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, in 1974. Derek and his family moved to Kalamazoo Michigan when he was four. During his childhood Derek's sister Sharlee would take him to Yankee games during the summer in which they stayed with their grandmother in New Jersey. Derek became a huge fan of the Yankees. Jeter says his inspiration for playing baseball came from former Yankee Dave Winfield.

Jeter joined his high school baseball team. He also was a member of the high school basketball team. In 2003 Derek was inducted into the Kalamazoo Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jeter was drafted in 1992 as the sixth overall pick by the Yankees. He was discovered by Astros scout Hal Newhouser. The Astros chose to overlook Jeter in the '92 draft because Derek insisted on a salary bonus of $1 million or more to sign. The Yankees then chose him and the rest is history.

Derek Jeter is a 10-time All-Star and 5- World Series Champion. He has won 4 Glove Glove Awards and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. He is just coming off his 2nd best season of his career. While his defense and declining skills came into question, Derek rose to the occasion and quited the critics and won a championship.

In 2010 Jeter is looking to repeat the success of 2009 both personally and with his team. At season's end, Derek will be a free agent. He has said it is his every intention to remain a Yankee until he retires and the Yankees have stated the same. This generation's Joe DiMaggio has a lot to smile for. He's done it all in a place where the lights shine brightest. 2010 looks to be another winnning and successful season for Derek Jeter...what else would you expect?

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Tags: Baseball, Derek Jeter, Yankees

When you think of the Yankees, there are so many moments and players that come to mind. I have been fortunate enough to witness the latest run of great Yankee teams from 1996 to today. Some people will tell you about Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Yogi Berra and how they ruled New York way back when. Today, I can tell you my three favorite Yankees of All-Time and why.

3- David Cone 1995-2000

He was the ace of the staff upon his arrival in 1995 and lived up to the expectations that came along with it. His 140 pitch outing in Game 5 of the 95 Divison Series against Seattle was gutsy. He laid everything he possibly had out on the field and that's what I liked about his most. He gave it everything he got. During his tenure in pinstripes, the Yankees won four World Series championships. He threw a perfect game in 1999 against the Expos. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball during his prime. Although at the end of his run in the Bronx, he was a shell of a pitcher he once was, he still had enough to get Mike Piazza out in Game 5 of the 2000 World Series against the Mets in a crucial spot. His funky windup, sweeping slider, and intense demeanor on the mound makes his one of my favorite Yankees of all-time.

2- Mariano Rivera 1995-Present

This should really be labeled as 1-B but nontheless, Rivera surely makes the list. 500 plus saves from a guy who wasn't a great starter. I have seen the evolution of Mariano first hand,as many of us have. A skinny young thrower, to a skinny old legend. His countless performances in the most pressurized situations makes him immortal. He did have some slips along the way, '97 ALDS against the Indians, '01 Game 7 World Series, '04 Game 4 ALCS, but between all that, he is the greatest pitcher in postseason history. His calm attitude as he enters the game, mostly with the game on the line, brings relief to an already intense moment. His humble attitude and strong personality make for a great baseball player. Who knows how much Rivera has left in the tank but once he's done, we will surely miss seeing a legend who was always in his prime, do his craft, as no one will ever be able to replicate his success.

1- Derek Jeter 1995-Present

How could he not be no. 1on the list. He is the symbol of success. Since his full time arrival in 1996 the Yankees have won 5 World Series titles and have become a global juggernaut, in part of the Captain's presence. From his Flip in 2001,to his dive in the stands in 2004, Jeter has been the backbone of the Yankees. In a time where scandals have hit most superstars, both on and off the field, Jeter has had none. His team first attitude,his everyday hustle, and his drive to win has won over New York over the last 15 years. Whatever he touches turns to gold. There is no higher standard in sports, than Derek Jeter. He is what the Yankees franchise symbolize, pride,power and tradition. Derek carries that with him everyday. His numerous accomplishments over his career can make anyone envious,but instead, they bring determination to everyone. He may not be the best player in baseball, or even the best player on his team, but Derek Jeter is Mr. Yankee. He is one of the best players of his generation and he is a future Hall of Famer. Along with Rivera, there is no one better, with the game on the line, with the lights shining bright, and with all eyes on him...that's why Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee of All-Time!

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Tags: Baseball, David Cone, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Yankees

Is this Derek Jeter's last year in pinstripes? It could be. Jeter is entering his final season of the 10-year $189 million contract he signed before the 2001 season. Logic says Jeter will remain in the Bronx until his career is over. I sure hope so.

Jeter is considered one of the best players of his generation. The number of accomplishments he has in his 14 year career are incredible. He is the all-time hits leader among shortstops, all-time Yankees hit leader, a ten-time All Star, a five-time world champion, and is the only player in history to win the All-Star and World Series MVP in the same season. He also just won Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year for 2009. That is just some of what Derek has done in his time with the Yankees.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has made it known that he does not like to talk about contract extensions or contract status until the final season has been played out. Such an example occured during the 2007 season. Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada were pending free agents and wanted to have their contracts in place for the 2007 season so there would be no distraction of contract talk. Cashman and the Yanks held firm to their business plan of not re-negiocating contracts until season's end. The move didn't sit too well with Rivera and Posada who were looking at a future that might not longer see them playing in the Bronx. The Yanks ultimately re-signed both players. Rivera is a free agent after this season to go along with Jeter.

The question is what will the Yankees offer Jeter to finish his career in pinstripes? Surely the Captain has to retire a Yankee. Jeter will turn 36 on June 26 and the Yankees could give Derek a three or four year deal around 15 million. Would that be enough for Derek? One would think it is. With all the endorsements that Jeter is committed to, that number of 15 million could easily be doubled if he remains a Yankee. There is no brighter stage than Yankee Stadium and the New York Yankees and Derek knows that. It'll be interesting to see how the Yankees address his contract situation in the coming year.

As a fan, I can NOT see Jeter in any other uniform. It's weird seeing him in the Team USA uniform for the World Baseball Classic, how can I see him in an Angels jersey or a Cubs jersey? I think Jeter will stay in pinstripes until he's ready to call it quits on an amazing career. A career full of milestones, money, championships, and memorable plays....and how can we forget women. Jeter is said to be getting married in the fall of 2010. My friends, we have seen it all. Derek Jeter is this generation's Joe DiMaggio. An icon, a legend, an idol, a larger than life persona, but most importantly...a Yankee.



Career highlights and awards
10× All-Star selection (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
5× World Series champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009)
4× Gold Glove Award winner (2004, 2005, 2006, 2009)
4× Silver Slugger Award winner (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
2× AL Hank Aaron Award winner (2006, 2009)
1996 AL Rookie of the Year Award
2000 All-Star Game MVP Award
2000 World Series MVP Award
2000 Babe Ruth Award
2009 Roberto Clemente Award
2009 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

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Tags: Baseball, Brian Cashman, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, New Yankee Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Yankees

Here we are in the middle of Janurary and Spring Training is about a month away. Most of the big moves have already been made this offseason but there is still one big name out there, Johnny Damon. As good as he would fit in the Yankees lineup this year, I still don't see him returning to the Bronx. As for the 2010 Yankees, I think improved from their 2009 World Championship team. Let's see how..

Curtis Grandersen will the Yankees CF in 2010 and he is a defensive and offensive upgrade over Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. Curtis can give you 30 HRs, 90 RBI (100 depending on what spot in the lineup he's hitting) and 20-30 steals. He also is a solid defender and while he doesn't quite have the arm Melky has, he does a good one. Melky was traded to Atlanta in the offseason but he's best suited to be a fourth outfielder. It'll be interesting to see how he does with the Braves.

Javier Vazquez was acquired in the afermentioned Melky Cabrera trade with Atlanta. Javy had a nice first half with the Yanks in 2004 but it ultimately ended in disaster in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS when he came out of the bullpen and Damon hit the first pitch Vazquez threw for a grand slam, thus cementing the historic Yankee collapse that season. He is a strong option for a fourth starter replacing Andy Pettitte's spot in the rotation. Pettitte will take the number three spot in the rotation replacing Chien-Ming Wang's spot. The pressure will still be there for Vazquez to perform but with CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Pettitte ahead of him in the rotation, the lights might not be so bright for him this time around. He essentially is replacing Wang on the roster and if the Yanks won without Wang, they can certainly win with Javy being a solid pitcher and winnning around 12 games.

The losses of Damon and Hideki Matsui will hurt the Yankees as they are losing a lot of offensive production but Grandersen and Nick Johnson can help fill most, if not all that void. Vazquez as the projected fourth starter gives the Yankees one of the best rotations in baseball.

So are the 2010 Yankees better than the 2009 Yankees that won the title on November 4th? It's debatable, but I think so. Of course, the season will have to be played to get the answer to that. Until then, the Yankees are STILL the World Champs of baseball!

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia, Chien Ming Wang, Curtis Gandersen, Hideki Matsui, Javier Vazquez, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, Nick Johnson, Yankees

The question in Yankeeland is what do the Yankees do with left field for 2010? The answer might not be what most Yankee fans want to hear. It's going to be a small move, like a Reed Johnson or staying with Brett Gardner. That means no Matt Holliday or Johnny Damon.

I would love to see Damon back in pinstripes but his asking price is just to high, even for the Yankees. GM Brian Cashman has made it known to everyone over the last couple years that he wants to get the Yankees younger and more athletic. Re-signing Damon goes against both. Damon is 35 and isn't getting any younger. His health, isn't getting any better and he most certainly would be more of a DH at this stage of his career than a LF. He started out as the Yankees CF in 2006 but because of his declining skills on the field and health issues, he became a LF, now he's a DH. The big thing against Johnny is his asking price of 3 years and $12 million per. Not an area the Yankees want to explore. With the addition of Nick Johnson at DH and no. 2 spot in the lineup, that all likely spells the end of Johnny in pinstripes.

Matt Holliday is a good player, but he wants Teixeria money ($18 million per year), not happening in the Bronx. The Yankees in my opinion have improved their roster from the final out of Game 6 of the World Series, so how much better can Holliday make the world champs? He would be a luxury, not a necessity. I expect him to re-sign with St. Louis.

That leaves Brett Gardner in LF. The Yankees won in the 90's and 2000 with players like Chad Curtis, Shane Spencer, Clay Bellinger, and Tim Raines. They have an All-Star at almost every position so I'd say give Gardner a chance to play a full season out there. If he struggles or gets hurt then you can make a move accordingly, but until then, Brett Gardner will be your Opening Day LF in 2010, I can't see it being any other way.

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Tags: Baseball, Brett Gardner, Brian Cashman, Johnny Damon, Nick Johnson, Yankees

Happy new year to all! If you are reading this, I thank you for doing so. In the new year there will be a bit of a change in format for this blog and some changes will be on the horizon pretty soon. Lets get started with some announcements.

This blog will no longer will a New York sports blog...it will simply be a Yankees blog. I just don't have the time anymore to update on every NY sports team. It will be a Yankees blog until my other projects start to take flight.

Those other projects are Chasing800 and ChasingRecords. Chasing800 will also be a Yankees only blog, but every post put there will also be posted here as well. Once C800 is ready to go, I will make the announcement here.

ChasingRecords will be a NY sports blog that myself and other people will contribute to. I'm not sure when that will come about but once it's up and going, the announcement will be made here.

For now, this blog will be up and running and for anyone who is reading, thank you once again and hopefully you can make the transition with me as smoothly as possible.

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Tags: Chasing 800, ChasingRecords

The Curtis Granderson trade is a good move for the Yankees. At least I wasn't so sure, mainly because of his sub .200 average against lefties but the more I think about it, the more I like the move.

With Granderson's arrival, two of the Yankees key 2009 championship contributors are likely not coming back to the Bronx. Hideki Matsui for sure isn't coming back because he signed a one-year $6.5 million deal with the Angels and the other, is Johnny Damon.

Damon and his agent Scott Boras are apparently worlds apart on their contract talks and with the Yankees signing Nick Johnson on Friday, it appears Damon's door to return is just about shut.

It's a shame because Damon was a good player in many ways for the Yanks. His personality fit perfectly in the clubhouse. His "diminished" skills were perfect for the no 2 spot in the lineup in 2009. His subpar arm and shaky fielding skills led the Yankees front office to believe he is the perfect DH for the 2010 Yanks. Damon still believes he's one of the best players in the game. I have to disagree Johnny. I guess Johnny will go where the money is. That's a shame because if he agrees to a pay cut and DH's for the Bombers, he is certain to be in the thick of another 1 or 2 championship runs in the Bronx. Only time will tell.

I still want the Yankees to grab another arm for the rotation. I'm not sold on either Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes being a solid starter for a defending World Series Champion. Much talk is around Ben Sheets and taking a risk with him. I like that idea, so I hope GM Brian Cashman makes that signing. You can never have enough pitching.

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Tags: Baseball, Brain Cashman, Curtis Ganderson, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Nick Johnson, Phil Hughes, Yankees

In case you missed it and you weren't around, here's a roundup of things that went down in NY sports this weekend.

Eli Manning and the Giants snapped their four game losing streak with an overtime win against the Atlanta Falcons yesterday at the Meadowlands. Manning had a career day as he completed 25 of 39 passes for 384 yards. The G-men nearly blew a 14 point second half lead. The Falcons tied it in the final minute of regulation but after winning the coin toss in OT, the Giants got a game winning field goal from Lawerence Tynes on their first possession. The Giants are now 6-4 holding on to second place in the NFC East.

Mark Sanchez and the Jets didn't have it together yesterday in Foxboro. Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker and the Patriots took the rookie QB to school. Sanchez threw 4 interceptions and not all that effective. The Pats coming off a much talked about loss to the Colts last Sunday night, came in and released their fustration on their divison rivals. The Jets, after starting the season 3-0, are now 4-6 and a chance at the playoffs appears to be very slim. Brett Favre and his 8-3 start last year wasn't so bad was it?

The Knicks beat the Nets Saturday afternoon in the Medowlands and thus the Nets remain the only winless team in the NBA at 0-13. The Nets came within 1 point of the Knicks in the 4th quarter, but the Knicks started pulling away in the final minutes. The Knicks also played the Celtics yesterday at MSG and lost by 2 in overtime. A hard fought game by New York but Boston got the best of them late in OT.

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Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Basketball, Boston Celtics, Eli Manning, Football, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Mark Sanchez, Nets, New England Patriots

It has been a couple days since the Yankees finally reclaimed their position as the best team in baseball and won their 27th World Championship. Although, somewhere on the streets of New York, people are still celebrating.

Why not, it took 9 years to return to the top of the mountain. For most cities, that's nothing, but in New York, it's an eternity, if you're a Yankees fan. People are still spending their hard earned money on World Series Championship merchandise. Soon enough, the money spent as a result of winning the World Series will be enough to pay for the 2009 Yankee payroll.

Now that most of the dust has settled and most of the celebrating is over, it's time to reflect on this season. There's a lot you can write about this season but not enough space here. You can write about big moments this year all the way to spring training but I'm not going to do that. What I am going to do is say, congratulations to the 2009 New York Yankees for winning their 27th World Championship and say thank you. As a fan who follows the team on a day-to-day basis and fights with the Yankee-haters of the world, I say thank you. I always knew you were the best team in baseball, I said it all year, but I guess it takes a piece of hardware and a parade down Broadway to shut certain people up. For that,I say thank you.

Johnny Damon had one of the greatest at-bats in World Series history in Game 4, in the top of the 9th. Then stole 2nd AND 3rd on the same play! Alex Rodriguez then continued his month of clutch hitting and drove in the winning run of that game. If he wasn't a real Yankee before, he is now. A bunch of clutch hits, homeruns and a World Series ring does that for you. CC Sabathia was everything you ever wanted this year. He stepped up when the Yanks needed him most. Even on short rest, even against the Angels. Mark Teixeria didn't hit much in the postseason but he got a couple big hits, homeruns to be exact. His defense all year long reminded us of the good old days when Tino used to dive and pick 'em like no other. AJ Burnett was great, then he was bad, then he was great, then he was bad. Right now, because of his greatness in Game 2 of the World Series with his team down 1-0 and in danger of going 2-0 going to Philly, he pitched the g ame of his life. He is now a World Champion.

Because of the pies in the face, because of the Championship belt given to the MVP of every Yankee win this year, because of GM Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi believing in their youth, and heck, even because of Kate Hudson, the New York Yankees are once again Champions of the World! 2009 was a special year for so many reasons....for that, I say thank you.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Mark Teixeira, World Series, Yankees

Whatever you did, whatever you've said..it worked! Thank you Kate Hudson! Alex Rodriguez is a new man, and NOW is a TRUE Yankee!

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Kate Hudson, Yankees

NO. 27!! CONGRATULATIONS to the 2009 NY Yankees!

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Tags: Baseball, World Series, Yankees

Here we go again. The Yankees are again, one win away from winning the World Series. This time, if they do reach their goal, it'll be in the comfort of their own home and in front of the best fans in the world...at Yankee Stadium.

The image of the Yankees celebrating in the new home is something many people want to see and were rooting for all along in this series. Now, the time has come for it to happen.

Tomorrow night, the Yankees have Andy Pettitte going against the Phillies Pedro Martinez. As if this game didn't already have enough buzz, the matchup of Andy vs Pedro reminds us of the classic battles between the Red Sox and Yankees in the 2003 and 2004 ALCS'. Both of which had their historic moments. Tomorrow is no different. If Andy can deliver in Game 6 the way he did against the Angels in Game 6 of this year's ALCS then the new home of the Yanks will be fully christened. If Pedro can reach back and show us the Pedro of old, then Thursday night, there will be a Game 7. And from there, it's anyone's game.

A Game 7 on Thursday night means CC Sabathia comes back on 3 days rest. It means he comes back for the 3rd time in the Series. It means that Phillies Game 3 loser Cole Hamels gets the ball with everything on the line. It means EVERYONE on both rosters is avaliable. It means Mariano Rivera might have to be ready to pitch 3 innings. It means the Yankees might see Cliff Lee again, maybe in the 7th or 8th innings, coming in to put the nail in the coffin,much like Randy Johnson did for the Diamondbacks in 2001 in Game 7 of that World Series (Johnson came into Game 7 in the 9th to limit the Yankee offense so the D-Backs had a shot to make a comeback and win.....a half inning later they did.) It means ANYTHING can, and WILL happen. It doesn't matter if you're in the Bronx or in Philly. Game 7 has a life of it's own and along come moments that will etch in stone for years to come. The Yanks DO NOT want to see Game 7, the Phils would.

That's why tomorrow night, in the Bronx Andy Pettitte needs to be Andy Pettitte. That tough, gritty, give-it-his-all mentality that defines Andy needs to be there. It needs to take the ball and deliver home a World Championship. Tomorrow night is why Andy came back. One more chance to become a champion. One more chance to show the whole world why he is one of the greatest Yankees of all-time. One more chance to prove to himself he can still be one of the very best at what he does and finally...one more chance to show what it means to be a true Yankee.

The numbers don't suggest Andy will be on his game tomorrow night but at this time of the year, numbers don't matter very much. The only numbers that do...the Yanks are 1 win away from their 27th championship in franchise history. Those are the only numbers we care about. It's the only ones Andy cares about. Hopefully, after all is said and dont tomorrow night, no. 46 delivers no. 27 to the Bronx.

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, Baseball, CC Sabathia, New Yankee Stadium, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Today, we await a game that EVERYONE in New York will be watching. Today, we take in the game we witnessed last night. Today, the New York Yankees can become World Champions.

Last night in Game 4, CC Sabathia took the mound on 3 days rest and he pitched good. He kept us in the game and left in the 7th inning with the lead. Granted Chase Utley hit his 3rd HR of this World Series off of him, but the Yanks still led 4-3. Joba Chamberlain was lights out until that 2 strike pitch to Pedro Feliz. Feliz hit a ball into the left field stands to tie the game at 4, with 2 outs in the 8th. But then, DESTINY made an appearance in the 9th.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge got Hideki Matsui and Derek Jeter for the 1st 2 outs, then got to a 1-2 count on Johnny Damon. Damon then put together one of the best Yankee at-bats of the season. He got the count to 3-2 and proceded to foul off pitch after pitch from Lidge. (This sounds alot like Paul O'Neill's at-bat against the Mets' Armando Benitez in Game 1 of the 2000 World Series. That game, because of O'Neill's at-bat, got the rally going for the Yanks to tie the game and eventually win. They later went on to the win the World Series.) Back to Damon, he got a hit to left field. Then stole 2nd and stole 3rd because no one was covering 3rd as a result of the infield shift given to Mark Teixeria. Tex gets hit with a pitch and Alex Rodriguez gets a hit to score Damon and the Yankees took off.

A-Rod has been amazing in the clutch this October and if they are able to finish the Phils off, Alex will be a World Champion. Something that has elluded him his entire career. Now, he is 1 win away from further cementing his legacy. He was brought in to the Bronx in '04 to win a championship every year. Not easy to do, but if the Yanks do win this series, A-Rod will be a BIG reason why.

Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada did their part to help the Yankees win Game 4 last night, just like they've done for the last 4 Yankee World Championships. Is there time for another one? You bet ya!

AJ Burnett takes the ball tonight on 3 days rest with the chance to win the World Series. This is why they shelled out $80 million for him last offseason. CC has held up his end of the agreement, now AJ needs to. If he doesn't, then old reliable Andy Pettitte will be waiting in the wings on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against Pedro Martinez.

Today, will be the day the Yankees win the World Series. Today, the Yankees become World Champions!

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

I wonder how these next 3 games in Philly will pan out. It's not going to be an easy trip for the Yanks. I have all the confidence in the world in Andy Pettitte in Game 3 tonight, but to be honest...I am scared of that Philly offense.


They are so good top to bottom, that it's hard to relax when they're at the plate. Andy is going to keep us in the game tonight, that I know. It's the bullpen that worries me a bit. You can keep going to Mariano Rivera for 6 outs. Eventually the Phillies will get to him. Yes, they are that good. Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain, our stars of the future have to come up big in the present and lead us to a championship. If they can overcome their subpar October, it provide them with a huge boost in confidence for next year and the years to come.

Tonight, the Yankees go for a 2-1 lead in this World Series. A series with 2 evenly matched teams. Game 3's always are a big game, and tonight is no exception. Alex Rodriguez needs his bat to wake up. Citizen's Bank Ballpark is a hitter's park so hopefully that will help A-Rod. I hope Kate Hudson makes the trip over to Philly. We need some more October magic.

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Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain, Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

I really like this matchup. Both lineups are evenly matched and can go blow for blow with one another. It should be entertaining, but the big difference is the pitching. The Yankees have it, both starting and in the bullpen. Pitching wins championships, and this will be no different. Cliff Lee has gotten knocked around by the Yanks in the past, but if he does hold up, he's still going against CC Sabathia. After Lee, who else can you really rely on? The Yanks have more reliable options in Andy Pettitte and AJ Burnett. The Yanks also have Mariano Rivera in the 'pen to close out as many games as possible. If he has to go 2 innings, he will. 3 innings? He will. Phillies' Brad Lidge is good, but not that good. That's all you need to know there. Advantage Yankees.


World Series Prediction:

Yankees in 6. It will be a good series but ultimately the Yankees are the better all around team and it will show in this series as it has in the previous 2. A-Rod and CC continue to have a great postseason. Meanwhile the depth of the lineup will come through and pick up where Alex cant.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Mariano Rivera, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

Game 1 tomorrow night is going to be special. It's the first World Series game in the Bronx in 6 years. For some cities, that would be great, but not here in the boogie down. We're used to having it every year here but times have been rough in recent years so the World Series took a leave of absence. Now, it's back and everyone will be watching.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are set to perform their hit "Empire State of Mind" before Game 1 Wednesday night. Many people, myself included think that is the Yankee anthem for this postseason. Derek Jeter uses it as his walk-to-the-plate music so it has to be cool. The World Series in Yankee Stadium is not like anything else you've ever seen. There's alot of history there. Yes, it is a different stadium but the ghosts from Postseasons past made the trip across the street. They will be in attendance tomorrow and Thursday.

The fans will be going wild, the lights will be bright and all eyes will be on CC Sabathia, the Yankees ace. He is 3-0 this October in his 3 starts. He has given the Yanks everything they could've ever asked for. Big pitches in big moments in big games. He was named the ALCS MVP, rightfully so. He will be asked to put the Yankees ahead in a series where they might be meeting their match. Who knows, but one thing is for sure, if Sabathia is on his game tomorrow night, there is no beating the Yankees. If he comes back for another start or two and he comes up big again...there is no beating the Yankees. The Yanks will be your world champions.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves but it sure feels good to be a Yankee fan these days. It's been a long time since we've gone this far, so let's enjoy it as much as we can for the time being....because this might just be a prelude of things to come. If it is, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys may be performing on Broadway next week while the Yankees go down the Canyon of Heroes.

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Tags: Baseball, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, New Yankee Stadium, World Series, Yankees

The Yankees are going to the World Series! For the 40th timein franchise history and 1st since 2003, the Bombers will be in the Fall Classic.

The Yankees defeated the Angels 4 games to 2 in the ALCS to win the American League Pennant. The win puts the Yankees up against the Phillies in the World Series starting Wednesday night in the Bronx.

Congratulations to the Yankees in reaching the World Series. Time to bring one home boys!

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Tags: Baseball, Los Angeles Angels, New Yankee Stadium, Philadelphia Phillies, World Series, Yankees

The Yankees will play Game 6 tonight after they were rained out last night. You could sense the disappointment in everyone's voice when you told them last night's game was postponed. It's the biggest Yankee game around here in 5 years.

This Game 6 feels like a Game 7 for the Yankees and their fans. Why? Because the Yanks have to win this game. You do NOT want CC Sabathia pitching tomorrow night in Game 7 with everything on the line. Not that I don't have confidence in him to send us to the World Series but that same confidence would be better suited for Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

I have faith in Andy Pettitte and feel he can get the job done. We were so close on Thursday night...and quite frankly we should've celebrated...but we didn't. So now, tonight, in Game 6 the Yankees will try to reach the World Series for the 40th time in history, 1st since 2003. Everyone will be watching. The anticipation is at it's peak, but that's ok, Pettitte and the Yanks have been here before and look to get the job done, otherwise tomorrow night the city will stop, it will drop everything they're doing and watch CC on the mound, pitching the game of his life.

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Tags: Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Yankees

Yesterday the Yankees clinched the A.L. East, Home-field Advantage and best record in baseball with their 4-2 win over the Red Sox at the Stadium.


The Yankees are returning to the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 years. Last season the Bombers missed out on October baseball for the 1st time since 1994.


Newcomers Mark Teixeria, CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Nick Swisher got their 1st taste of what it really means to be a Yankee. They all know their is certainly more work to be done before all is said and done.

After starting the season 0-8 against Boston, the Bombers have won 9 of their last 10 against their divison rivals, a team they very well might be playing again in the ALCS in just a few weeks.


The sweep of the Sox also comes after the Yanks took 2 of 3 from the Angels in Anaheim, a demon they wanted to overcome.


I'd say these Yankees are ready to roll into October and right to a 27th championship. This team is as good as any team that has been here in recent memory, let's hope they can follow through with all the expectations and deliver New York a World Series title.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Baseball, Boston Red Sox, CC Sabathia, Los Angeles Angels, Mark Teixeira, New Yankee Stadium, Nick Swisher, Yankees