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New York Yankees – Salvation in Tampa Bay?

by eric on May 8, 2012 updated May 8, 2012

It’s been a pretty brutal span for the Yankees, these last two weeks. 4 losses in their last six games have the pinstripe crew looking for answers. A 2-1 series loss in Yankees Stadium to the Orioles followed by a 2-2 series l against the Kansas City Royals certainly wasn’t what we expected. But the past is the past and there’s salvation to be found down in Tampa Bay where the Yankees will be looking to get an edge up on the Tampa Bay Rays.
Realistically the New York Yankees aren’t too far behind in the race for the AL east and it’s still early in the season. Certainly the loss to the East-leading Orioles doesn’t help, but being a game behind the Blue Jays, and four games behind both the Orioles and Rays means this series down in Tampa Bay is an opportunity to put themselves back within striking distance of the top.
At least New York left the Royals series with a win in Game 4. That’s something to build on for the challenge ahead. Robinson Cano may have ignited something in the Yankees with his grand slam keying the win against the Royals. They’ll need that kind of firepower down in Tampa where the Rays will be unleashing the 5-0 James Shields against the Yankees lineup on Tuesday night.
here’s to a fine series down in Tampa Bay. We can use it right now.

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New York Yankees – Bad News on Rivera

by eric on May 4, 2012 updated May 4, 2012

Mariano Rivera

The Yankees Mariano Rivera is out after an ACL tear suffered in Kansas City.

The New York Yankees may have lost one of the most reliable closers in the game yesterday as Mariano Rivera went down in the outfield where he was shagging fly balls before the game with the Royals.
Chasing a fly ball close to the wall Rivera went down and grasped his right knee. He was then carted off and examined by Royals trainers and Yankees personnel before eventually being sent to a medical facility. Reports are coming out that it may be a torn ACL, an injury that would put him out for the season.
At 42 years old Rivera has hinted that he’s thinking about retiring but his performance hasn’t slacked. After an opening day loss, he’s gone on to add 5 saves to his 608, making him baseball’s leader in that category.
The loss of Rivera would be a blow to the New York Yankees, who’ve made a surge in the AL East over the last few weeks.
New York lost the first of a four-game series with the Royals on Thursday and post-game Rivera confirmed an ACL tear but has not made a decision on his future.

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