ALDS, Game 2

So last night's game was amazing. One of the greatest games I've ever seen. Instant Yankee's classic as soon as YES clears the rights to the game. It was great to see the whole team step up big at the right moments.

As for what should have been the Joe Mauer double, here are my thoughts. Umps blow calls. All the time. That's part of the game, and its a part of the game you love and you know it. Derek Jeter's 96 ALCS homer was brought over the fence, we know. Matt Holliday was out in the 2007 one game playoff, we know. Shit happens, and it gives debate for years to follow. The ump blew the call, yes.

Romo made a good point about what followed. After Mauer was on first, Kubel hit a drive into right past the infielders who were at double play depth. If Mauer was on second with the double, that liner is probably caught by either Teixeiera or Cano as they'd be shifted differently. Shit happens.

Once again I'll be giving ratings to several players from both teams, ranked by the head of a person who has been involved with both New York and Minnesota.

Yankees

Mark Teixeira:

Every day I thank the good lord that he is a Yankee and not a Red Sock. A walk off homer, and a overlooked great play at first with the bases loaded.

Alex Rodriguez:

Once again coming up big and ignoring that post season past. Wish he could only play the Twins in the ALDS

David Robertson:

Coming in with 2 on and no outs in extra innings...and getting out of it with no runs? Great job out of the pen, well deserved win.

Damaso Marte:

Half a Knoblauch is even a stretch.

Twins

Brandon Harris

Huge RBI triple off the bench and an amazing play at third to rob Jeter. I imagine he'll get the start in game 3.

Joe Mauer/Mike Cuddyer:

Still tearing the cover off the ball without Justin Mornaeu.

Nick Blackburn:

Great outing against a dangerous offense. Proved he can pitch well when they need him to.

Joe Nathan:

And I was going to say he matched up even with Rivera...Picked a good time to give up his first homer of the season.