Let's tour the Inter-Google this morning for stories making news Around the Yankee Universe.
- Great stuff today from Peter Abraham on road warrior Nick Swisher, who continues to do most of his damage away from the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium. He hit another road home run last night.
"I feel like the walls are right on top of on the road and they seem a mile away at Yankee Stadium," he said. "It’s frustrating. I sort of have to remind myself that I’m having a good season anyway."
I took a few notes, wished Swish well in the game and went about my business. Then — ka-boom — Swish hits a two-run homer to win the game and instant story.
Swisher is hitting .283 with 20 homers and 52 RBI on the road. He’s hitting .200 with three homers and 20 RBI in the Bronx.
"It’s mind-boggling," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It’s hard to understand, but baseball can be hard to understand. … I don’t try and figure out anything with Swish."
- The Yankees are really looking forward to seeing how 24-year-old left-hander Mike Dunn, a converted outfielder, fares in their bullpen this month.
"He’s not a finished product, but he has a big-time arm, a quality slider, and he’s a very good athlete," said Mark Newman, the Yankees’ senior vice president for baseball operations. "He’s throwing more strikes now, and as his control and command improve, he could really be a quality pen guy."
- The Yankees won, but A.J. Burnett continued to struggle last night.
"I wasn’t able to put anyone away tonight, so it’s a good thing our offense is swinging the way it’s swinging," Burnett said. "The difficult part is looking these guys in the eye after they give me a lead and I blow it, they give me another lead and I blow it. It’s tough, but I believe that I have their respect, and that’s a big reason they’re playing the way they’re playing. Everybody in here respects each other. It’s a great team to be a part of."
Burnett was clearly frustrated as he discussed his night, especially when he was asked how much it’s wearing on him not to have won a game in his last seven starts.
"Who’s going to be happy with not winning a game in a month?" he said. "It’s frustrating, but I work hard and do what I’ve got to do to get ready. Hopefully the next one will be better.
- Alex Rodriguez may not need further hip surgery. A-Rod, by the way, spoke to some kids Tuesday about the dangers of steroids.