The Yankees toppled the Los Angeles Angels and became the first team in baseball to clinch a playoff berth on Tuesday night. The Yankees 96th win of the season was their ticket back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Phil Hughes came away with the win despite a shaky performance while Mariano came and finished the game in the 9th for his 41st save of the season. ARod, Posada, and Matsui all homered for the Yankees.

Don’t expect too much celebrating until the Yankees clinch the AL East division crown. They’ve been pretty much assured a playoff spot since late August, but it’s that division crown they’ve been lacking for the past 2 seasons that really means something special… like the fact they’re better than the Red Sox.

Tags: mariano, new york yankees, phil hughes, playoffs, red sox

The Yankees’ magic number has been at 1 since Sunday, and they’ll clinch a playoff spot tonight with either a win or a loss by the Texas Rangers. Don’t expect too much celebrating, as the Yankees will probably wait until they clinch the division (perhaps with a win over the Red Sox later this week) before breaking out the champagne. I’ll have a special report later this week on the top 10 reasons this Yankees season was their best in a decade.

Tags: magic number, new york yankees, texas rangers

The Yankees organization got two championships from its lower minor league teams, one from the Tampa Yankees of the Class A Florida State League and one from the Staten Island Yankees of the Class A Short-Season New York Penn League. The Triple A Scranton Yankees are facing elimination down 0-2 in their best of 5 championship series, but the final 3 games will all be at home in PNC Field. This is great news for a Yankees organization that’s trying to manufacture more talent of its own and spend less in free agency.

Tags: class a, farm system, florida state league, minor leagues, new york penn league, new york yankees, staten island yankees, tampa yankees

Mariano Rivera will be out at least a few days as he recovers from a groin injury. Mo is currently saying he suffered the injury while pitching, but rumor has it he was injured after spending a night out on the town with Derek Jeter. Those New York boys sure know how to party.

Tags: derek jeter, groin injury, mariano rivera