WHY LAST NIGHT WAS IMPORTANT

I've read all about how certain pitchers in the Yankees bullpen needed to rest and I still don't understand what that means. The Rays are one of the hottest teams in baseball, not to mention now, the best team in baseball. This series against the Rays is like the playoffs. Play like it is. Manage like it is Jor Girardi. The only reason Mitre or Gaudin should be in a game against the Rays in September is because the Rays are winning by 10 runs. Last night's gem by Sabathia didn't need scrub pitchers being used as "filler" just to get to the Yanks top of the inning. Last night's gem needed to be treated like a gem, even after Sabathia.

Pretend it's Game 7. Go balls out. Robertson, Joba, Mo. Use them. You do that and we win the game or... at least we go down swinging.

Last night we played for the Wild Card. In my mind, it's Division Champs or bust. It isn't too early to have that mentality because if your resting guys for the playoffs and you keep losing like that, all you're doing is resting guys for a long, cold winter.