New York Yankees

One-tenth of the New York Yankee season is gone. The team is 12-5. One of the greatest surprises of the new season is Brett Gardner.

Having been given the starting job out of Spring Training in 2009, Gardner could not hold it. He was unable to show a consistent ability to hit major league pitching last year.

But this year, at least so far, Gardner has been fantastic.

In yesterday's win over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Gardner was once again starting in left field. But there was a major change in his place in the batting order.

According to Chad Jennings of the Journal News, Yankees designated hitter Nick Johnson has a stiff back and isn’t expected to play today, but after an off day on Monday should be back in the lineup Tuesday.

If you missed the game, or our post about it, here’s what happened: In the top of the third inning of Friday night’s loss to the Angels, with Mark Teixeira at second, Robinson Cano singled to right. Tex came around third and there was a collision at the plate with Texas catcher Bobby Wilson. The consequence was a concussion and an injured ankle.

(Click here to view this video).

I’m going to keep this short because I’m with Alex Rodriguez ; this is really just a funny incident and it’s really not a big deal.

The Yankees lost in heartbreaking fashion last night as Joba Chamberlain gave up an eighth inning two-run home run that put the Angels ahead for good 6-4. It was, like all games against the Angels, very tough and hard fought. 

As far as some of the Angels are concerned it was a little too hard fought. I’m talking about a third inning collision between Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira and Angels’ backup catcher Bobby Wilson, who was playing in just his second game of the season.

When Chan Ho Park landed on the disabled list with a sprained hamstring the Yankees hoped it would be a short stint for the reliever who has quickly become a valuable member of the bullpen, but

• AL East
• Baseball
• MLB
• New York Yankees
• Tampa Bay Rays