It was not vintage Johan Santana last night at the Stadium in the Bronx, but the young lefty got the job done as the Twins beat the Bombers 2-0.

The Twins play defense especially in the outfield. Torri Hunter is the best center fielder in the game today. He runs down everything, throws with the best, and displays an enthusiasm for the game which lifts his team.

The Yankees miss Jason Giambi’s bat in the middle of the line up. What a waste of time having A Rod bat second. Ted Sizemore batted second, Junior Gilliam, Tommy Herr, Kevin Seitzer, Rennie Stennett, they all hit second, you get the idea, the set up hitters in the lineup.

If this is the spot A Rod feels comfortable hitting in NY, because he again disappeared in the clutch this season, it could be a short postseason for the New Yorkers.

I’d move him to fourth right now and put Bernie Williams second.

Click below for more!Brad Radke had the best season he has put together in years even though his won and lost record doesn’t reflect it. He has had trouble with the Yankees in the Stadium over the years.

The Yankee season is on the line tonight behind Jon Lieber. Not the match up Joe Torre expected when he set his rotation in April.

Kevin Brown should have gone last night, Javier Vasquez tonight, and Mike Mussina in game three.

Even El Duque would have been a better option today than Lieber who routinely gives up 8-9 hits per six innings pitched.

Yankee bats better come alive tonight or they will need another miracle finish and the Twins won’t be as cooperative as the A’s were in earlier ALDS series, once the Twinkies get home to the Dome.

The Angels will need to put some runs on the board early against Pedro. The weather is nice, much to Pedro’s liking. Bartolo Colon has been hit hard by the Sox this year.

The Angels need baserunners because the big boppers aren’t capable of winning this thing by themselves. David Eckstein, Chone Figgins, Dallas McPherson, et al have got to get on for Vlad, Glaus, and Garret Anderson.

Again it’s a six inning game the way the Angels play and tonight they better scratch out some runs early.

Solid power pitching is a must in October. Curt Schilling looked great for six innings, the Red Sox bull pen will be a factor in this series. Looked like Schilling tweaked his ankle in the seventh inning fielding a ball near first base. Worth noting in his next start if there is one.

The Astros have been a poor playoff team in the past. Why should this year be any different?

One, the Braves don’t have Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux, two Astro killers from the past.

Two, John Smoltz may not be 100%.

Three, the Astros have won 18 straight at home, that’s an amazing feat for any team.

Four, Carlos Beltran. He has slowed lately but this is his stage for the taking this October. If he gets hot, he is capable of being the MVP of the series.

Jeff Kent also is playing his best ball right now. Roger Clemens gives the Astros some legitimacy on the mound.

Five, Rafael Furcal is under house arrest even though he can play in the games. That can’t be good, although it will keep him in at night.

Astros can take the Braves especially in game one tonight. Jaret Wright got hit hard on the leg in his last start vs. the Mets. Some thought his leg was broken by the force of the drive. Big game for Wright who has turned in a terrific season. Control has plagued Wright in the past and I expect the Astros will have plenty of runners on base and then someone will knock one out.

Houston will win this series.

Cards smashed the Dodgers and more is on the way. Odalis Perez didn’t have it for LA. The Cards manager Tony La Russa went to the pen as expected early enough to ensure victory.

Power pitchers: You need one or two to survive, Let’s look at yesterday’s starters:

Santana needed to get this game under his belt. He didn’t have much last night. Is he tired or nervous?

Schilling very tough and expect more from him if healthy.

Mussina adequate and gives the Yankees hope if there is a game five.

Woody Williams hung in for six, that’s all they ask.

Jarrod Washburn not very good and the Sox nailed him too often.

Odalis Perez off his game, every mistake left the park and did what was unfortunately expected.

Losers better get off the deck today or else it’s game by game to stave off elimination.