Things I Learned from Tonight's Game (Game 8 vs Rays)

Listen up, children.  School’s in session.  Feel free to argue, debate, curse, praise, or deride my conclusions on tonight’s game.

AJ Burnett = Stopper?: Well, so far he is. Just when the Yankees need a win most, AJ delivers a studly 8 inning gem where he flirted with a no-no through 6 full. Hey, in a month, he’ll probably have two straight bad outings while Wanger plays the stopper role, but for now, it sure is fun watching this guy pitch.

Swisher is apparently determined to balance out last year’s dropoff by impersonating Babe Ruth for a couple months: What is this guy, Superman? Good job by Joe to ride the hot hand, here. 2-4 with a double and, yawn, another home run.

Brett Gardner may be able to hold down this job, after all: with a line like 3-5 w/ 3 runs, 1 RBI and 2 doubles, he’s suddenly hitting a respectable .296… nice.

Nick Swisher’s levity last night somehow didn’t shatter the entire team’s will to win – SHOOOOCKING!

Rumors of Derek Jeter’s demise may have been slightly exaggerated: 3-5 w/ a big, late inning 3-run jiggedy-jack for the Captain. He’s back up to .265 just like that.

Ramiro Pena may get another start at third: Yes 0-3, but drew a walk and looked awfully slick with that glove.