Friday represented probably the most rewarding Yankees victory of the season.

When the dust lifted on Saturday morning the Yankees had:

a) won their eighth straight game

b) moved into sole possession of first place

c) beat the ace of their arch-rival, on the road, for the first time in eight tries

d) received a true stopper performance from their beleaguered lefty specialist

e) successfully enacted the potentially devastating 1-2-3 bullpen punch of Sori-D-Rob-Mo.

f) scored a heavy blow in the great Kim Jones-Heidi Watney war of attrition.

OK, I don't know about the last one, but everything else checks out.

• Joe Girardi let Soriano get his feet wet before inserting him into this rivalry in earnest.
• This was a true team win, but the bullpen deserves the most credit of all.
• The six-man rotation lives, for now.
• A-Rod is getting closer.
• The Red Sox spent monster money on Carl Crawford, but still haven't seen much for their investment.
• Bud Selig's hopes to expand the playoffs are "under serious consideration," according to the Commish.
• Is A.J. Burnett on shaky ground? God, I hope so.
• CC Sabathia has been brilliant against everyone but the Red Sox this year, going 0-3 with a 6.16 ERA. He has no plans to change his approach, however.
• Phil Hughes could see action out of the 'pen this weekend.
• Apparently, taking barbiturates and writing for the Boston Herald aren't mutually exclusive. Papi and CC body switch in 2012? (via Jedi Master A-Rod)
• Until next time, hang onto the roof ...

Dan Hanzus is a regular contributor to Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached at dhanzus@gmail or on Twitter @danhanzus.