Some are clamoring for SU jump on the Yankees’ band wagon and stop with the negativity.  It’s been a surprisingly good April for the team and their offense is right up there with the league leaders.  Long-time SU subscriber A. Grossman shares his thoughts:

“Time to review and possibly change your opinion on watching the NY Yankees. They have been hitting the long ball again with some regularity. They aren’t striking out too much. If they can show a bit more patience that would help, however there are more and more flame throwers averaging in the upper 90’s now-a-days it almost changes the game plan of trying to get into the bullpen… as the underbelly part of the opposing team. The Yanks appear stronger and more consistent in the 7th thru 9th innings. With some timely hitting and maybe like the Mets a different offensive hero every night along with our pitching staff just maybe they do obtain W’s in the mid to upper 80’s. One thing Girardi is great at is maximizing potential in his bullpen. If we only had Cano or someone like him and we’d be favorites in the east. It’s that close amongst all the teams in this division.”

Good points here – and I especially liked the use of “amongst” in the last sentence.  Girardi is an underrated manager and is masterful in how he uses his relievers and keeps them fresh.  SU is almost ready to start going “glass half full” but I am concerned about how so much of the offense continues to be homerun generated.  But I am willing to consider making my reservation somewhere in the back of the wagon.

Looks like Kevin Love is out for the entire playoffs.  Big blow to the Cavs although they do have Shawn Marion on the bench who is a playoff veteran.  Time to dust him off and put him in there.  Mike Miller can take JR Smith’s spot in games 1 and 2.  There is some depth on that roster and now is the time to use it.

Rangers – Capitals in round 2.  Apparently, they have played each other something like 4 times in the last 5-6 years in the playoffs.  No secrets here.  Sports talk radio feels it will be a routine victory for the Blue Shirts as they move on.

The Orioles are playing the White Sox tomorrow with no fans in the stands due to the unrest in Baltimore.  Brandon McCarthy, who pitched for the Yankees last year and was allowed to leave as a free agent, will need Tommy John surgery.  SU has been hard on Cashman but he clearly made the right call on this one.

SU caught the end of the Hawks – Nets game last night.  I must say that after watching the Hawks down the stretch you wonder how they won 60 games this year?  I believe Atlanta will right the ship and win in 6.  They are better than how they are playing so far in this series.

Finally, apparently the Yankees owe A-Rod $6 million for passing Willie Mays and will owe another $6 million in luxury tax money to MLB.  Ha ha ha.