500 & 97?

All eyes are on A-Rod's 500th home run. (© 2007 The New York Times)

WHAT a pleasure to watch A-Rod this year. He is more comfortable with himself than at any time since he came to the Yankees (espcially last year).

Combine that with his talent, and he's having a season that most players can't even dream of - and finally Yankees other than the captain and Jorgie are joining him. Cano and Abreu are on fire, Matsui, Melky and Damon are hitting very well, and despite a .550 record, the Yankees are leading the major leagues in every significant offensive category. The pitchers have stopped dropping like flies, and the Yankees are looking good.

If they continue their hot play against Toronto (who like to beat the Yankees when their season isn't going well), they should be first in the Wild Card next week. Then they have to see if they can grind it out against Boston. But the Bostons show no sign of giving up, and could easily finish with 97 or 98 wins. The Yankees would have to go 37 and 14 (.725) to make 97 wins, and that's a hair better than they've played since the All Star break, when they've had the best record in the majors.

It took A-Rod 28 at bats after home run 499 to hit his 500th. But the fans showed him the love and gave him several standing ovations along the way. What a difference a year makes.