Although it wasn’t exactly a shocking development, the New York Yankees officially cemented a spot in the 2009 Major League Baseball playoffs with a victory on Monday. After a 6-5 victory of the Los Angeles Angels, the Yankees had an extremely mild celebration and continued on their goal to finish with the best record in baseball.

After starting the season slowly, the Yankees are now 95-56. They have a six-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. Not only do they have the best record in either league, the Yankees’ run differential of +149 is also best mark.

On Monday, the Yankees got up 5-0 on the Angels, however Los Angeles was able to battle back to tie the game at five. In the top of the ninth, Alex Rodriguez hit a game-winning sac fly that scored Brett Gardner. In the bottom of the ninth, Mariano Rivera finished off the game to pick up his 41st save on the season.

While the Yankees weren’t too overtly thrilled with simply making the playoffs, star first baseman Mark Teixeira said that the team will celebrate more once they clinch the AL East.

“You don’t see any champagne tonight,” said Teixeira, “but hopefully in a couple of days you will.”

Derek Jeter and the Yankees are headed to the playoffs (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

David Price has been called up by the Tampa Bay Rays and may start as soon as Saturday. Price, who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, has pitched increasingly well in the minor leagues this season.

Price first made his name as a stud pitcher at Vanderbilt University. Now, a short time later, Price will try to help the Rays make the playoffs.

In the AL East, the Rays are in a dog fight with the Boston Red Sox for the top spot. The Toronto Blue Jays are also making a charge up the standings, while the always dangerous New York Yankees continue to lurk.

If Price does make a start in the coming days, you can bet the eyes of baseball will all be focused on one of the game’s most exciting prospects.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

AMERICAN LEAGUE

AL East
The Tampa Bay Rays are leading the division but the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox are only 1.5 games back. The New York Yankees aren’t even third anymore as they have been passed by the red hot Toronto Blue Jays.

AL Central
The Chicago White Sox have a 2.5 game lead over the Minnesota Twins. The White Sox are the more experience team, while the Twins are the younger team with more upside.

AL West
The Los Angeles Angels are far ahead of anyone else in the AL West. The closest team is the Texas Rangers — and they are 17 games back.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

NL East
The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are in a dogfight for the division crown. Currently the Mets lead the Phillies by 2 games.

NL Central
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the best teams in baseball for much of the season by now they have the red hot Milwaukee Brewers on their tale. With the Cubs struggling a bit, their 4 game lead could disappear within a week.

NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers are leading the worst division in baseball. At 73-70, the Dodgers have a 1.5 game lead over the Arizona Cardinals. Even the 67-77 Colorado Rockies are only 6.5 games back.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

With two outs and Robinson Cano on second base, Gardner hit a single to right field. Gardner, a rookie, was only 1-for-16 entering the game.

With the loss, the Red Sox fell four games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East. With the win, the Yankees now trail the Rays by nine games.

Here is the video of Jonathan Papelbon crying:

Post from: Knuckle Curve