YANKEE STRONG

A few days ago I wrote about being Jersey Strong - tonight it was Yankee Strong from the Bronx Bombers.

In the last 24 hours they went from losing Mariano Rivera for the season and maybe forever to Mariano vowing to come back next season. The mood in the clubhouse went from morose to uplifted. All on Mo's three word statement - "I'll be back". If there is anyone I would put money on to do it - it's Mariano Rivera.

The Yankees had CC on the mound, who if anyone could, he's the guy who can stop the bleeding of the losing streak. CC gave up 2 runs on 7 hits. But even more an important the bats finally started to get going. Collectively the team got 6 runs off 11 hits and home runs from Tex and Jeet. Cano seems to have started to find his swing (hopefully). They miss Gardner and Swisher both at the plate and on defense, but that just means it's time for everyone else step up.

Speaking of Captain Jeter, his batting average is again over .400, acting as if he has put the team on his shoulders knowing they have the talent to win. He also is setting the mood for the team more than ever. He came to the clubhouse tonight determined to put what happened to Mo behind them. As if to say "ok guys enough being sad, we need to start winning, Mo or no Mo". That is not Derek being uncaring about his injured teammate. I saw Derek's post game interview last night. His heart was broken over what happened to his friend of 20 years. But he also knew that feeling down about it, wasn't going to do any good. He walked in with a "c'mon lets go" attitude. That's why he's the captain - it's just Jeter being Jeter, as simple as that.

The Yankees play two more in KC and come home and play three against Rays, who have been on fire. The Rays series will be the opportunity to show the baseball world that no matter how broken the Yankees are, they are Yankee Strong, Just like Mariano will show them these next 9 or 10 months. That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.

Win today - play tomorrow.

As always, Go Yankees!