WHY I'M IN AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

We’re going to be fine tonight. That’s right… The New York Yankees will win tonight and force a Game 5 back to the Bronx, to an Empire State of Mind. Why? Because today while I was on my way home, Jay Z’s Empire State of Mind came on my iPod. I had it on shuffle, so it wasn’t strategic, it just happened. And with that, I listened and smiled and looked around and saw a ton of Yankee fans in the city, wearing hats, shirts and jackets. It's Yankeeland, we’re all fans and we all have faith in our New York Yankees. I thought about our run in 2009 and how magical it was. Empire State of Mind was on a loop that World Series. So yes, when Jay Z came on the old iPod, it gave me chills.

Tonight, there are a few important things to think about. AJ Burnett could be a pleasant surprise. AJ Burnett could be the shining moment in our dim past 24 hours. And if he’s not, look for Joe Girardi to have a short leash. There is no way in hell this game gets out of hand. Look for the bats to explode because our backs are against the wall. While it’s not the last game in the series, we need to be smart about this, we need to play to win, but not play to blow our load. I found this on Youtube:

After all, we need to get back to the Bronx and we will, because everything happens for a reason and let’s face it, I haven’t hear Empire State of Mind in months. Why would that song just pop up on my iPod today? I know why… because it’s GO time New York!

I saw this story today from George King III of the New York Post. When the Yankees go to a 5^th game back in the Bronx, Joe Girardi had mentioned that CC Sabathia would not start, but would appear in the bullpen. I like that idea. I said “When” because there is no “If”. The Yankees have to go to a Game 5. We need to win this ALDS and we need to win it in the Bronx.

I also found these nuggets today I wanted to bring to your attention. Check them out:

Russell Martin: Anthony McCarron has a piece today titled Tigers catcher slipping nearly opened door for Yankees. In it, Martin is described as saying “This could be it…this could be the break.” In reference to Alex Avila slipping on the on deck circle in the Bronx in the 9^th inning of game 2. While at the moment it happened, I thought the same thing, I find a full story about this stuff silly. Bottom line, breaks help, but the Yankees need to win on their own, pitching, bats and defense. This is all much, much bigger than luck, the playoffs are about talent. The ALDS is too important to lose. That’s my take at least. You can read McCarron’s piece HERE.

Robinson Cano: Jim Leyland likes Robinson Cano. Newsday has this quote: “Well, I think Robinson Cano is a star, a superstar.” Read the Newsday piece HERE.

Finally, Curtis Granderson has been nominated for the 2011 Hank Aaron award. And dammit, I hope he gets it.

Go Yankees!!!

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