It's official: A-Rod will return on Friday
May 7, 2009

I'm actually off tonight as we get ready to hit the road for a week tomorrow, but the Yankees announced today that Alex Rodriguez would be back in the lineup when they kick off a three-game series against the Orioles in Baltimore.

"Alex will be in Baltimore," Joe Girardi said. "Unless something happens overnight, we expect him to be in (the lineup)."

"It's great having your No. 4 hitter come back. In a sense, it's like we just made a huge trade."

How much of a difference will A-Rod make? Only time will tell. But after watching Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa and Ramiro Pena for nearly five weeks, I think he'll make a big difference in the lineup. Now, if he could only pitch in relief....