Before we talk about the Yankees, here's a picture of Toronto Blue Jay Ricky Romero wearing a fake beak.
Now, let's get serious. The Yankees clinched a playoff spot this afternoon by winning the first game in their doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. Unlike the unruly Philadelphia Phillies, they celebrated by shaking hands. “We still feel as though we didn’t accomplish anything yet,” said Derek Jeter. DJ, when you do accomplish something, please get nicer looking hats than the Phillies did.
Top: Johnny Damon, Older and Fishier
Bottom: Brett Gardner looks really short.
Yesterday was my favorite day of the baseball calendar: Yankee Snoopy Doll Day! The Yankees beat the Rays 5-0. The Red Sox also lost, so who knows what's going to happen with the American League wild card.
Robinson Cano looks really short.
I made Alex go to the game two hours early, so we got to walk down to the field level seats and watch the Yankee rookies take batting practice.
We also went to Monument Park for the first time, where I took this photo through the protective netting.
As you might know or imagine, Monument Park feels like a cemetery. This solemn, mournful feeling is greatly enhanced by the huge plaque of George Steinbrenner that dominates the entire back wall.
Other parts of the stadium are much more beautiful and life-affirming.
The new 2011 Snoopys wear navy blue t-shirts. Unlike the 2011 Snoopys, they have no collar and have a slightly shorter snout. The 2009 pin-striped Snoopys-- the original Yankee Snoopys, as far as I know-- look noticeably different than their successors, with slimmer heads and defined necks. My 2009 Snoopy has also gotten quite dirty, but I don't think that's a generational trait.
Do not let this picture fool you: there are five Yankee Snoopys in my life. This count includes neither my one Yankee Mickey Mouse doll nor my unaffiliated Snoopy that plays music when you squeeze his chest.
It came down to the last out in the ninth inning. Then, it came down to the bottom of the twelfth inning four minutes later. I feel so happy even though I hate the Rays. I really, really hate the Rays. But...THE RED SOX. I'm speechless.
Will the less likeable Upton also join?
Also, not immune to ugly championship graphics on their hats and t-shirts. Okay, okay. You won the division. Just please win the World Series, team.
Now, let's get serious. The Yankees clinched a playoff spot this afternoon by winning the first game in their doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays. Unlike the unruly Philadelphia Phillies, they celebrated by shaking hands. “We still feel as though we didn’t accomplish anything yet,” said Derek Jeter. DJ, when you do accomplish something, please get nicer looking hats than the Phillies did.
Top: Johnny Damon, Older and Fishier
Robinson Cano looks really short.
The new 2011 Snoopys wear navy blue t-shirts. Unlike the 2011 Snoopys, they have no collar and have a slightly shorter snout. The 2009 pin-striped Snoopys-- the original Yankee Snoopys, as far as I know-- look noticeably different than their successors, with slimmer heads and defined necks. My 2009 Snoopy has also gotten quite dirty, but I don't think that's a generational trait.
Do not let this picture fool you: there are five Yankee Snoopys in my life. This count includes neither my one Yankee Mickey Mouse doll nor my unaffiliated Snoopy that plays music when you squeeze his chest.
Top: Antonio Bastardo
Happily, Cole was serving mixed green salads to his wife and her friends and was nowhere near any cheap champagne, high school drop outs or prescription drug abuse. Whew. And Cole, we both know that you're on my team for LIFE, so just try to do your best today please.
Miggy has a hand tattoo?
Pablo Sandoval hit for the cycle two nights ago. Can you believe he hit a triple? 
I'm already starting to have baseball separation anxiety. Go away, football. Baseball, don't go!
While the Yankees cruise to a playoff berth, the less steady Red Sox won their first game in six days, 18-6. Old, old Time Wakefield finally won his 200th game. Sox fans, stop freaking. The Rays aren't going to catch you. I read it on the internet.
In other news, Mr. Met was recently crowned the new Dark Lord of New York City. Will the Yankees sue him for emotional property theft?
He's done bad things in the past:
We're all getting old. Come back soon, Peyton.
The internet tells me that Derek Jeter broke up with Minka Kelly because she's become too famous. I think it's probably because he knows that she'll never be in anything better than "Friday Night Lights."
But Derek, they're making a movie!
