New York Yankees Notes: Grand Slams, Mariano Rivera, Robinson Cano and More

If 2009 was the year of the walk-off then 2010 is the year of the grand slam. Alex Rodriguez belted one last night that put the Yankees ahead for good as they went on to win 6-1 behind a strong performance by CC Sabathia .

Here are some notes:

• A-Rod’s grand slam was the 21st of his career tying him with Manny Ramirez for second place all-time to Lou Gehrig who has 23.
• The slam was also the Yankees ninth as a team this year, the all-time mark is 10 set back in 1987 when Don Mattingly set a record for the most in a single season with six.
• A-Rod also hit another homer on the day giving him 597 for his career.
• Sabathia is on FIRE. He’s 7-0 with a 1.88 ERA in seven starts since June 3rd.
• Mariano Rivera has pulled out of the All-Star Game because of lingering oblique and knee injuries. It won’t be enough to keep him out of real games though, but will limit him to just one inning appearances.
• Robinson Cano has decided to take part in this year’s home run derby.
• Jorge Posada , sprained left pinky finger, played last night with a special glove to protect his hand.
• George Kontos has been activated and placed on the Double-A Trenton roster. He was recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

With the win last night Sabathia is now 11-3 and Andy Pettitte and Phil Hughes are both 10-2. It is possible that the Yankees could have three 20 game winners this season. That would be crazy.

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