On to Minnesota (Jays 7, Yanks 6)

The Yankees might have lost this game, and Pettitte might have given a sub par performance. But there were some things of note:

Hinske (pictured above) debuted and won the fans over, flexing for the crowd, making a diving catch in the first, and homering later in the game.

Matsui was there in the clutch again. This guy is a warrior, and I hope he'll be in the lineup for the major late-summer clashes that will determine the participants in the postseason.

The umpires had a rough day. They blew several calls that could have changed the game.

The Jays' rookie Romero pitched well after the first inning. Look for him to get smoked next time he faces the Yankee lineup.

That's about it. The team finished 5-2 on the homestand, taking 3 from the Jays and winning their series against Seattle. To finish the first half the Bombers will take a quick trip to Minnesota and then to Anaheim. I'm thinking they'll finish the trip at 3-3, which would mean a 51-37 record heading to the break, perfectly on pace to contend for the playoffs. The Yankees will start Sabathia and Burnett, then give Mitre a shot in place of the injured Wang. Then, presumably, it will be Joba, Pettitte, and Sabathia again to finish the first half. 4 wins and 16 games over .500 would be great. Let's see if they can do it.

Projected record for current homestand: 4-3 (Projected record exceeded)
Target record for current homestand: 5-2
Result 5-2
Games remaining: 0

Midseason outlook
Games over .500: 14
Pre-All Star break target: 16
Games remailing: 6