A.J. and Cano- Don't Ya Know?

A.J. Burnett and Robinson Cano helped the Yankees salvage an up-and-down road trip. Somehow, despite a lackluster offense and an unfair schedule, the Yankees finish a 9-game trip to California and Baltimore with a 5-4 record, and they now finally head home to Yankee Stadium. Aside from Phil Hughes' and C.C. Sabathia's near no-hitters, A.J. Burnett's start tonight was the best of the young season for the Bombers. Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez made small offensive contributions in the first inning, but Robinson Cano continues to carry the offense. And in STUNNING news, Marcus Thames has finally broken even. He has now driven in as many runs as he has cost while playing left field. I think DHing against left-handers is just fine for my boy Marcus.

I honestly did not get a chance to see much of today's game, but I heard some classic lines from John and Suzyn over the airwaves in the seventh and eighth innings. First, John decided to use up an entire half inning to tell a story about Ralph Branca warming up in the bullpen before giving up Bobby Thompson's homer in 1951. Apparently Clem Labine was bouncing his curveball in the 'pen next to Branca, so John needed to tell that story after A.J. Burnett bounced a couple of curves to Ty Wigginton. Also, Suzyn was very disappointed with the Yankees' schedule, stating that even though the Yankees are heading home this weekend, the next road trip is "closely lurking behind." I didn't realize their jobs were so difficult.

For my loyal leaders, I must warn you that I will be out of state this weekend, so blog posts will be either rare, or non-existent. Tonight's game (a near must win) turned the trip into a solid one. Anytime you have a record over .500 on a trip that includes a West Coast swing, you smile and try to dominate at home. It's not the Yankees fault that the Rays are constantly home, and pounding the opposition. Looking ahead, the Yankees are still at a .667 pace, but the biggest game of this weekend will take place on Saturday, when the struggling Javier Vazquez takes on the White Sox and the Mouth of Ozzie Guillen.