"Joe Girardi thinks there could be a dark horse in the American League MVP derby. In fact, the Yankees manager seemed to hint Robinson Cano could be more than simply a long shot.

"I wouldn't write him off in that MVP race," Girardi said. "That's what I wouldn't do."

That would appear to be smart advice. In the prominent MVP field of teammate Curtis Granderson, Boston's Adrian Gonzalez, Detroit's Justin Verlander and Toronto's Jose Bautista, Cano could force his way into the mix. The All-Star second baseman has been magnificent lately, and yesterday delivered the Yankees' most critical hit of the game."