For the last few days, people have tried to shoot holes in the Yankees acquisition of Michael Pineda. Some will argue that Pineda, a pitcher who collected 34 percent of his outs via the flyout, will suffer going from spacious Safeco Field to the banbox in Yankee Stadium. Others will argue that Pineda’s second half ERA (5.12) proves he can’t handle a full workload. Instead, critics fail to address Pineda’s lefty-righty splits. Before unpacking the numbers and presenting my argument, Pineda, a fastball-slider pitcher, must develop a reliable third pitch to justify his value and more importantly–solidify his slot behind CC Sabathia. 

Pineda Needs A Third--AP Photo

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2011 was a crazy year for New York sports. The city added new stars in the form of Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams, and Rafael Soriano. While no major championships were won, the Giants, Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees all made the playoffs. St. John’s returned to relevancy, winning 21 games and making the NCAA Tournament. Other teams, such as the Mets, Islanders, and Nets faded into oblivion. Without further ado, here are the Top 10 NY Sport moments from 2011:

Christian Lopez Had A Special 2011 Catching DJ3K

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It only took 28 hours to complete, but the Yankees blew the Tigers out, 9-3 in Game 1 of the ALDS. After the rain chased CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander last night, Ivan Nova and Doug Fister took the ball. The two righties battled before Robinson Cano got to Fister in the fifth with an RBI double. Cano would follow up with a grand slammer an inning later, giving the Bombers a 8-1 lead. Nova proved he could handle the big stage as the Yanks take a 1-0 lead in this best of five series.

See Ya---AP Photo

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Lawrence Taylor and Mariano Rivera are two of the most successful and most popular athletes in New York history. Taylor brought unmatched intensity and passion to the linebacker position while Rivera has always maintain his even-keeled demeanor for his 15 years worth of dominance. Both men were honored for achievements on Monday (Rivera for his save record, Taylor for his appearance with the 1986 Giants), but no one will mistake the paths that these two took prior to Monday’s events.

No One Wants To See LT Like This--Cmon Man!--AP Photo

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Mariano Rivera broke Trevor Hoffman’s all-time save record this afternoon. Is it a big deal to me? No, not really. I know, you know, and everyone else knows that Mariano is the best ever.

Congrats!!!---AP Photo

He just lays claim to another record to his ever growing list of accomplishments. Rivera’s 602rd career save solidified the Yankees 92nd win of the year. With the win and the Red Sox loss, the Yankees sit six games ahead of Boston in the loss column with ten games to go. After the jump, I will berate, A-Joke Burnett.

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Mariano Rivera saved his 601st career game today, tying Trevor Hoffman’s all-time save record. Rivera tossed a perfect ninth inning to preserve a 7-6 victory. Curtis Granderson blasted his 40th homer as  the Yankees record improved to 91-59 on the season. They sport an ML best, 40-11 record in day games. 

#42 Saves His 42nd Game

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The Seattle Mariners defeated the New York Yankees early this morning 2-1 in the 12^th inning. With the late loss, we unfortunately missed the opportunity to see Mariano Rivera tie Trevor Hoffman’s save record at 601. Still, the Red Sox and Rays lost, so the Yankees lose no ground in the standings.

Gold Glove? - AP

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For the second time this season, a New York Yankee hit a milestone. Mariano Rivera recorded his 600th career save tonight as the Yanks edged the M’s, 3-2. Rivera becomes only the second player in Major League history with 600 saves. Trevor Hoffman, who retired in the off-season, has 603 saves. Mo should blow by him next week. 

As for the game, AJ Burnett had probably one of the oddest outings I’ve ever seen. His command wasn’t that sharp and he threw two wild pitches, but recorded 11 Ks en-route to his 10th win of the year. More surprisingly, ten of the eleven strikeout came on curveballs. Odd stuff. Robbie Cano smacked his 26th homer as the Yankees improve to 90-57 on the season. The Magic Number sits at 8.

Another Day at the Office--AP Photo

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The New York Yankees defeated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim this afternoon by a score of 6-5. The Yankees snapped a four-game losing streak as Mariano Rivera saved his 599^th career game on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. With the victory, the Yankees move to 88-57 on the season.

Never Forget - AP

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I’ve always wanted to use that title. Anyway, the Yankees started their seven game road trip tonight with a 7-4 win against the KC Royals. Derek Jeter led the offensive charge, collecting three hits while driving in three. AJ Burnett tossed the pill tonight, picking up his ninth win with 5 2/3 innings of three run ball. It was also his first August win ever as a Yankee!

Mo came on in the ninth to notch his 31st save. With the win, the Yankees are once again tied with the Red Sox atop the AL East with matching 73-46 records!

Ugh.

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