RANGERS EVEN THE SERIES

Okay, I admit that I don't like to write when the Yanks lose, but this IS the playoffs, so...

Hughes looked terrible as did Sabathia. I believe that the long layoff really affected both of them and they should revert back to form in their next outing. Pettitte is scheduled to pitch game three, and Girardi announced today that he is sticking with his original plan: Burnett will pitch game four. In the words of Charlie Brown, "This better work."

KEYS TO THE GAME:
Just one, really. Men on 1st and 3rd, two outs. the man on first takes off and the catcher throws through, allowing the man on third to take off and score. The one man on the field with the experience to recognize this gambit, Jorge Posada, throws to second anyway. This never works as the runner from first will just stop and let the run score before he is tagged out. The result was predictable: one run in and a man in scoring position. You NEVER throw thru in that situation. You fake the throw and hold on, or throw to third. You could also throw to the pitcher and try to catch the man on third. The worst case scenario leaves you with men on 2nd & 3rd, but still two outs and no runs scored. Besides the run scoring, it became a big boost to the morale of the Rangers. This might have changed the whole complexion of the game.

***ANOTHER TOP FLIGHT PITCHER BECOMES AVAILABLE***
The Kansas City Royals have said they would "listen" to offers for Zack Greinke this winter. The Yanks have already been mentioned as "possible" suitors. Gee, ya think? The Royals need a catcher and the Yankee farm system is loaded with them. I know, I know, what about Cliff Lee? Do you really think that Brian Cashman cares how many front-of-the-staff pitchers he has?
The bigger question might be, will the Yanks go after Carl Crawford? Most analysts say no.

***COULD IT BE? COULD IT REALLY BE?***
ESPN has not yet offered contracts to Joe Morgan and Jon Miller. They've been together for 19 years and some people think the delay is an indication that ESPN won't be bringing them back. All I can say is: "Please ESPN. Don't tease me like this."

***WHAT'S THE WEATHER IN HELL?***
Has it frozen over? Did Roy Halladay really lose? I hear you all: "Picasner! Can't be!" I'm afraid it is. And Sabathia has gotten beat up, too. Cliff Lee better watch out tomorrow night. There must be a full moon out.

CP-