The switch has been flipped.

The Yankees used power, speed and energy to defeat the Red Sox, 6-2, in the first of a three game set at The Stadium on Monday night.  The Yanks belted two homers, stole four bases and took every extra base they could.  Chien-Ming Wang wasn't great, but he persevered and gave the Yanks enough to earn his third win of the season.  The Bombers also received solid relief from the bullpen.

The Good:

Alex Rodriguez.  A-Rod's bomb in the bottom of the first got the Yanks going.  It was his third straight game with a homer so it looks like A-Rod has found his stroke.  Rodriguez was also active on the basepaths as he swiped his fourth base of the season.  A-Rod finished 1 for 3 with a homer, 2 walks, a run scored, a stolen base and 2 RBI.

Robinson Cano.  Cano gave the Yanks some breathing room when he tripled in two runs in the fifth to make the score 6-1.  Robbie also made a nifty play in the top of the eighth with the bases juiced when he backhanded a ball headed toward the middle and flipped it to Jeter at second for the force.  Cano finished 2 for 4 with a double, a triple and 2 runs batted in.

Chien-Ming Wang.  Wang's control was off, but he got tough when he needed to and pitched into the seventh inning.  It's important for the Yanks to start winning games when their starters aren't dominant and tonight was a perfect night to start.  Wang's totals: 6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K.

The Bad:

Hideki Matsui.  Matsui had a tough night.  He went 0 for 5 at the plate and misplayed a few balls in the outfield.  Thankfully, his rough night didn't affect the Yanks.

The Ugly:

The behind the plate view on YES.  I don't mind this view when YES is showing a replay, but not during live action.  There is no perspective for the fan.  All I see is the umpire's arse.  I can't see if the pitch was a ball or a strike or where the ball is hit.  This angle wasn't used often, but for me, even once is too much.  The shot from centerfield will do just fine.

It may only be one game, but my spirits are lifted after this performance.  It's not just because the Yanks won (although that's part of it), but it was the way the team played.  A-Rod trying to steal third with the Yanks up 4-0 in the third inning.  He was gunned out, but I liked the aggressiveness.  Damon going first to third on a base hit to left in the second.  Giambi motoring home from first in the fifth inning.  The Yanks just seemed more alive on Monday night.

Mike Mussina will try and extend the Yankees modest winning streak to three on Tuesday night.  He'll oppose Julian Tavarez who beat the Yanks on April 29 in the Bronx.  

Vinny in Kearny wanted everyone to know that he predicted a sweep for the Yanks against Boston early Monday afternoon.  I just want the Yanks to continue climbing back toward .500 and also to continue their aggressive style of play.

But a sweep would be pretty sweet.

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