Some athletes love to be “The Guy”; the guy who takes the big shot, throws the big pass, at bat in the bottom of the 9th. They were born for the spotlight, the pressure. Instead of shaking and sweating, they seem serene and in the zone. They were born for it. Other guys are Scottie [...]

AJ Burnett has a chance to put a cap on the ALCS tonight. Even if the Yankees lose I believe there is little chance Anaheim can win two games at Yankee Stadium. Of course, I said the same thing in October of 2004 and we know what happened then. Obviously a loss doesn’t kill the [...]

Speculation a few weeks ago centered on reports Wally Backman was in line to become the 2010 manager of the Binghamton Mets, the club’s Double-A Eastern League farm team. The post became vacant when Mako Olivares was relieved of his duties Oct. 1. Reports now indicate Backman, who still may be offered a post in [...]

Final Score Yankees 10, Anaheim 1 6 wins down, 5 more to go for “Girardi’s Minions.” It was a night of total domination by the New York American League club, both on the mound and at the plate, as the Yankees defeated Anaheim 10-1. For the second time in the series, and working on only [...]

As many, I have had my fill of the “Joba Rules’’ discussion and what it means to Joba Chamberlain himself. If his work in this year’s postseason doesn’t demonstrate why he belongs in the bullpen – and the top in-house option to succeed Mariano Rivera as Yankees closer in a few years – what will? [...]

Thoughts on the Game – Coming into the series I predicted the Yankees would win it in six. Brian Fuentes, the long ball, and better starting pitching were the crux of my analysis. Last night we saw all three on display in full force. – Anaheim needs to win close one run games to pull [...]

We are nearing game time, but why not get some more analysis from the experts. Rick Peterson over at 3p Sports provided the below analysis on on both teams pitching. You can also listen to Rick talk pitching on my show by downloading his appearance here.

After four days of time off everyone is ready for baseball. In a series that features two teams very similar in talent some are saying that divine intervention will pull Anaheim past the evil empire in New York. No disrespect to Nick Adenhart’s family, or the Angels, but facts tell me otherwise. This will be [...]

We will be doing various “checkpoint shows” throughout the Yankees playoff run. Tonight is the first as I am joined by NYBD contributor Frank Russo. Hear us talk about all the great signs from Game 1. We will discuss whether the playoffs is a “small sample size” or is there something to consistent success or [...]

Win or lose in Game 1, the real key was going to be Friday’s AJ Burnett start. Why? Because Burnett can has the ability to be every bit the pitcher that CC Sabathia is, and maybe better. The thought of teaming up Roy Halladay with Sabathia in July made the Yanks look scary in October. [...]

Put the homer hankies away and thoughts of a miracle run to close the Metrodome – the Yankees will trounce the Twins starting tonight (weather permitting) at Yankee Stadium. Joe Mauer may be the best player on the field, but I don’t know if he has another 3 wins to add to that 8 WAR [...]

I didn’t hear the Jorge Posada interview live, but the transcript over at Newsday told me everything I need to know. You could tell Posada isn’t exactly thrilled with the decision to start Jose Molina when AJ Burnett pitches in Game 2. The outsider may say it’s luck (Burnett’s BABIP with Posada is .309 versus [...]

In a controversial move that was obviously done to placate AJ Burnett, Jose Molina will be the Game 2 starting catcher in the ALDS. The news, though not official just yet, was actually broken by the Yankees Jorge Posada, who told the press Tuesday afternoon: “Molina’s probably going to catch A.J.,” and then commented: “It’s [...]

Howard and I will preview the 2009 ALDS as the Yankees sit back and wait for either Detroit or Minnesota to clinch the AL Central. We will talk about keys to the Yankees success in the playoffs and highlight the 2009 season.

I was pretty strong in my opinion that Andy Pettitte should be the Game 2 starter in the ALDS. Joe Girardi claims he hasn’t made a decision yet on the rotation configuration. We all know CC Sabathia goes Game 1, but who should get Game 2, and possibly the chance to start a decisive Game [...]