New York Yankees

Via Wikipedia:

The Black Aces is a book written by former Major League pitcher James “Mudcat” Grant about the only African American pitchers who have won at least 20 Major League Baseball games in a single season.

The Yankees were facing the Royals with CC Sabathia on the mound, so you knew it was going to be a good night, and it was, as the Yankees got a good start and just enough offense to win 4-3.

Here are some notes:

After coming back from a five-run deficit to defeat Texas on Wednesday, New York nearly blew a late lead on Thursday. CC Sabathia pitched 8.2 innings and New York survived a ninth inning rally to defeat Kansas City, 4-3, Thursday night at Kauffman Stadium.

New York played in their fourth consecutive one-run game, going 2-2 during the stretch. Kansas City lost for the eighth time in their last 10 games.

The Yankees have a four-game weekend series against the Royals in Kansas City this weekend with CC Sabathia starting tonight against Bruce Chen. So not only will the Yankees get to face a weak team in the Royals, but since Zack Greinke pitched yesterday, they won’t have to face him this weekend.

Here are some notes:

The New York Mets have just received news that their star closer, Francisco Rodriguez, has been charged with assault. The incident occurred after last night's ballgame at Citi Field between K-Rod and his father-in-law.

Reports say that the Mets closer refused to speak with the media and got into a scuffle with his father-in-law about family issues. When asked what was wrong by the media, Francisco Rodriguez responded with an obscenity to mind their own business. 

There isn't any doubt that the New York Yankees are the best team in baseball.

They have the best record in the majors currently to go along with one of the deepest lineups in baseball.

Despite just an OK season from Alex Rodriguez the Bronx Bombers still lead the league in runs scored and have a run differential of +138, which is tops in baseball.

Via FanGraphs:

Jackson’s profile does suggest that he should have an above average BABIP. He has a line drive rate of 25.8 percent and a ground ball rate above 50 percent, and both serve his speed quite well. As such, an above average BABIP should be expected.

The Yankees had to overcome a five run deficit last night to beat the Texas Rangers after Javier Vazquez's poor start, a start he shouldn't have even made.

Javy's pitches topped out at about 85 mph last night, which is not good enough to get major league hitters out, let alone the heavy hitting Texas Rangers.

Rumors of new baseball managers for the 2011 season have been flying about in the baseball world.

Many names have surfaced, including Don Mattingly, Willie Randolph, Joe Torre, Bobby Valentine, and current bench coach of the New York Yankees, Tony Pena. 

Tony Pena has been part of the Yankee coaching staff for five consecutive seasons, serving as the first base coach, catching instructor, and currently the bench coach.

The Yankees got seven innings out of their starter A.J.