New York Yankees

Via Chad Jennings:

Making his first start in nine days, Phil Hughes was dominant for four innings. Perfect actually. He wouldn’t be perfect on this night. In fact, he wouldn’t even get his team a victory, thanks to Dan Johnson.

The Rays designated hitter who spent last season playing in Japan needed two swings to carry his team to their second win in three games against the Yankees.

The Yankees lost 4-3 to the Tampa Bay Rays last night after journeyman Dan Johnson blasted a pair of two-run home runs off of Phil Hughes, and the Yankees offense was held in check by "Big Game"

And now, ladies and gentleman, the Aflac $100,000 Question of the Day: Who is Dan Johnson?

Hmmmm ...

Was he the dude from Miami Vice? Wait, that was Don Johnson.

Okay ...

Around 9:15 EST Wednesday night while playing the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Derek Jeter did something we have never seen him do, and might never expect him to do. Jeter has been an ambassador of the game and is known for being class act for throughout his career, but on Wednesday night...

He acted.

Yankee fans were unhappy—to say the least—on Monday night, when the Yankees surrendered first place to the Rays for the first time since August 3. Tuesday night, the Yankees got first place back, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Amidst all that anger came an interesting thought: what if, by some chance, the Yankees didn’t win the division?

In order to provide themselves with more bullpen depth, the Yankees have recalled LHP Royce Ring from the minor leagues.

Via MLB.com:

"Having previous big league managing experience will be a plus for those under consideration to manage the Marlins in 2011.

"Meeting the criteria is Tony Pena.

"Currently the Yankees bench coach, Pena spent parts of four seasons (2002-05) managing the Royals. In 2003, he was named the American League Manager of the Year.

Jorge Posada had become something of a forgotten man around the Yankee Universe this season.

He's always stayed in the shadows of New York's starry landscape when you think about it, which is pretty amazing when you realize he's one of the greatest offensive catchers to ever play the game.

The Yankees won a roller coaster last night to take back first place, but like I said, last night—it doesn’t mean much if they can’t win tonight to stay atop the AL East.