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The last two months have historically been C.C. Sabathia's strongest, but last season, the big lefty wilted in the summer heat. So, if the Yankees were a little apprehensive about how Sabathia would handle the homestretch, last night probably assuaged some of those fears. In addition to pitching his second complete game of the season, the lefty also struck out 10 or more batters for the fourth time this season, the third highest total of his career.
Ichiro Suzuki extended his hitting streak with the Yankees to 10 games, coming within two of the franchise record for players beginning their career in pinstripes. Unfortunately, the streak has been of the one-a-day variety, so Ichiro's initial offensive contribution remains somewhat of a disappointment.
Just days after former Yankee Hideki Matsui was given his walking papers from the Tampa Bay Rays, another 2009 World Series hero was set free. On Friday, the Indians released veteran outfielder Johnny Damon, who now has to wonder whether he'll ever make it to 3,000 hits.
The ever fragile Eric Chavez was forced to leave last night's game after "tweaking" the same ankle that was target practice for a Mark Melancon fastball during last Friday's game against Boston. Although Girardi and Chavez described the injury as minor during the postgame, even the smallest bumps and bruises on the third baseman's body need to be taken seriously, especially considering his prominent role as Alex Rodriguez' main replacement.
Instead of wasting your time reading some of the obituaries written about Joba Chamberlain after his shaky return to the Bronx on Wednesday, check out Marc Carig's profile of the right hander, who is set to embark on another chapter in his eventful career.
She Gone! The YES Network is adding to its deep roster of on-air talent by snatching Sarah Kustok away from Comcast SportsNet Chicago. There had been speculation that Kustok was preparing to join YES as earlier as last week, and those rumors were confirmed by Hawk Harrelson after the White Sox' walk-off win against the Angels.
Have you missed seeing baseball in the Olympics? Neither have I. In fact, the sport is better off distancing itself from the Summer Games. Unfortunately, the same isn't true for softball, which has decided to join forces with baseball as the two sports prepare to once again petition for reinstatement.