THE MASTER & COMPANY

The emotion I saw from Masahiro Tanaka tonight was incredible to me as well as refreshing.  Anytime I see a fist pump or someone getting down on themselves in the field, I know they are totally engaged.  Tanaka wasn't outstanding, he was great, and you have to assume butterflies were apart of the first few innings for him. But that changed.  He started out timid and ended strong. I tip my cap. He is the master.

It's clear... Tanaka is a competitor and  I cannot wait to see this guy pitch this season and beyond. Tanaka went 7 innings, allowed 6 hits and 3 runs. He struck out 8.

The offense was great as well. After the Jays had the lead, the Yankees were able to get back in the game.  Jacoby Ellsbury was 3-4 tonight. My man Ichiro was 3-5 and Yangervis Solarte was 2-5 with 3 RBIs.

Think about that for a second.  For the past 2 games "the Suzuki and Solarte show" has been on fire! You have to love that! Oh yeah, and our bud Dean Anna had his first hit as a Yankee tonight.  I'm so glad for him!

The only blemish tonight comes from Mark Teixeira who pulled a hammy stretching for a foul ball. He'll be out for about 15 days. He said he's hoping he doesn't have to go on the DL. I predict he will. Not only that, 15 days in Yankee speak is actually 25-30. Look, I know this injury was a fluke, but Tex is starting to annoy me. I just want the guy to get going already!

Right now, all those Yankee fans that gave up are back in the game and feeling good! And you know what? You should.  Look, I can't see the future, but I did see a team that was green on Opening night in Houston. I saw a team that wasn't totally familiar with each other. A team that didn't have confidence.  Now, 4 games later, I see a competitive group of Yankees, more relaxed and ready... and it's damn exciting.

The Yankees won tonight ladies and gentlemen. It's terrific to see them starting to gel.

I can't wait to see Michael Pineda tomorrow.  Let's keep the momentum going!

Final Tonight: Yankees 7 - Blue Jays 3

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