You know things aren’t going well when it takes a runaway rodent to get me into a game. But the Yankees seemed listless once again during their rain-halted five innings of play, stranding base runners and not giving A.J. any breathing room. With the score tied at 0-0 in the fourth, a squirrel scurried onto Target Field, which, unlike the Metrodome, will probably see all sorts of wildlife. 

While the crowd at the ballpark chanted “Let’s go squirrel,” I found myself wondering if the Yankees could sign the little fella to play left field and maybe bat third. He was fast, agile and didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by the big stage. I don’t have video of him, but I dug up footage of his cousin in Cleveland. Take a look.

Maybe tomorrow there will be actual hits and runs to cheer about. But right now I’m bummed about Aceves having a setback. A bulging disc doesn’t sound like something you get over in a week. If the cortisone shot didn’t work, what now? We need him. Or can the squirrel pitch too?

Oh, I’ve been meaning to post the pic sent to me by Friend of the Blog John, who was at Yankee Stadium when “Jane Heller” walked onto the field before the game to present Jeter with a very large check for his Turn 2 Foundation. Here’s the pic. Man, am I generous with my money.