Deadbeats

CC Sabathia's dominance has been well documented by various members of the media but it's worth noting he leads the Yankee staff with three wins and a 1.19 ERA. The club has a team ERA of 1.91 and a WHIP of 1.15, both best in the bigs. Sabathia seems to get stronger each time he takes the mound and appears to have left his past playoff struggles in the past. The Yankees figure to throw him out there at least two more times this October/Novemer...the record for wins by a pitcher in a single postseason is five (Randy Johnson, 2001).

The (ch)umpires have to do a better job this October as it's distracting and dangerous how bad they are. Last night the crew blew three major calls in the 4th and 5th innings that affected both teams in what was a close game at the time. In the 4th, Scott Kazmir whipped around and fired a strike to Erick Aybar covering second who clearly tagged out a sleeping Nick Swisher but was called safe. In what appeared to be a makeup call, Swisher was called out for tagging up too early when the Angels stepped on third. It's always going to be close as the runner is staring at the ball as it enters the outfielder's glove in that situation, but replays confirmed that Swisher left on time. The final and most egregious blown call came the very next inning as Jorge Posada was caught in a rundown between third and home and Robinson Cano jogged over the third. Posada runs back to the bag to get tagged out as Cano was two feet off the bag and is tagged on the chest in front of the ump and everyone. He pumps his fist to call Posada out and to the surprise of millions watching and in attendance, Cano is safe at third.

Steve Phillips (former Mets GM and possibly former - but still current as of right now - ESPN analyst) has had another affair. This time it's with a 22-year-old production assistant who is a whole cup full of crazy according to statements released by Phillips and his wife. More here.