David Ortiz reached on an infield single to score Dustin Pedroia for the go-ahead score in the top of the seventh inning, rallying the Boston Red Sox to win 4-3 over the Minnesota Twins last night at Target Field. (more)

Mark Teixeira blasted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh inning for the New York Yankees to rally past the Minnesota Twins 6-4 in Game 1 of the American League Division Series last night at Target Field. Minnesota was up 3-0 in the sixth when the Yanks produced a string of base hits for four runs, the final two brought in by Curtis Granderson’s triple to deep right. Teixeira and Granderson were the only Bronx Bombers to notch multiple hits and RBI’s. “Our lineup is so deep, there’s never a reason to give up,” said Teixeira. “There’s some teams where maybe two or three guys carry the team and, if you’re in a big hole, it’s tough to get out of. But with our lineup, we can be down four, five, six runs and still have a chance to score seven or eight. We just haven’t given up all year.” CC Sabathia struggled during his six innings of work, letting up four runs on five hits with three walks and five strikeouts. New York’s bullpen was lights out through three innings with the trusted Mariano Rivera setting up the four remaining outs. “I think Game 1 is the most important game, no matter what,” said Granderson. “It sets the tone, at least for a few hours.” Game 2 is set for tonight in Minnesota before the series shifts to Yankee Stadium starting Saturday, October 9th. ALDS tickets are now available!

The battle for the AL East is finally over and the Yankees will have to be satisfied with the Wild Card berth in 2010. Not that anything other than a World Series title is considered acceptable in New York but the Yankees would have liked the benefit of home field advantage. Instead the Yankees will travel to Minnesota for Game 1 of the ALCS on Wednesday 10/6. The Yankees finish the 2010 regular season at 95-67 in a tough AL East division. It was another great offensive year for New York who led the league in runs scored with 855 due in no small part to great offensive years by several players. Robinson Cano led the Yankees with a .319 batting average while Alex Rodriguez made it 13 straight seasons with at least 30 home runs and 100 RBI. The Twins won the AL Central with a record of 94-68 and went 2-4 agains the Yankees. The two teams met in last year’s ALDS with the Yankees advancing and eventually winning the World Series. Yankees vs Twins ALDS tickets are now available for all games.  Yankees vs. Twins ALDS Schedule: Game 1: Yankees @ Twins Wednesday, Oct. 6 Game 2: Yankees @ Twins Thursday, Oct. 7 Game 3: Twins @ Yankees Saturday, Oct. 9 Game 4*: Twins @ Yankees Sunday, Oct. 10 Game 5*: Yankees @ Twins Tuesday, Oct. 12

The Minnesota Twins just recently re-signed Joe Mauer to an eight-year $184 million deal, marking the All-Star catcher as one of the highest paid players in baseball. The new contract can only compare to the likes of Alex Rodriguez ($275 million 10-years) and Derek Jeter ($189 million 10-years). Mauer, a Saint Paul, MN native should be able to remain a Twin for the rest of his career. The six-year veteran has earned a career average of .327 with 72 home runs and 397 RBI’s. He’s already won three batting titles and two Gold Glove Awards, resulting in most analysts to rank him as the best player in the league. The 2009 Twins finished the regular season in a tie with the Detroit Tigers, which led to a one-game playoff to determine the Division winners. After claiming victory in a hard fought 12-inning battle, Minnesota ended their season three games later in the ALDS against the current world champion New York Yankees. In light of their efforts, Mauer became the second catcher in 33 years to capture the AL MVP Award.

Veteran slugger Jim Thome will join the Minnesota Twins in order to further strengthen their lineup in 2010. The former Chicago All-Star is excited to return back east to help the Twins reclaim the AL Central Division. The one-year deal will pay $1.5 million guaranteed with $750,000 in incentives. Minnesota is planning to use him primarily as their go-to DH and pinch hitter. “They were really excited about me coming there, so to me it was a no-brainer,” said Thome. “I’ve always enjoyed the way they play and how they go about their business. To be a part of that will be a lot of fun to go there and help them win.” The 39-year old future hall of famer has racked up a total of 2138 hits and 1565 RBI’s since signing with the Cleveland Indians in 1991. In 2003 he became a member of the Philadelphia Phillies before joining the Chicago White Sox in 2006. He was traded to the LA Dodgers last season where he saw limited action. “I don’t expect him to come off the bench and be a .400 hitter. I expect him to come off the bench and be a threat,” said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. “He looks like stinkin’ Babe Ruth. He swings like Babe Ruth. We’ve seen too many fly against us. Now let’s see some fly for us.”  More MLB Hot Stove updates to come!

Minnesota Twins franchise player Joe Mauer received 27 of 28 first place votes and 387 points to be named the American League’s 2009 Most Valuable Player. Yankees Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter followed up with 225 and 193 points, respectively. Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera claimed the only other first place vote along with 171 points. Mauer is the second catcher in over 30 years to earn AL MVP rights. In total Mauer hit for a .365 batting average with a .444 on base percentage and .587 slugging percentage. He also set individual marks for himself this season, blasting 28 homers while knocking in 96 RB’s. The 26-year old All-Star has the ability to become a free agent in 2010. Mauer for now is comfortable in a Twins uniform, saying “I’m not the kind of guy that, you know, says by this date we need to have something done. Can we win here? Yes. Definitely. I think so, and that’s ultimately what I would like to do.”

Riding off their 12 inning AL Central tie-breaking spectacular, the Minnesota Twins carried their adrenalin over to the Bronx but couldn’t keep it up for all nine innings.  Yankees veteran shortstop Derek Jeter crushed a two run shot down the left field line in the bottom of the third inning last night to bring New York back in the game.  From there the Bronx Bombers completely dominated, finishing the ALDS opener with a 7-2 victory. CC Sabathia showed he can perform on the hill just as well in October, letting up just two runs in eight innings of work.  Jeter and third basemen Alex Rodriguez led the Yanks high power offense with two hits apiece.  Outfielder Hideki Matsui contributed with 2 RBI’s from his 5th inning blast to center field. Minnesota is not yet discouraged but is excited to have an extra day to be ready for Game 2.  “We all need to go home, get a good night’s rest,” said Twins pitcher Carl Pavano, who will start Game 3. “We’re going to be a little fresher, I’m sure, on Friday.” Saturdays game will again take place at Yankee Stadium and is scheduled to start up at 6:07 PM. Don’t miss out on the ALDS action! Tickets are available now!

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels The Red Sox (Wild Card) and Angels (AL West Champs) since 2004 have met three different times in the American League Division Series in 2004, 2007, and 2008.  Boston has the clear advantage thus far based on what history tells us, knowing they’ve won all three previous ALDS battles with ease.  In their first two meetings the Sox swept LA en route to winning the World Series.  In 2008 it took Boston four games to beat the Angels, where they advanced and eventually lost to the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Championship Series. Even though the Angels haven’t been too successful in the playoffs against Boston, they seem to be more confident than ever looking ahead to their October stretch. “I really like this team, where we are,” said Angels veteran right fielder Bobby Abreu. “I feel like it’s our time, I really do.” LA is one game up on the Red Sox for 2009, winning five out of their nine games played. Series Schedule and Probable Starting Pitchers: Game 1 – Thursday, October 8th, 9:37 PM – Angel Stadium of Anaheim                    Jon Lester (Red Sox 15-8) vs. John Lackey (Angels 11-8) Game 2 – Friday, October 9th, 9:37 PM – Angel Stadium of Anaheim                    Josh Beckett (Red Sox 17-6) vs. Jered Weaver (Angels 16-8) Game 3 – Sunday, October 11th, Time TBD – Fenway Park                     Clay Buchholz (Red Sox 7-4) vs. Scott Kazmir (Angels 10-9)   Game 4 – Monday, October 12th, Time TBD – Fenway Park                     If Necessary Starting Pitchers TBD Game 5 – Wednesday, October 14th, Time TBD – Angel Stadium of Anaheim                     If Necessary Starting Pitchers TBD New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins Right after the Minnesota Twins barely edged the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central tie-breaker game, the club had less than a day to pack up and travel to the Bronx for their ALDS meeting against the New York Yankees.  This matchup will surely favor the Yankees, knowing their 7-0 2009 regular season record against Minnesota. Manager Joe Girardi believes this year’s Yankee team won’t take any opponent lightly no matter how well they have previously performed.  “It’s a lot different team,” said Girardi. “I sense that there was a determination after what we went through last year when we didn’t make the playoffs. You don’t play this game and put all that hard work in to just make the playoffs. There’s a goal set. And the goal was set when we went to work last winter.” Despite the Bronx Bombers success all season long, don’t be surprised if Minnesota can ride off their high energy and come in looking to spoil a game or two.  Series Schedule and Probable Starting Pitchers: Game 1 – Wednesday, October 7th, 6:07 PM – Yankee Stadium                    CC Sabathia (Yankees 19-8) vs. Brian Duensing (Twins 5-2) Game 2 – Friday, October 9th, 6:07 PM – Yankee Stadium                    A.J. Burnett (Yankees 13-9) vs. Nick Blackburn (Twins 11-11) Game 3 – Sunday, October 11th, Time TBD – Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome                    Andy Pettit (Yankees 14-8) vs. Carl Pavano (Twins 14-2)   Game 4 – Monday, October 12th, Time TBD – Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome                    If Necessary Starting Pitchers TBD Game 5 – Wednesday, October 14th, Time TBD – Yankee Stadium                    If Necessary Starting Pitchers TBD

After last year’s heartbreaking 1-0 AL Central tie-breaking loss to the Chicago White Sox, the Minnesota Twins found themselves back in the same spot but this time would come out on top.  It took 162 games and 12 extra innings for Alexi Casilla to hit a grounder between the right side infielders, scoring Carlos Gonzalez for the Twins to win 6-5 over the Detroit Tigers and take the division last night at the Metrodome. From the 7th inning on there were three lead changes.  Detroit’s offense dominated to start, initially producing a 3-0 lead by the 3rd.  The Twins rallied back after Orlando Cabrera’s two-run shot over the left field wall in the bottom of the 7th. Following the Tigers come back in the 10th, Minnesota answered back to keep the game going until the 12 when they finally put their regular season to rest with the AL Central Division in their hands. “This is absolutely the most unbelievable game I have ever played (in) or seen,” said Cabrera. “I’m really proud of my teammates. “When we were down, we got together and we had to pull it out. Here we are – we’re going to the postseason.” The Twins after the winning run came in had 21 hours to get ready and travel to New York for their opening ALDS game against the Yankees. This year New York has dominated the Twins, defeating them in all seven regular season contests.  Yankees ace pitcher CC Sabathia will be starting for New York against Minnesota’s Brian Duensing. Tickets for this series are now available!

New York Yankees third basemen Alex Rodriguez heading into their last regular season game needed two home runs and seven more RBI’s to top the list of most consecutive 30 HR 100 RBI seasons.  In the sixth inning alone he did just that.  A-Rod nailed a three-run shot and a grand slam all in the same inning to earn his record over Manny Ramirez, Babe Ruth, and Jimmie Foxx as the Yankees went on to dominate the Tampa Bay Rays 10-2 last night at Tropicana Field. Rodriguez thought his year by year streak would end yesterday, saying “I just didn’t think it was realistic at all, so therefore it wasn’t even a goal.” Yankees first basemen Mark Teixeira was glad to see most everyone in the lineup contributing to their 10-run sixth inning.  “It was awesome. That was a great inning for him and for the team,” he said. “It’s good to have a nice offensive output like that the last game of the season and give us some momentum.” New York will have to wait and see who they will play host to first for their upcoming ALDS series. The Twins and Tigers are set to play a tiebreaker tomorrow night in Minnesota for the AL Central division.  New York Yankees tickets are now available!