AL Central

The emergence of the MLB Network over the past few months has been outstanding.  Truth be told, any network that provides a reasonable alternative to John Kruk bumbling and stumbling is probably going to get a fair chance, even if said network contains a healthy dosage of Harold Reynolds.

The Yankees will open up their home schedule with a four game series against the Cleveland Indians. The Sunday game will be the biggest game, not the home opener, not friday or Saturday, the series finale, why you ask?

Carl "American Idle" Pavano will be facing the Yankees.

We’ll see if the talk of parity is based on reality, or if it’s just an excuse for the National Media to gloss over the division quickly so they can move on to something sexier. We’ve had a week to review, so let’s rank ‘em up by their more important parts.

You’re only as good as your best player

Nothing’s more important than an impact player out there every day getting it done.

The Yankees were essentially one out away from a huge come-from-behind victory in the eighth inning, but it just wasn’t meant to be. The Yankees three-game winning streak was snapped by the Royals on Sunday in an exciting back-and-forth game.

Quick ‘Cap

The Yankees got on the board early behind the wheels of Brett Gardner, as he singled, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout, and scored on a wild pitch.

Now we can say the Yankees are officially on a roll. Their 6-1 win over the Royals last night marked their third straight. Fans saw a completely different CC Sabathia compared to his opening day start.

And in my mind, I think fans saw the real CC last night. The Yankees were playing a perfect ballgame until the ninth inning when the Royals finally squeaked out their lone run, but let’s see how they built that lead.

The New York Yankees defeated the Kansas City Royals today by the score of 4-1. Andy Pettitte was just dominant pitching 7 innings giving up 3 hits, 1 of which should of been an error, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 strikeouts. Brian Bruney pitched a 1-2-3 8th inning with 2 strikeouts and Mo got the save in the 9th only giving up a infield single with a strikeout. The Yankees bullpen over the last 3 games has pitched 10 innings giving up a infield single, 0 runs and 12 strikeouts. I think what seperates the Yankees is what you saw today, did Andy Pettitte look like a #4 starter to you??

There are two players that the Minnesota Twins and their fans can't wait to see play in meaningful games. Those players are Joe Mauer and Scott Baker, players that are considered the team's ace and best hitter, respectively. 

In recent days, the news on both players has gotten better. Scott Baker on Friday night started for the Fort Myers Miracle, and assuming he feels okay in the next day or so, is expected to return to the rotation when the team returns to Minnesota next week.

It took them longer than some hoped, but the Yankees got their first win of the season behind A.J. Burnett last night.

Today they hope to keep that going with veteran lefty Andy Pettitte on the mound, who is going up against former Yankee Sidney Ponson.

Here are their numbers from last season:

Pettitte 14-14, 4.54 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 158 K’s, 55 BB’s, 204 innings.