Sometimes you have to get lucky in the post-season.  What a blunder of a call.  He just blew it.  I thought that he might have “lost” the ball as it landed and confused it with Melky’s uniform, but who knows?  Only Phil Cuzzy knows for sure.

I have been right with Girardi all season with his management of the bullpen, but last night I thought he was quick with his hooks.  He could have extended Joba a little bit more.  I know a lefty was due up, but sometimes you can out smart yourself.  I also think we found something out about Marte…..  and I was definitely against bringing Mo into a losing game day, off or not the next day.  Here are some other quick observations:

- AJ didn’t pitch such a great game.  He walked 5.  He was lucky he’s pitching to the Twins.  I mean… come on, their lineup leaves alot to be desired especially with Morneau out.   Molina did a nice job making sure AJ didn’t lose his composure entirely- which could have happened given the fact that he seemed to be pitching with men on base all night.

- Blackburn was great.  He fooled the Yankees most of the night.  But a credit to this team, is that they keep fighting despite running into a roadblock. 

- What a meltdown on the mound by Nathan.  Holy cow, how do they feel about bringing him back on Sunday to close out a game to prevent elimination?

-   What an escape artist – Dave Robertson!  If the ball is going to get hit hard you want it straight to Mark Tex.

- The ghost of Paul O’Neill returns!  Nick Swisher is not a good defensive player, but in true “smart baseball – O’Neillan” fashion, he had the presence of mind to throw behind Gomez (I don’t know if Jeter prompted him to do that or what) to nail him.  I had a nice big smile on my face after that play.   

- The big guns came through.  What an unbelievably clutch HR by A-Rod.  He is relaxed – what an incredible at-bat, I will remember that for a long time.  Nathan had zero confidence in his fastball for some reason and he threw it because A-Rod had worked the count to 3-1.  That was a no doubt about it shot. 

Let’s go – killer instinct, Mr. Pettitte.  I don’t want these guys hanging around.