Mariano Rivera

It was definitely not the most well-played game ever, but it was an instant classic for the 2010 season—at least for the Yankees, anyway.

The Bombers went into the ninth inning trailing 5-4. Derek Jeter and Nick Swisher both walked to lead off the inning against Aaron Heilman. Mark Teixeira’s ground ball moved them to second and third, and A-Rod hit a sacrifice fly to score Jeter.

It's a good thing the New York Yankees starting pitchers have been able to go deep into ballgames most of the season. It is, however, a long season, and the bullpen will need to step up and win some games for this club.

Do you feel confident they can? I sure don't. Outside of Mariano Rivera , who is having yet another excellent season, the Yankees bullpen is full of question marks.

Earlier in the year, everyone was writing stories about Derek Jeter and what it would take to resign the New York Yankees all-star shortstop after the season, when his 10-year contract finally comes to an end.

I’m not sure why there's been such an obsession over this. Everyone knows that Jeter is more likely to retire than to sign somewhere else.

On July 13, MLB's best players will take a break from their normal schedules to square off at Angel Stadium in the 81st Midsummer Classic.

Fans have been voting for their favorite position players for quite some time: Albert Pujols is the obvious pick for NL first baseman, and Joe Mauer is the overwhelming favorite for AL catcher.

Baseball worshipers hope to see their teams' leaders hit the long ball every time they enter the batter's box.

But who will pitch to these super sluggers?

That part of the whole shebang is up to All-Star managers Charlie Manuel and Joe Girardi.

The current talent in Major League Baseball rivals that of any era. Stars are both being born and resting, such as Ken Griffey, Jr.

Of the Hall of Fame hopefuls, here are 11 players whose names you can expect to see enshrined in Cooperstown, NY—the ultimate accomplishment in baseball.

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As soon as Chad Gaudin came marching out of the pen for the 14th inning today I knew the game was over, and I'm sure many of you felt the same way.

Sure enough, Gaudin walked the first batter he faced on four pitches and two batters later the game was over, with Mariano waiting for a save situation that never came.

I was on Twitter at the end of the game and many people, including beat writers, bloggers and fans, began the debate well before Gaudin threw his first pitch:

The look on Mark Teixeira's face tells it all.

The Yankees are mired in a slump to beat all slumps. Not only has the lights-out pitching from early in the year disappeared, but the offense is sputtering right now as well.

Which is not a good combination.

I'd say the slump started with the Detroit series, which was won by the Tigers three games to one. Then it looked like the Yankees dominance over the Twins would never end, that is until Jason Kubel proved that Mo was in fact human by hitting a grand slam—the first ever slam given up by Mo at Yankee Stadium.

Baseball is a sport unlike others when it comes to age. If you're 40 and a basketball player, you're done unless you have extreme ability or are just playing a few minutes a game. If you're 40 and a football player, you're either retired, a kicker/punter, or Brett Favre.

Regularly though, ballplayers will play well into their 40s, and play well at that. Julio Franco hung around forever, as did Nolan Ryan.

There are currently ten ballplayers over 40 who have been active this season.

So, does anyone right now trust the Yankees' bullpen?

If you're like me, you are shaking your head saying no. And right now, you have every reason to.

Now, I know the Yankees are 25-13 and just three games behind the Rays for first place in the American League East, and most fans of other teams will tell the Yankees to stop complaining because they could be worse.

Yes, the Yankees could be the Pirates and be completely doomed. But, they're not.

Let me start by saying that I am one of the biggest Derek Jeter fans ever. I grew up watching my favorite player become a legend for the most storied franchise in American sports. Seeing Derek Jeter play is something that I will tell my children.

However, this season has not been going as well as we have come to expect from "El Capitan".

At the one-quarter mark of the 2010 Major League Baseball season, the New York Yankees are 25-14. That is good for second place in the American League East, 3.0 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays.