Good stuff from Wanger again. Six strong innings followed by what appears to be the Yankees' recipe for locking down victories: Chamberlain to Rivera. Have the Yankees had a better combination in the last decade or more? No, they haven't. Rivera seems rejuvenated coming in after Chamberlain does his thing. Credit Robinson Cano for a slick DP to close out the eighth.
You can change the name of a team, but it's still the same team doing the same stupid things. Despite Cano's brain dead attempt to barehand a feed from Jeter on what should have been a force at second, the Rays promptly ran themselves out of what could have been a disastrous inning for the Yanks. It wasn't a blown sign, the batter squared and runner was coming home from third, but the batter pulled back. Gotta do something to protect that runner. The Rays are better, and their pitching is much improved, Jackson was great Saturday and Shields was good today, but ... they're still the Rays and they'll still finish no better than fourth. Maybe third if the Blue Jays' pitching falters.
Good to see signs of life from Hideki Matsui, three hits today including the eventual game winning two-run homer.
Haven't seen much of Bruiser Gomes this series, except he short cameo in Saturday's win. He hit a three-bomb and should have had another. And didn't get plunked? Isn't that why Kyle Farnsworth is on the roster? It certainly isn't for his ability to hold leads. Farnsworth should have been in the face Gomes, drill him and then power-bomb him in the ensuing melee. And yet ... nothing. Maybe it's too early. But it will happen.
Also, let me finally get around to a nice round of uncontrollable laughter for Pete Martin yanking his hammy and going on the DL. Of course, I expected his shoulder to explode at some point this season. This was just an added, early bonus.
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