tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Yanks 4-2 On Road and Big Time For The Leafs

The New York Yankees split yesterday's doubleheader with the Cincinnati Reds ending their Midwest road trip with a 4-2 record and pulling 1/2 game behind the Boston Red Sox.  Since being swept by the Red Sox at home for the second time this year, the Yanks over their last 13 games are 10-3.  They now head home where they will be hosting the Rockies with Jason Giambi and then the Milwaukee Brewers.  The Yanks will need to take care of business before heading to Citi Field for a weekend series against the Mets July 1-3.  They then head to Cleveland for a series against the Indians that begins on July 4th before heading home to take on the Rays before the All-Star break.

Over these next 15 games, the Pinstripers need to go 11-4.  Over this same time period, the Red Sox hit the road against the Pirates, Phillies and Astros before heading home to take on the Blue Jays and Orioles.  Beyond the Phillies and possibly the Pirates, the other teams could be cannon fodder for the Red Sox so the Yankees will need to be on their game.  After the All-Star Game, rumors will be flying as we approach the July 31st trade deadline.  For the Yankees we should also know more about Phil Hughes and Rafael Soriano.  It's going to get interesting.

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Friday will be Round 1 of the NHL Entry Draft and it will officially begin the most important time for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they begin to prepare for the 2011-12 season.  As I have stated many times, this off season will be the biggest one yet for Brian Burke and his management team as they try to get the Leafs back into the post season and be a legitimate Cup contender.  With two first round picks, a high second round pick, plenty of money to spend under the newly increased salary cap, Burke is in a position to make some moves that could achieve these goals.

One thing is for sure, the Leaf GM and President will not be afraid to make a move to improve his hockey club.  In my opinion, he has done a great job in adding young talent and putting on the ice a team that captured the imagination of many starving Leaf hockey fans from February through the end of last season.  With the coaching changes that recently took place, its clear that Burke & Company are expecting playoff hockey next April.  However, in order to accomplish that Burke will need to push the right buttons beginning on Friday.