TEARS - MARIANO'S AND MINE

Watching Mariano's post game interview last night brought me to tears. Although I don't know him personally, every Yankee fan will tell you, we feel like he is a friend or family member.

Derek Jeter and A-Rod looked devestated after the game. I know how they feel. When the news started hitting Twitter it was an ACL tear, my heart sank. The reason this hits everyone so hard was that Mo said in Spring Training this could be it for him, possibly retiring at the end of this season. Mo was going to take the season and soak in the moments that he had experienced over these last 17 seasons. He knew as the season wound down, whenever those last games at Yankee Stadium came, whether it be in Setember or late October, he would hear the fans chanting "Mar-i-ano" when he came in at bottom of the ninth. He deserves to still get his moment at Yankee Stadium. He deserves the standing ovation. The fans way of saying "Thank You", Fans truly want that chance as well.

I am stunned and sad. At this point no one knows how the season will turn out. Maybe this is the catalyst the team needs to start winning. It appears David Robertson will likely take over the role of closer. Many were already calling him the heir apparent. But no one wants that job this way. What I am almost certain of is Mo will tell David to go out there and make him proud. And David, I know you will.

When asked if he would ever pitch again, Mo said with tears in his eyes, in a whisper, "I don't know" My heart broke and his tears were my tears. But then when asked if he was immediately going back to NY, Mariano said he wanted to stay with the team to "make sure the boys are ok". That's Mo and that's why we love him.

#42 in your program, #1 in our hearts

ENTER SANDMAN

Isaiah 41:10 "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

My heart sunk when I saw Mariano Rivera go down in the outfield prior to tonight's game. The news only got worse.

I won't lie, I'm worried. Not that Mo won't eventually be alright, he will recover. What worries me is that depending on how severe the ACL tear is, we may never see Mariano pitch again. That thought breaks my heart.

Only a Yankee fan understands how I feel. Like Derek, Andy and Jorge; Mo is staple of this team's heart. I can't remember when "Enter Sandman" wasn't jogging from the bull pen in the 9th inning, throwing that cutter, getting three quick outs and like that the game is over. I really don't want to know what that's like-not yet.

I am saying a prayer for Mariano's speedy recovery and return to the Yankees - whether it be this season or next. I refuse to believe this is how his story ends. I only hope I am right.

DREAM WEAVER, OIL-COKE BOYD AND GETTING THE HELL OUT OF DODGE...

The Yankees played a terrible game last night. That is the only thing to say about last nights game.

With that said, I thought I would comment on some of the stories in and around baseball.

Last night LA Angels pitcher Jered Weaver pitched a no-hitter against the Twins. With the amount of struggles this team and specifically Albert Puljos have been dealing with lately, it was nice to see the team get a boost with this no-no. I like Weaver. What I like most about him is his loyalty. A good guy in baseball accomplished a great thing. That's what baseball is suppose to be about.

It was reported today that Don Zimmer has been hospitalized with Kidney problems. His son was quoted as saying Zim was expected to be released in a day or so, at which time he will begin dialysis. Zim was a Yankee bench coach under Joe Torre and is loved by so many guys that played on those Yankee teams. He is a smart, caring and devoted baseball guy. Who is proud of the fact that for over sixty something years, he has never made a living in anything but baseball. He will always be a Yankee in my heart and I wish him a speedy recovery and good health for years to come.

Yesterday Phillies ace Roy Halladay blew a 6 run lead, giving up 8 runs on 12 hits over 6 innings. Very un-Doc like. After the game, he told his manager and pitching coach he needed to leave the team to attend a family matter and would rejoin them on Friday. Which reminds us that these guys are human and have occassional personal or family struggles like everyone else does. Being paid a boat load of money does not immune anyone from that. I hope everything works out for Roy.

Did you ever wonder what players were thinking about when they were in the on deck circle? Apparently, Prince Fielder isn't thinking about his at-bat, but he's singing the "Chevrolet song". That answers that question.

Apparently Dennis "Oil-Can" Boyd, while pitching for the Red Sox in 1986, smoked crack cocaine everyday; including one time in the clubhouse just prior to pitching a game. Two things jump out at me when I heard this. First, this may give a better explanation to the Red Sox losing to the Mets in the World Series (after Buckner spent all those years being the goat), Second, makes the chicken and beer from last season seem pretty tame now. Some memories should be left in your head and not put on paper. TMI Oil Can.

So, I end with the Yankees. The team is in Kansas City for a four game series against the Royals. Maybe it will be good for the team to get the hell out of Dodge for few days. Because when they come back - it's to play the Ray, to that all I can say is....let us pray..

As always, Go Yankees!