Nick Blackburn News

A glance at the Twins' Minor League system shows a particular abundance in three areas: promising young arms, up-and-coming outfielders and a fascinating array of passports.

The free-agent market will officially be open for business at 11 p.m. CT Thursday and with it comes the opportunity for the Twins to begin exploring the market for ways to improve their club for another run at the postseason.

Following the acquisition of JJ Hardy, there are two major needs on this Minnesota team.

The Twins need an ace. They unequivocally need a pitcher who can go out every fifth day and shut a team down.

First off, a big thanks to everyone for submitting their questions. My e-mail inbox was quickly flooded last week with your numerous inquiries.

Though he kept his decision quiet this time, Yankees manager Joe Girardi again paired backup catcher Jose Molina with ALCS Game 2 starter A.J. Burnett , who finished the regular season strong while working with Molina exclusively.

With a slow grounder to to short, it was all over. The joy of game 163, the September magic, the 2009 season, baseball in the H.H.H. Metrodome, all of it.

It goes without saying that the better team won this series. The Yankees hit better with runners in scoring position over the three-game set; their three starters combined for 19 innings, a paltry four runs and fourteen hits allowed withA and twenty-one strikeouts.

Yanks vs Twins Trash Talk: WCBS vs WCCO Share + Oct 9, 2009 5:00 pm US/Eastern Yanks vs Twins Trash Talk: WCBS vs WCCO The Yankees vs.

The opening to the 2006 American League Division Series between the Tigers and Yankees looked somewhat similar to Wednesday night's first game in the 2009 ALDS for the Twins at Yankee Stadium.

THE SCHEDULE Wed., 5:07 p.m., TBS, at New York Minnesota - Brian Duensing NY Yankees - CC Sabathia Fri., 5:07 TBS, at New York Minnesota - Nick Blackburn NY Yankees - A.J. Burnett Sun., TBA, TBS, at Minnesota NY Yankees - Andy Pettitte Minnesota - Carl Pavano Mon*, TBA, TBS, at Minnesota NY Yankees - CC Sabathia Minnesota - Scott Baker Wed.*, TBA, ...

A.J. Burnett and Nick Blackburn, with a little help from some friends, pretty much made the first seven innings of this game moot.

The theme around Yankeeland right now? "So far, so good." The Yanks' Game 1 win was solid: They came from behind, got good pitching, got timely hitting.

Carl Pavano called those four injury-riddled, tension-filled seasons in New York a "black period" in his career.

Tired of being fingered as the guy who dragged down a dynasty, Alex Rodriguez has found a comfort zone to crawl into.

A.J. Burnett will be throwing to Jose Molina, and not Jorge Posada this evening.

It appears Melky Cabrera will patrol center field for the Yankees again in Game 2 tonight.

New York Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett throws during the first inning. A.J. Burnett has never been on the mound at Yankee Stadium, or any stadium, in a postseason game.

Orlando Cabrera and the Twins are in the Bronx. They say they're ready, but are they rested? The Twins have taken the field at Yankee Stadium.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland kept going back to the same aggravating point in his press conference after the first game of Tuesday's day-night doubleheader.