A-Rod Back: Sort Of...

Alex Rodriguez is back at Steinbrenner Field in the next step of his rehab.

He was taking grounders and hitting off a tee. Peter Abraham is reporting he was hitting mostly everything the other way. Rodriguez is expected to meet with the media after his session is over and then later on tonight before the game.

I think he won't say much and be just fine but you never know with Rodriguez—the bottom line is the Yankees need him. 

Cody Ransom is struggling really bad and Rodriguez makes the lineup better. I hope he will be in the dugout with the team and bring inspiration to them, as they have been playing well.  Maybe he will offer some encouragement to Ransom.

The lineups will be posted later and I am sure I will be back with more on A-Rod.

I knew after the bullpen blew a game for Joba, stuff would heat up again.

Here is my take on this: Joba pitched six innings allowing one earned run. If it were someone else pitching, they may have not got to the bullpen with the lead. He is a starter and that is where he will be until the playoffs when a fifth starter isn't needed.

Joba is showing he has the stuff to be an elite pitcher—remember he is only 23 and will get better with more experience.

I think Joe Girardi actually messed up that inning—I may have left Marte in—the worst that would have happened would be Butler hitting a home run to tie the game, but then after Veras came in and walked the guy maybe he should of just left him in.

I have no problem not using MO as it is early in the year, and he is getting older and coming off of shoulder surgery.

If the Yankees come back now and win two out of three, it will be a pretty good trip and good time to establish the home field dominance.