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

Hey Valverde, You Are Heading Back To NY!!!

After Detroit's Game 2 win over the Yankees, Tiger closer Jose Valverde proclaimed that his team wouldn't be coming back to New York. Well, surprise Jose. You are headed back to the Bronx as the Yankees pounded the Tigers 10-1 to even their ALDS series at 2 games a piece. AJ Burnett, he of one of the worst pitching performance all season by a Yankee starting pitcher, was solid over 5 2/3 innings. But what probably saved Burnett and the Yankees season was Curtis Granderson's catch in the first inning when it appeared that Burnett was going to self-destruct.

Where would the Yankees be without Curtis Granderson. With the injuries to ARod this year, Granderson has supplied the Yanks with another source of power and run production. He also is a very good centerfielder and that was on display last night with his catch of Don Kelly's rising line drive that would have cleared the bases and given the Tigers an early 3-0 lead. Granderson continued to flash leather in the bottom of the 6th when he snared a sinking line drive off the bat of Jhonny Peralta that ended the inning and at the time held the Yankee lead at 4-1.

The Yankee offense finaly got on track as they put the game away with a 6 run explosion in the 8th inning that sent the Tiger faithful home and Valverde packing for a trip back to New York. Game 5 won't be easy. The Yanks will be relying on their unflappable rookie, Ivan Nova to clinch the series. One thing in their favor is that the bullpen will be rested particularly David Robertson and Mariano Rivera. Phil Hughes looked strong last night in the 8th inning and could be counted on again if need be. But the key may be for the Yankees to try to get out in front early forcing Leyland to go to his bullpen as it was evident last night that the Yankees were able to get to Alburquerque, Coke and Schlereth. Doug Fister will try to avenge is Game 2 loss but the Yankees should be able to get to him.

The momentum has shifted back to the Pinstripes. They need to take advantage of that home crowd early and send Valverde on a one way ticket back to Detroit.