Mark J. Rebilas/US Presswire

Joe Girardi's job no longer appears to be in jeopardy. Instead, he oversees a very happy clubhouse.

By Rick Sutcliffe, ESPN

The Yankees, who knocked off the Rays on Monday and hold a one-game lead over the Red Sox team they visit starting Tuesday in Boston, seem to have pulled things together. The biggest reason for that is the chemistry in the Yankees' clubhouse is as good as it's been in a long, long time.

We know that teams don't really have to get along to play well. The Oakland A's, with Reggie Jackson, proved that years ago. It seemed like they were fighting every other day. They were so talented they could get away with it. But most times it is an important factor in a team's success. Although the team's record took a little while to reflect it, the Yankees' change in chemistry started back in spring training. CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett came in and set the tone by taking a lot of the young guys on the team on outings to basketball games or fishing trips.

Considering all the money spent in the offseason, the expectations were sky-high from the start this year. I remember back when the team was 10-10 and there was talk starting that manager Joe Girardi could be on the hot seat. I walked in the clubhouse expecting to be able to sense the tension, but there was nothing but positivity all around. I think it starts with Girardi. He was bouncing around and his enthusiasm can be contagious.

Featured Series: Yankees at Red Sox

TUESDAY Yankees (A.J. Burnett) at Red Sox (Josh Beckett), 7:10 p.m. ET

WEDNESDAY Yankees (Chien-Ming Wang) at Red Sox (Tim Wakefield), 7:10 p.m. ET

THURSDAY Yankees (CC Sabathia) at Red Sox (Brad Penny), 7:10 p.m. ET,

As much as I like what Girardi has done, I love everything about Sabathia. He is one of those guys who is great on the mound but even better off it. The team has to love him. Even when he had a little trouble with his control this year, you just knew he would get it back soon. He has never had a losing season on any level. He's played on some teams that weren't that good, but he's always found a way to win.

Sabathia and Burnett aren't the only new faces to deliver in pinstripes. Mark Teixeira has made an impact as well. One of the things that has changed most in the 25 years in the game has been teams' recognition of the importance of defense at first base. I think first base is maybe the most important defensive position on the field.

If a player can consistently make the play at first like Teixeira can, that can be the difference between getting out of an inning and giving up three runs. That's a big deal. In the past, first base was kind of a dumping ground for guys who couldn't play third base or the outfield. But look at some of the recent World Series winners: Kevin Youkilis in Boston, Albert Pujols in St. Louis and Derrek Lee in Florida. All those guys play great defense. The Yankees really haven't had a strong glove at first base in a while. They've played some DHs out there and even Jorge Posada once or twice. Teixeira, another great defensive first baseman, has given the Yankees so much confidence.

Boston doesn't have the infusion of fresh faces, but they do have the steady hand of manager Terry Francona. What an amazing run it has been for Francona with the Red Sox. Boston is arguably the toughest media market in sports. When you talk about New York or Chicago, you have to remember that they each have two teams. Boston has one team playing all summer. The job he's done there continues to amaze me.

The division race between these two teams is a coin toss, and the coin is still in the air right now. The Red Sox won the first five meetings this season, but obviously A-Rod didn't play in any of those. He's only hitting .248, but his presence alone has seemed to help transform that batting order.

A-Rod has made an obvious impact, and there are many keys to this race. Still, two of the biggest factors are the guys behind the plate. Both of these teams lean on their catchers. In recent years, when Jason Varitek or Posada missed any prolonged stretches, their teams have suffered. I expect them to play big roles this series and all season for these two teams.

Past Baseball Tonight Clubhouses: June 7 | June 4 | June 3 | June 2 | June 1

TOUCH 'EM ALL

Who went deep? Keep track of all the home runs hit each day on "Baseball Tonight" and on the Baseball Tonight Clubhouse page.

For more, check out the Home Run Tracker page.

Home Run Tracker
NAME	HR	OPP	PITCHER	SITUATION
T. Tulowitzki, Col	6	StL	Motte	Top 6: 1-0, 0 Outs. None on.
J. Dye, CWS	15	Det	Galarraga	Bot 5: 0-2, 1 Outs. 1 on.
P. Konerko, CWS	8	Det	Zumaya	Bot 8: 2-0, 0 Outs. None on.
C. Jones, Atl	8	Pit	Duke	Bot 1: 1-0, 1 Outs. 1 on.
M. Teixeira, NYY	18	TB	Sonnanstine	Bot 1: 1-1, 2 Outs. None on.

The complete list of Monday's homers

ON DECK: TUESDAY'S BEST MATCHUPS

Yankees at Red Sox, 7:10 p.m. ET

The top two teams in the AL East open their series with a pair of power pitchers. Josh Beckett has won his past four decisions and has allowed only one run over his previous three starts combined. After losing two consecutive decisions, A.J. Burnett has won his past two.

Blue Jays at Rangers, 8:05 p.m. ET

The Rangers will be without slugger Josh Hamilton for four to six weeks. Hamilton is headed for surgery to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle. They will now rely a little more on their pitchers, and Brandon McCarthy takes the mound after a rough start against the Yankees his last time out.

Phillies at Mets, 7:10 p.m. ET

Johan Santana has owned the Phillies over his career, going 3-0 with a 2.44 ERA in seven starts. His opponent, J.A. Happ, is on a pretty good run so far this season. He is 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA. He has made two appearances already this season against the Mets, but both were relief appearances.

For the rest of Tuesday's schedule, click here.