I Hate Umps Like This

You know, the inconsistent types. First inning: he squeezed Lidle out of at least 3 strikes. This wouldn't be a big problem if he kept the same zone throughout the game, but he didn't. The first inning had a tight k-zone, but afterwards he was calling strikes for high and away, high and inside, and low and inside pitches. That's what is most frustrating - not the poor calls, but the shifting strike zone.

Anyway, a good offensive win. Lidle didn't really help by allowing 4 runs in 4 innings. But this lineup can destroy mediocre pitching. There's really no soft spot. As Torre said, having Matsui back allows other guys to rest - tonight it was Posada. And they really got contributions from only 4 hitters: Jeter, Arod, Giambi and Cano. No one else had a hit.

Cano was the hero of the game, driving in 5 runs. His 'clutchiness,' which started out low earlier this year, has been improving since he came off the DL. A sac-fly, a 2-out, 2-run shot and a bases loaded double.

Jeter's streak continued with a first inning single. He now has the longest Yankee hit streak since Mattingly's 24 in 1986. Very impressive.

8-4 Yanks (with Boston's shutout, the Magic Number is 7).

3*: Cano, 2-3, HR, 2b, r, 5 rbi
2: Arod, 3-4, HR, 2 r, 2 rbi, sb
1: Bruney, 2 ip, 1 h, 0 bb, 2 k, .71 Yankee era
1: Giambi, 2-3, r, bb

PS: Francisco Liriano injured his elbow again and will miss the rest of the season. I know this may sound bad, but seeing as the Twins will likely be our LDS opponent, it should only help in our title quest.