Ok, a little more tuning up for a week.  It’s time to shake the sand out of your shoes and get ready for the stretch run.  Thoughts:

1) Andy Pettitte – I think he’ll be fine.  As long as no “pulling” or “catching” in the groin area (and they’ve been very cautious remember July 18 was his last start.  A simulated game and take two more weeks.  He’ll be fine as long as he has 3 starts in the regular season.

2) Phil Hughes – A very nice season.  He can’t get Vernon Wells out but Vernon Wells ain’t going to the playoffs. 

3) Post -season rotation – a little early to speculate, but assuming Pettitte , Burnett better pick it up, otherwise I think Hughes gets a start definitely.  I’m not as concerned with Vasquez as some other people are.  I have no problem giving Hughes a start – he’s a big part of the team now.  And, you’ve got to get your first start sometime. 

4) Let’s go Tampa this weekend.  Not only do I hate Boston under all circumstances, here it makes the most sense.  Banish the Red Sox and secure a spot.  With some of these injuries, I think the Yanks might need an uneventful last week of the season to set it up for the post season.

5) Jets – that’s right this time of year it’s a little football.  Who are they kidding?  Reevus has all the leverage.  They want to charge their fans an arm and a leg and they don’t want to give Reevus guaranteed money?  They think they’re going to the Super Bowl without their best player?  They have a second year QB, with a weaker running game, and no Reevus?  Miami is better, and the Pats are still the Pats.  Don’t they realize under the best of circumstances, it’s still a dogfight to get in the playoffs with their division?

6) Giants – time to step up.  New Def Coordinator, everyone on Defense back in the fold.  And, time for Eli to finally show he is in the elite.  No more games with 4 INTs.  No more silly mistakes, just proficient, prodcutive management of the offense.  It’s time Eli, time to be more than the guy who is good running a two minute offense, we need you for 60 minutes.