The Yankees Are Having Fun Again

Anyone that watched the postgame celebration of the Yankees 3-2 victory tonight probably can't deny that the Yankees look like a team that is enjoying playing the game of baseball.  The mobbing of Robinson Cano at 1st base was a great sight.  Melky dumping water on Robbie during his interview was priceless.  The smiles and jubilation of winning a one-run extra-innings affair was exactly what the Yankees need. 

When I left class tonight I checked the score on my phone and learned that the Yankees were trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the 8th because of a throwing error by none other than Kyle Farnsworthless.  I also saw that the Red Sox were losing to Kansas City 8-1.  I was all set to write a post about how tired I am of wasted opportunities.  Since the Arod "Ha" game against Toronto, the Yankees are 26-15.  Now, that's not bad baseball.  But the Red Sox are 20-22.  That's not good baseball.  And while the Yankees struggled in Colorado and San Francisco, the red Sox were a mere 1 1/2 games better.  That was a time full of wasted opportunity.  When Boston lost the first game to Toronto last week, the Yankees lost their only game to Tampa.  But the Yankees made me eat my planned words with an exciting comeback victory.

Accardo's balk in the bottom of the ninth was good stuff.  For the Yankees, at least.  Before, when the Yankees were playing poorly, I joked about how many different ways can the Yankees find to lose a game.  Beth pointed out that they could lose on a balk.  Well, it hasn't happened to the Yankees, but tonight it happened to the Blue Jays.  Usually when a balk occurs I'm not entirely sure what the pitcher did wrong.  But tonight his flinch after bringing the ball and glove together but before stepping off was blatant.  Even Damon and Melky were jumping up and down at it.  It was definitely a moment worth cheering out loud, although I've got to admit that's a tough break for Accardo.  Oh, well.  I'll take what I can get, I suppose.

Whenever Robinson Cano comes to the plate I instruct the opposing pitcher to throw the ball anywhere that's somewhat remotely close to the plate because Robbie will swing even at pitches above his head.  Tonight, Cano swung at the first pitch as expected.  Only it was a hittable pitch.  Note to pitchers opposing the Yankees: to get Robinson Cano out, do not throw anything near where his bat can make contact.  But how great the hit was!  And how great was Alex Rodriguez nearly bowling over Larry Bowa like he was Pedro protecting himself from Don Zimmer.

Speaking of Larry Bowa, what was he thinking sending Cairo home on Melky's single?  And not only that, but what the hel1 was he doing trying to slide into home behind Miguel?  I hope Cairo's alright.  He's been a huge piece of the puzzle of late.  Since he was able to go out and play the field, I'm guessing his neck or shoulders or whatever will be fine with maybe a day or so of rest.  He'd probably get that time off anyway.

So, the Yankees managed to NOT waste an opportunity.  And they managed to NOT waste another strong Andy Pettitte start (although they didn't exactly help him out much, either).  One thing that they DID manage to do is gain a game on Boston.  They now stand at a mere 8 games back.  They've been this close before, hopefully they don't blow it again.  Two more against Toronto including starts by Roger Clemens and Chien-Ming "Cool Hand Luke" Wang.  I like the Yankee chances for the sweep.  If Clemens can rebound from his rough start in Tampa, things will be good.  And then Moose will have his necessary 5 days of beauty sleep, putting him in a good mood for Friday.  It's the gross double header lineup of HKP and the Prince of Pennsylvania that worries me.  We'll see how it goes.

For now, as usual, I'm just going to be happy the Yankees picked up a big and timely win and await tomorrow.

Go Yankees!