something that I thought was interesting from the AP writeup of the Yankees 5-1 win over Minnesota on Wednesday:

"Justin Christian drove in two runs with a double, and Richie Sexson had a sacrifice fly and 13 putouts and three assists at first base as the Yankees completed a 6-0, post-break homestand with sweeps of Oakland and the Twins.

Up next is a trip to Boston, with the Yankees taking their mediocre 23-23 road record into Fenway Park for three games starting Friday."

Mediocre?  Here are the road records by some of the contenders this year:

• Tampa (19-25)
• Boston (23-32)
• White Sox (22-27)
• Minnesota (21-27)
• Cubs (21-30)

Record-wise, those are 5 of the top 9 teams in baseball.  The Angels (31-18), Phillies (27-23), and Cardinals (27-22) are the only teams in the bigs that have winning road records.  Percentage-wise the Yankees have the 2nd best road record in the American League, and tied for 4th best record away from home (with 26-26 Milwaukee) in baseball.

Mediocre?  I'm sure there are a lot of teams that would've liked to have that "mediocre" .500 record away from home this season.  Maybe the AP should check the standings a little more closely.

With road series at Texas, Minnesota, Anaheim, Baltimore, and Toronto next month, hopefully the Yankees can keep this mediocrity up and stay right in the thick of the Wild Card and AL East races.

Keep it going boys.

The NY Daily News reported today that Jason Giambi has a magical golden thong which he wears when he is in a slump.  If that mental picture isn't disturbing enough, supposedly he also shares it with teammates:

"I had it over my shorts and stuff," he said. "I was 0-for-32 and I hit a homer on the first pitch. That's the only time I've ever worn it."

- Derek Jeter

The paper delivered 26 to the Yankees clubhouse this week.

As a side note, I'm cool with it, as long as I never have to see it.  Also, I think Robinson Cano should wear two of them this week.  Maybe get the matching bra as well.  He's gotta do something.

after the Mets collapse, I advise all of you to go back and take a look at this piece written by Murray Chass at the beginning of September:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/04/sports/baseball/04chass.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin

do teams that "deserve to make the playoffs" choke away a 7 1/2 game lead with 17 to play?

i know it doesn't mean much to take pleasure in another team's agony, but for the two mets fan "friends" of mine that called me after the yanks fell to boston in '04 - this is for you.