Around the Yankee Universe, 05.12.09

Here is some of what is being written and talked about around the Yankee Universe today, as we wait for A.J. Burnett and Roy Halladay to go head-to-head tonight.

• If you didn't already know, Burnett has great admiration for Halladay.

He credits Halladay for helping him mature and becoming a better pitcher; he hopes to show the teacher what he learned tonight.

"I went there for a reason," Burnett said. "It was only for three years, but I believe that reason was to be around a man like Roy Halladay. You see someone out there that's great and gets better every time. That kind of opens your eyes a little bit.

"The main thing I gathered from him is preparation and focus. I never really watched videos or paid that much attention until I got around him. He's locked into every game when he's not pitching. I try to do that when I'm not pitching also."

• Mark Teixeira is still looking for his swing.
• The Blue Jays are in first place, but they still aren't sure if their good start is a mirage.
• Peter Abraham talked to Brett Tomko and Francisco Cervelli about some of the prospects in the Yankee farm system.
• Bronx Banter looks at the Yankee record through 31 games dating all the way back to 2000. It is amazing that the Yankees have been 15-16 three consecutive seasons.
• A pretty hilarious item in the NY Post today about Madonna suddenly becoming a Mets' fan.

[NOTE: Don't forget the debut of the 'Valentine's Views' show on Blog Talk Radio this afternoon at 1 p.m. Eastern.]