The Yankees failed to sweep the Mariners, dropping the final game of this three-game set, 6-2. However, the story of this game was the return of Andrew Eugene Pettitte. After briefly retiring for a season, Pettitte took the ball and gave the Yanks 6 1/3 innings of four-run ball. Pettitte didn’t give up a hit through three innings, but gave up five hits in the sixth inning, including a two-run HR. Pettitte left in the seventh with the Yanks trailing, 4-1.

Overall, I really can’t be too upset with Andy’s return. Justin Smoak’s two-run homer in the fourth inning barely cleared the right field fence. Andy failed to cover first base on a grounder to Teix in the fifth, but was bailed out by Russell Martin, who nabbed the runner on a stolen base attempt. Casper Wells hit a home run off the right field foul pole in the sixth to increase the Mariner lead to three. Andy retired the first runner in the seventh before being lifted and receiving a standing ovation.

Andy’s fastball velocity was around 88-89 MPH while his slider and curve ball were consistently 81, 75 MPH, respectively. Pettitte gave up seven hits and walked three, but no one is expecting dominant outings from Pettitte. Andy gave the Yankees a chance to win this game and that’s all we can ask for. His next start will come on Friday against the Reds, so stayed tuned. 

For the second time this post-season, the Rangers rose to the occasion and won a decisive Game 7. Brad Richards wasted little time in the first period, netting the game’s first goal at the 1:14 mark. For the next forty minutes, the two teams failed to register a goal before Michael Del Zotto gave the Blue Shirts a 2-0 lead. The Caps wasted little time, scoring their own goal two minutes later. However, the Ranger defense and Henrik Lundqvist really locked down on the Caps, as they held onto a 2-1 Game 7 victory.

To put it in perspective, the Capitals only managed four shots in the third period. Compared to Ottawa’s 15 shots in their last Game 7, the Rangers third period defense was stellar and they are moving on to face the NJ Devils in the NJ Transit Series.

As a regular commuter on the NJ Transit train lines, I’m not happy at all about this pairing. These two teams are separated by a mere 13 minute train ride from MSG to The Rock in Newark. Fans from both sides will be giving me a headache all week long. However, I expect well-played hockey, so I’ll deal with it.

On the surface, both teams have yet to face a top goaltender this post-season. You could make the argument that Capitals goalie, Brandon Holtby has had his coming out party, but realistically, neither team has faced a proven, veteran goal tender…until now. Marty Brodeur and Henrik Lundqvist are still two of league’s very best. This series will likely come down to goal tending and defensive play. Luckily for the Rangers, their back line has been pretty good and will likely slow down the attack of Zach Parise and Ilya Kovalchuk. Remember, there is a lot of bad blood between these teams so expect a lot of rough play and fights. 

As for the Western Conference, I really don’t know too much about the skill position players. However, I do know that Kings’ goalie, Jon Quick, and Coyote goalie, Mike Smith have been dominant this post-season. As the #8 seed in the West, the Kings have won 8 of 9 post-season games rather easily against the conference’s top two teams. ESPN’s Barry Melrose is picking the Kings in six and Rangers in six, so that’s good enough for me. 

As a whole, the NHL would like a Rangers-Kings Stanley Cup Final. The two largest markets in the country squaring off for the Cup. The Rangers are starved for the Cup while the Kings have never won it. The Kings made it in 1992-93 when they had The Great One, but fell to the Canadiens. 

Playoff hockey will be really exciting in the NY Metro area for the next two, three weeks. Buckle up, it’ll be a bumpy ride. 

As the seconds ticked away on Wednesday night, the Knicks faced the realization of another first round exit and another off-season filled with many questions. With over $50 million committed to the Big 3 of Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler, the Knicks won’t be able to do much fishing in the free agent pool. However, the Knicks most prized free agent acquisition, Jeremy Lin, remains the most important piece for next year’s team.

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When the Yankee bullpen is taxed, Joe Girardi knows that CC Sabathia has the ability to deliver lengthy, quality outings. In the rubber game of a three-game set against Tampa Bay, Big C just did that. Sabathia gave the Yanks eight innings of two run ball, striking out ten Rays, resulting in a 5-2 Yankee win. Sabathia threw 120 pitches and looked really dominant for the first time this season. Rafael Soriano closed it out, picking up his first save of the season. David Robertson wasn’t available as he threw the previous two nights. 

I didn’t write about David Roberston’s first blown save last night because in reality, it’s not a big deal. Robertson gave up his first earned run since last August (!!) and some growing pains are expected as he transitions to the ninth. I’m not here to make excuses for him, but Robertson threw 30 pitches the night before and will need time to get adjusted to the ninth inning. In addition, I tweeted a fun fact about one Yankee closer last night—

In 1997, Mariano Rivera blew two of his first four save opportunities as ‘The Man’

Despite initial struggles, Mariano hasn’t had that bad of a career (LOL). Lay off Roberston–he’ll be fine as the new Yankee closer. He has the best stuff in the bullpen and his strikeout rate is Craig Kimbrel, Kenley Jansen-esqe. 

Overall, I’ll take two out of three against Tampa Bay every time. This weekend, the Mariners will come in for three games. The Yankees will get to see their old pal, Felix Hernandez tomorrow night as well. Jesus Montero will make his 2012 Bronx debut in a Seattle Mariner uniform. 

Two years ago, Andy Pettitte decided to hang it up and head home to Texas. Two years later, Andy is dusting off the #46 and rejoining the Yankee rotation. Andy will make his 2012 Yankee debut on Sunday afternoon at home against the Mariners. Given the plethora of pitching injuries, his return couldn’t be better timed. Honestly, we all aren’t expecting dominance and we never really have from Andy. He’ll walk a few guys, scatter a bunch of runners, and pick a few guys off. At the end of the day, he’ll deliver quality starts and keep the Yankees in the game. Can’t really ask for much more. The Stadium will rocking this weekend and all eyes will be glued on #46. 

Baseball is America’s favorite pastime and one of the best ways for fathers and sons to bond. Major League Dads is an inspirational look at such connections through a collection of heartfelt essays from interviews with 150 of the top players in Major League Baseball, such as David Wright, Carlos Pena, Brad Lidge, and Derek Jeter. Through personal recollections, you can read firsthand what their dads meant to them growing up and how they coached them to success both on and off the field.

Let’s be honest. Your love for baseball was initially fueled by your Dad. For me, I remember picking up a plastic red whiffle ball bat and taking BP with my Dad when I was two years old. From the big red bat to collegiate baseball, my Dad was there every step of the way. Can’t have one without the other. Some of the stories in this book are pretty good. Derek Jeter’s relationship with his father is pretty special. You see Dr. Jeter at Yankee games all the time. Pick this one up today at Barnes & Noble. 

I’ll be honest–I thought the Rangers were finished. Choked away another pivotal Game 5 at home. However, a Cam Ward high stick on Carl Hagelin with 20 seconds to go made the difference. Brad Richards knotted it at all at two with only six seconds left. I have no idea how Richards scored the goal. Holtby and a Capital defenseman were clearly in the goal crease and Richards went top shelf off the post to net the equalizer. Given the penalty on Ward, the Rangers started OT on the Power Play and wasted little time scoring the game winner. A Marc Staal laser beam gave the Rangers a 3-2 series lead as this series heads back to Washington.

Crazy, crazy game. That last second goal reignited the Garden and Ranger hockey fans everywhere. At worst, the Rangers will have a Game 7 back at home. A Conference Final match-up with the Devils likely awaits if the Rangers can win one of their next two games. 

The Yankees played home run derby today as they topped the Royals in the final game of this four-game set, 10-4. Robbie Cano delivered a much needed grand slam while A-Rod and Swisher also homered for the Bombers. While the offensive fireworks were nice, Phil Hughes was the story of this game.

Yankee fans have been very, very critical of Mr. Hughes this season. Coming into this game, Hughes dropped four of his first five decisions and carried an ERA over seven. But today, Hughes gave the Bombers 6 2/3 innings of hard work. He threw 116 pitches, issuing one walk while striking out seven. More importantly, Hughes’ velocity was sitting around 95 MPH for the entire game. Hughes’ absent velocity has been a cause for concern, but today’s outing is hopefully a sign of things to come.

I don’t get too caught up over wins and losses for pitchers, but strong, quality starts are encouraging. With his next three starts coming against the Mariners, Blue Jays, and Royals, look for Hughes to build off of this one and forget about his ugly April.

Facing a daunting 3-0 task, the Knicks responded in Game 4 by beating the Heat, 89-87. Melo went off for 41-6-4 to lead the way, but his late game actions will leave a lot of Knick fans wondering. Up three points with 15 seconds to go, Shane Battier fouled Melo as he attempted a three pointer. Melo proceeded to miss the first two free throw attempts before making the third to give the Knicks a four point lead. I didn’t like his demeanor after missing the first two shots. Melo was seen laughing, joking around, shaking his head. That type of attitude will not win anywhere let alone in New York. LeBron gave Heat fans some hope, converting a three-point play seconds later to cut the Knick lead to one. Now, it was Mr. Fire Extinguisher’s time to shoot two. Amar’e made one out of two, giving the Heat ANOTHER chance to at least tie (or win) the game. Luckily for the Knicks, Wade’s three-pointer was off the mark so this series is heading back to Miami.

Look, we all know the Knicks aren’t going to beat the Heat. We all knew this before the series even started. The lack of late game execution at the free throw line opened the door for the Heat. The Knicks are only delaying the inevitable with this series and Miami will close them out in Game 5.

Mariano Rivera has silenced so many doubters and withstood the test of father time during his 16 year career with the New York Yankees. Rivera, quite arguably the most value Yankee since Mickey Mantle, has shattered all-time save marks during the regular and post-season while routine sporting a microscopic 0.73 ERA during the post-season. Rivera has routinely dominated baseball’s best hitters during October, but his newest challenge should be the biggest in his storied career…

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