RIVERA WASTED?

So there I was, sitting at a fine local bar with some good friends waiting for Joba Chamberlain to walk out in the 9th inning of last night's Yanks/Twins game, when who should appear? The great Mariano Rivera. The score was 7-2, and Joba threw a grand total of 2 pitches in the previous inning. So why the switch? Was it to intimidate the Twins? Was it just so Mo gets some work in? However way Joe Giradi can spin it, I'd have to disagree. This was a perfect spot to let Joba work himself out. Mo seems to have a slight problem with pitching in these non save situations anyway, here letting two on. It's a nitpick to be sure, as he ended up striking out the side, but he's no spring chicken, and saving him for Friday and beyond would've been a better move.

I say this while thoroughly being satisfied with the efforts everyone put forth. Jeter led the way getting on base 4 times, once with a game tying home run! CC Sabathia pitched very well for 6 2/3 innings and ARod came through in the clutch twice, which bodes well for them exorcising their playoff demons. Hideki Matsui continues to prove what an asset he is, and the Yankee bullpen looks rock solid. It now falls on A.J. Burnett to continue what CC started last night.

In other Division Series action, Cliff Lee is proving he was well worth the trade the Phillies made for him with a complete game victory over the Rockies. Today they get Cole Hamels, but which Cole will show up? The Dodgers surprised everyone, taking it to Chris Carpenter and the Cards. Matt Kemp and Rafael Furcal led the way to a 5-3 win. The Cardinals will now have to win three in a row for my predication to come true there!

The Red Sox and Angels get it started tonight while the two NLDS series play their respective game twos.