Orioles get their first shot at a real division rival

First, on yesterday: Interesting turn of events after my little venting session. I like the way the Yankees finished the game. It's something I don't think we would have seen last year in the same situation. If there is any positive about Joe Girardi so far, it is that his team finds a way to put a few runs on the board every game, reminiscent of the mid-90s Yankees, which is always a good sign.

Manny went on to add another base hit even after his home runs, but whatever. I'm beyond that. It was impressive just to get the final to 7-5 and it is always nice to score on Papelbon, especially when Melky Cabrera hits a home run. As far as the Farnsworth pitch behind Manny's head, I don't know what to think at this point. You can't argue the throw was meant to hit somebody in the head and you can't argue it wasn't meant to hit Manny. We approached this subject last year with Chamberlain and Youkilis and if the roles were reversed, I just don't think any pitcher in baseball intentionally aims to hit someone's head. They either aim to throw it behind their head, or for the torso, but in Farnsworth's case, he was probably aiming for Manny's ankles.

This is the biggest start of Phil Hughes' career tonight. He has to put up a solid effort, it doesn't have to be dominant, but it does need to be at least six innings. New York has used their bullpen for 11 innings the last two games and they need a break.

In either case, here is tonight's lineup:

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Moeller C
Hughes RHP

In other news, Joba Chamberlain's father is improving and off the ventilator, which is great news. Provided there are no setbacks, I would assume Joba back at worst, for the off day on Monday. Edwar Ramirez is in the clubhouse. I wouldn't think it's for long, but probably to give somebody's arm a breather for a few games. I also approve of the Longoria extension today. Good move by the Rays to lock him up until he's 31 at only around three million per season. The question is, would you do that if you're in Longoria's position?

I'll duck in from time to time with some notes, but I'll mostly be rooting for the Rangers to knock off the Devils. Tomorrow, I'm at Fenway. I'm going to bring a pen and paper and try to jot down some notes about how I'm treated with a Giants shirt and Yankees sweatshirt. I think it would make for some good stories. More later.

Update:

Notice how Jeter has no range to his left? Now the Orioles have a one-out baserunner....No, wait, oh, nevermind, he made the play.

I think I figured out the ultimate cliche Red Sox-Yankees argument. This will save both fanbases plenty of time when bickering:

"Manny is a better player than A-Rod"

"Yeah right!"

"Oh I'm sorry, how many rings does A-Rod have?"

"How many rings does Jeter have?"

"How many this millenium?!"

"Two in 90 years, four in 13 years!"

"Stop living in the past!"

"Yeah, we should totally brush off 26 World Championships just because you didn't win any for 86 years."

".....Yeah, well, Papelbon is better than Mo"

Does that about sum it up?