New York Yankees

It was another nail-biting, extra innings game for the New York Yankees who needed to win and did.

Now, the Bombers are back in first place after losing it for 24 hours to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Only a half-game separates the two ball-clubs making Wednesday night’s outcome a declaration for who ever wins. That is until next week when the Rays come to the Bronx for four games.

Almost a year ago, September 13, Joe Girardi was a ticked off manager.  Even though the Yankees had the best record in the game (92-52) and a seven-game lead in the AL East over the Boston Red Sox, Girardi had been tossed out of a close game against the Orioles for arguing balls and strikes.  

The Yankees overcame a seven-run fifth inning, battled back to beat the Tampa Bay Rays 8-7 in 10 innings, and regained first place in the AL East.

Fourth devastating outcome in a row for the New York Yankees, third walk-off loss, and no longer do they hold the best record in baseball.

That honor now belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays, who take a half-game lead in the AL East standings.

The Yankees just can’t seem to catch a break, as things just keep getting worse.

Monday's pitching match-up of CC Sabathia vs. David Price lived-up to all the hype. Both leading Cy Young Award candidates, who equally proved why on the mound.

With a 1-0 loss to Tampa Bay, the Yankees dropped out of first place for the first time since August 3.  They've lost seven of their past eight games, three via the walk-off.  No one player has been entirely blameless during the stretch and many players have played poorly, or not at all.

Before the Yankees' painful 1-0 loss to the Rays in 11 innings on Monday night, Manager Joe Girardi told MLB.com that "the division is important because everyone wants their home fans behind them as long as you can. We had it last year and it worked out very well for us. It's important to us."

He was obviously not telling the truth.

While the rest of the sports' world was watching a sloppy Monday Night Football game between the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens or perhaps watching the U.S. Open Final, MLB diehards watched as New York Yankees' C.C. Sabathia and Tampa Bay Rays' David Price dueled it out at Tropicana Field.

If you missed it, you missed one gem which produced post-season like excitement but no answer to who the AL-Cy Young front runner.

When you glance at Derek Jeter’s .261 batting average in 2010, the first thing you ask yourself is: Do I need glasses.

Why?

Because, barring an extremely unprecedented surge, Jeter is on pace to hit below .300 for the first time  since 2002. More concerning, it will be his lowest batting average since 1995, his first season, when he played just 15 games.

So what is it? What is happening to the Captain?

Via Chad Jennings:

An MRI on Brett Gardner’s right wrist showed no break or tear, but it did show considerable inflammation. Gardner got a cortisone shot and is hopeful it will do the trick within a day or two.

The Yankees have been bad lately, but they’re still in first place because the Tampa Bay Rays have also been struggling.

That lead is down to just half a game though, and it will be put to the test over the next three days as the two AL East juggernauts go head-to-head.