Who Let AJ Burnett Off of the DL?

Night two in the Bronx saw AJ Burnett silence a would be impressive Yankee lineup.  This is the perfect April game - white knuckles, cold bats and a guy throwing gas. 

Based on how deep Giambi's 9th inning fly out was to left, ARod's blast to the deepest part of the ballpark is doubly impressive...Giambi's fly out created some drama, angst even - will it go?  Is it deep enough?  ARod's was a no-doubter.  Impressive...And equally unimpressive was ARod's 9th inning strike out, but despite my beloved Patriots' efforts, I guess the Bombers werent destined to go 162-0.

Moose was ok.  The impressive thing for me was the mental approach.  I think last year his biggest struggle was not understanding he couldnt use the same approach with his current stuff.  Last night seemed to indicate he has accepted matching his approach with his stuff.  I will be a very happy maniacal fan if Moose gives me 30 starts of Slow-Slower-and-Slower.  He's proven he's smart enough to get hitters out without his A-Game, the more he adapts his approach to his stuff the better off the whole staff (and bullpen) will be.

Captain Jeter - I love you, always have, and always will - you have been the face of all things right with baseball for more than a decade.  That said, how did you run into that out with that whole play right infront of you?  A little mental rust in April?  I'll go with that.  All's forgiven, you can still be my shortstop.

Is Phil Hughes ready for tonight?  I am betting yes, at least mentally.  I havent heard of anything nagging him physically, but I am keeping my fingers crossed.  One full year of a healthy Hughes should be a lot of fun to watch.  I dont want to ship him to Cooperstown yet, but I think his tough mental approach will yield great results mixed with some good health and some good luck.

Go Yanks!