I'm just glad that George Steinbrenner didn't live to see this. Apparently there's a tradition at Yankee Stadium where a group of fans called the Bleacher Creatures chant out each player's name in the first inning. The player usually acknowledges this; but not during a play. Oh, Melky Cabrera. You crazy nut. Wizard Cat gives this play: 0 wands.

In case no one's noticed, the Yankees are the hottest team in baseball, Tuesday's 8-2 win over the Twins giving them a 5-0 record since the All-Star break. Robinson Cano is hitting .522 over that span, has five straight multihit games and the Yankees have won nine straight at home (cue Duel of the Fates). New York is in third place,just 3 1/2 games out of first.

Bobby Abreu homered in the sixth inning for the go-ahead run. Maybe that crazy coot Freddy is on to something after all.

Note to Melky — Field The Ball First, THEN Acknowledge The Bleacher Creatures [New York Yankee Stadium Insider]