The Yankees won their first series of the season with ease, taking the second straight from Minnesota, 10-1. Pettitte (following Pavano's above average performance) continued to calm the concerns regarding the staff with a 4 hit, 3 strikeout gem through 6 complete innings. It was my first time seeing him pitch this year and I was right at home: Vintage Pettitte, except he didn't go inside on righties with the cutter. Hopefully that pitch is tucked up his sleeve.

Scott Proctor pitched the 7th, and had trouble with his command, causing him to have to groove pitches for strikes. Vizcaino replaced him and bridged the gap to the future President of Panama, who vetoed Minnesota's 9th inning.

The offense hinged on two important swings. Rodriguez's first inning jack to grab the lead, 2-0, and Damon's fifth inning shot to place the game out of reach, 6-0. Melky broke his slump with a 2nd innning RBI. Giambi, Abreu and recent callup Kevin Thompson all added RBI's in the rout.

MLB Extra Innings gave me the Minnesota home TV feed, and the broadcasters compared Cano's swing with Rod Carew's side by side...it looked like the same guy in a different uniform.

I also understand that Rob Cucuzza has ordered a special bat for Alex with a composite handle...when he handles regular wood bats they burst into flames.