On the Yankees beat

A couple of notes on Jorge Posada's day as the "guest manager". Each year Joe Torre picks a veteran to be his manager and another to be his pitching coach. This year, he chose Posada as the manager and Mike Mussina as the pitching coach.
Posada can be pretty funny. He went out to the dugout to do his pregame interview (as Torre normally does), and Tony Pena made some smart-aleck remark, and Posada quickly opened his interview session by announcing, "I've fired my first base coach (Pena)." At the end of the session, he said he had decided to rehire him. Posada asked Mariano Rivera to be his bullpen coach, but Rivera turned it down, so Ron Villone is the bullpen coach. He chose Derek Jeter as his bench coach, though Jeter was in the game for the first few innings.
Posaa said he just wanted to win the game. They're up 9-2 after five innings, so he's in pretty good shape.
I don't think Posada will be managing anytime soon, though. He wants to play "more than three more years", as he described it to me. He also doesn't seem interested in managing. He said today that he couldn't do the interviews every day, or at least wouldn't want to. What he can do is play. Posada had a historic season, batting .338 with 20 homers, 42 doubles, 90 RBIs and 91 runs scored.
Bobby Abreu topped the 100-RBI mark. He drove in one run with a fourth-inning fielder's choice and another with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth. He now has 101 RBIs.
Alex Rodriguez went 2-for-2 with a walk and an RBI before being pinch hit for (no injury, just out early like most veterans). He finished his season batting .314 with 156 RBIs.

Here's the lineup for the game, which is underway in the first. Jeter tripled already.

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Betemit 2B
Cabrera CF
Mientkiewicz 1B
Molina C

Henn P

Orioles
Redman CF
Hernandez 2B
Mora 3B
Tejada SS
Millar DH
Payton RF
Moore 1B
House C
Bynum LF

Burres P

The Yankees won 11-10. Andy Pettitte was "extremely disappointed" in his outing, as he gave up nine runs, eight earned. He called it a "miracle" that the team had won despite that. He said he had tried to work on a couple of minor things, and it was a terrible decision to do so. But he feels great, and his arm is fine and he is healthy.
Shelley Duncan hit his first home run since Aug. 15th, a two-run shot on his birthday.
Robinson Cano drove in two runs and has 97 on the season, but he will have the day off tomorrow. Torre wants to give him a day off. He congratulated him on a great season and said he knows he wants to play every day (he played in 160 games), but enough is enough. Cano said he is fine with that. What if he got hurt tomorrow trying to get three more RBIs?
Bobby Abreu, on the other hand, will play tomorrow. He told Torre he wanted to play in all the last games to stay sharp for the playoffs. He's also had a lot more rest this season than Cano.

Hideki Matsui went back to New York to get his right knee drained, though they don't anticipate him having a problem in the playoffs.

Torre has a tradition of having a veteran player manage the final game and another veteran serve as pitching coach. He named Jorge Posada as tomorrow's manager and Mike Mussina the pitching coach.

This has been some inning. The Yankees have batted around the order, with NO outs, scoring eight runs so far in the top of the fourth. It looked like they might have a rough night, as Andy Pettitte gave up six runs (five earned) in the first three innings, and regulars Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon are all on the bench. Then came eight runs in the top of the fourth (so far) by the Yankees.
Every starter has scored for the Yankees (including rookies Alberto Gonzalez and Bronson Sardinha).
It's 9-6 Yankees with one out in the top of the 4th.

Joe Torre announced that Chien-Ming Wang will be the Game 1 starter and Andy Pettitte the Game 2 starter. He is still hoping that Roger Clemens will be the Game 3 starter. If not, Mike Mussina or Phil Hughes would be that guy. Mussina and Hughes will both be on the roster, Torre said. They plan to take 11 pitchers and 14 position players, though the exact roster makeup is still being determined.

Lineup
Yankees
Cabrera CF
Betemit 3B
Abreu RF
Giambi DH
Cano 2B
Posada C
Duncan 1B
Sardinha LF
Gonzalez SS

Pettitte P

Orioles
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Markakis RF
Tejada DH
Millar 1B
Hernandez C
Payton LF
Redman CF
Hernandez SS

Cabrera P

Mike Mussina just gave up four runs in the bottom of the fifth, getting hit hard. It's only been a few weeks since his three awful starts, and given how well Phil Hughes pitched last night against the Devil Rays, I'm sure some people will be clamoring to see Hughes pitch in the playoffs.
Johnny Damon just hit a solo home run to put the Yankees back up 8-6.
A note on Alex Rodriguez, who is 2-for-3 with a double, a homer and three RBIs: he now has 1501 career RBIs and 1500 career runs scored. Just three other players hit the 1,500 RBI mark at age 32 or before--Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig and Mel Ott. Just two got to 1,500 runs scored--Foxx and Ott.

The Yankees lead 4-2 after four innings.
Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run homer in the third inning, which followed Derek Jeter's two-run single. Rodriguez now has 54 homers and 153 RBIs. Just four times in the last 40 years has a player topped 153 RBIs.
The Orioles scored one run in the second off Mike Mussina. Jay Payton hit a two-out triple that got past Bobby Abreu, and Scott Moore singled him home. In the third, Tike Redman scored after singling and stealing second.

I've got the lineup for tonight's game in Baltimore. Most of the regular players who were off yesterday are starting, with the exception of Melky Cabrera. He's been in a slump, and they want to give him two days off in a row.
Ian Kennedy is to throw about 30 pitches on flat ground today. He likely won't throw a bullpen session until Sunday, so that nixes him for at least the first round.
Joe Torre said they are leaning towards starting Sean Henn Sunday (resting their playoff starters).
Richard Ben Cramer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author who wrote "Joe DiMaggio: A Hero's Life," is here. He is writing a book on Alex Rodriguez. I asked Alex about it a few weeks ago, and he said he is "excited" about the book.

Lineup
Yankees
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Posada C
Giambi DH
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B

Mussina RHP

Orioles
Roberts 2B
Redman CF
Markakis CF
Tejada SS
Huff DH
Mora 3B
Hernandez C
Payton LF
Moore 1B

Leicester RHP

Here’s my projection for the American League Division Series roster:

Catchers (2)
Jorge Posada
Jose Molina

Infielders (6)
Alex Rodriguez
Derek Jeter
Robinson Cano
Doug Mientkiewicz
Jason Giambi
Wilson Betemit

Outfielders (6)
Johnny Damon
Hideki Matsui
Melky Cabrera
Bobby Abreu
Shelley Duncan
Bronson Sardinha

Starters (4)
Andy Pettitte
Chien-Ming Wang
Roger Clemens
Mike Mussina

Relievers (7)
Mariano Rivera
Joba Chamberlain
Luis Vizcaino
Kyle Farnsworth
Ron Villone
Phil Hughes
Jose Veras

There are a couple spots, in my mind, that are up in the air. The final bullpen spot or two are shaky. Jose Veras could easily be replaced on that list by Edwar Ramirez, Ross Ohlendorf or Chris Britton. I don’t think that decision has been made yet. Also, the Yankees have not committed to taking a pinch-runner such as Bronson Sardinha, although Joe Torre has mentioned the possibility. If they decide to take an extra pitcher, then add Ramirez, Ohlendorf or Britton.

Anybody else have thoughts, either what they believe the roster will be or what it should be?

The game's tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the sixth inning. The Devil Rays got their first hit off Phil Hughes in the fourth inning, when Carlos Pena hit his 44th home run of the season to right field. The Yankees scored off Scott Kazmir (who has 10 strikeouts) in the top of the sixth when Johnny Damon's double to right-centerfield scored Alberto Gonzalez. Gonzalez singled that inning for his first major league hit.

Updated: Scott Kazmir left after six innings, having thrown 100 pitches. The Yankees scored two off reliever Jon Switzer, with Jose Molina's two-run single scoring Shelley Duncan (single) and Robinson Cano (double)

Very late buses to the ballpark today, and no batting practice, given that the Yankees have clinched a playoff berth and are resting many regulars.
Joe Torre said the first two games will feature Chien-Ming Wang and Andy Pettitte as starters, though he's not sure of which order. Pettitte will start Saturday but not throw a full game. They don't know yet if their playoff series will begin on Wednesday or Thursday.
The plan for Roger Clemens is to throw a simulated game Monday, then probably pitch Game 3 of the playoffs. He is not here today and will not be in Baltimore. Mike Mussina will be a starter in the playoffs depending on two things: Clemens's status and whether the Yankees are in the more spaced-out series or not. If they are in the longer series, Torre said it would be "logical" to have both Wang and Pettitte lined up to start two games apiece (if the series were to last five games).
The Yankees will take one starter as a long man, likely Phil Hughes. However, if they only need three starters and Clemens is healthy, that could be Mussina.

Here's the Yankees lineup. Yep, they're getting players some rest.

Yankees
Damon CF
Betemit 3B
Matsui LF
Giambi DH
Duncan 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Sardinha RF
Gonzalez SS

Hughes P

Rays
Iwamura 3B
Velandia 2B
Pena 1B
Upton CF
Young RF
Norton DH
Gomes LF
Navarro C
Wilson SS

Kazmir P

So now that the Yankees are in, I'm interested in hearing -- how many of you thought, at some point this season, that they would miss the playoffs? A couple of key players admitted they thought that might happen, including Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte. What about you?

And how about a turning point? The most oft-named turning point by players/coaches/manager was actually the day in Toronto that they hit rock-bottom. They had a meeting, then lost that night before beginning a resurgence. There were other answers, though: the All-Star break, when Melky Cabrera became an everyday player, when the left-handed hitters started hitting better, comeback on the Indians, etc.

The Yankees are going to the playoffs, after beating the Devil Rays 12-4 at Tropicana Field.
It's been a crazy season so far, one that had even Alex Rodriguez doubting they could make the playoffs, he admitted after the game. Of course, they wouldn't have made the playoffs without his contributions (53 homers and 151 RBIs so far).
Brian Cashman said after the game: "Our dream is still alive." meaning a World Series Championship.
Players were emotional and excited. As Derek Jeter said, "This is definitely the hardest one." He also said, "We're just getting started."
Mariano Rivera said: "This one, this one was special."
Joe Torre welled up with tears when told of several players' comments that he was the reason they are in this position.
Owner George Steinbrenner was on-hand and released a statement that included: "I'm elated. After a tough first half of the season when everyone seemed to lose faith except for our players and our fans, the team has really stepped up and shown themselves to be the champions that they are."

The Yankees are close to clinching their playoff spot. They lead 12-4 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Strong chance they will be facing the Indians in the first round, as the Angels' chances of having the best record in the AL are very slim. If either Boston or Cleveland has the best record, the Yankees will face the Indians in the first round.

Derek Jeter: a triple shy of the cycle tonight
Jorge Posada: three hits, three RBIs
Robinson Cano: five RBIs
Doug Mientkiewicz: four hits, tying a career-high
Chien-Ming Wang: six innings, two earned runs

The only worry is that Luis Vizcaino gave up a two-run homer to the second batter he faced, and has had a rough September. He says his shoulder is OK.

The Yankees lead 8-1 in the fifth inning. Derek Jeter tied things at 1-1 with a solo homer in the top pof the fourth. A Robinson Cano groundout scored Bobby Abreu later that inning.
The floodgates opened this inning for the Yankees. Jeter drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Bobby Abreu then walked, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and Jorge Posada hit a two-run single to right-center field. Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer to rightfield, and that was the end of J.P. Howell's night.
Owner George Steinbrenner is here, and must be enjoying the show.

Joe Torre and Brian Cashman had lunch with George Steinbrenner, his sons Hal and Hank Steinbrenner, and his son-in-law Felix Lopez today. Sounds like there's a good chance "The Boss" will be at tonight's game.
Roger Clemens played catch, but no serious throwing. The plan is for him to remain in Tampa while the team goes to Baltimore. They would rather rest him for the playoffs than risk anything. Said Cashman: "Hopefully we won't need him in Baltimore," meaning, hopefully, they will have clinched a playoff spot by then.

Here is the lineup:

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Duncan DH
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera CF

Wang P

Devil Rays
Iwamura 3B
Velandia 2B
Pena 1B
Upton CF
Young RF
Norton DH
Gomes LF
Navarro C
Wilson SS

Howell P

Last night's loss, while tough given the long game and the fact the Yankees led 5-0, wasn't devastating in terms of their playoff chances. They're still one game away from clinching a postseason berth.
But there are questions about what relievers you want on your postseason roster. Mariano Rivera, of course. Joba Chamberlain, definitely. Luis Vizcaino, yes. Kyle Farnsworth, Joe Torre said yes. But then --- who? Edwar Ramirez and Brian Bruney have certainly hurt their chances. Good chance Ron Villone's in there. Jose Veras is making a case for himself. Your choices?

OK, you were right, but not by fault of Igawa. He pitched five shutout (albeit very ugly) innings as the Yankees took a 5-0 lead. Then Edwar Ramirez and Brian Bruney combined to give up six runs in the bottom of the sixth. Bruney gave up a grand slam to Jorge Velandia, which was the first home run of Velandia's career.

Alex Rodriguez just hit his 53rd home run of the season, a grand slam that hit off the second catwalk here. I'm not sure how high that is, but it is waaaay up there. And there's a pretty good chance that winds up being the home run that clinches the Yankees' playoff berth. That would be fitting, given Alex's season.
It's 5-0 Yankees in the top of the 3rd.

Here's the lineup for tonight's game. Roger Clemens, who isn't starting, said he feels very confident that he will be able to pitch in the postseason (assuming the Yankees are there of course). Brian Cashman said that if today were the last day of the season, and the Yankees were in the playoffs, Clemens would be pitching.

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera CF

Igawa P

Devil Rays
Iwamura 3B
Velandia 2B
Pena 1B
Upton CF
Young RF
Navarro C
Gomes LF
Guzman DH
Wilson SS

Hammel P

Roger Clemens was scratched from tonight's start. A lot of people were skeptical he would pitch tonight to begin with (hamstring). Kei Igawa will be the Yankees' starter

Amusing pix yesterday of the rookies dressed as the Wizard of Oz. I've seen a variety of rookie "costumes", which has become a ritual all around baseball, but that was pretty clever. They went all out.

As for actual baseball, the Yankees need just one win (or one Detroit Tigers loss) in the next six days to clinch a playoff spot. Quite the turnaround from earlier in the season. Amazing that the Yankees are likely to clinch making the postseason before the Mets do.

The rest of the playoff picture remains foggy. Although we know the other three teams will be the Red Sox, Indians and Angels, they are all within one game of one another, record-wise. So the team to get home-field advantage and face the wild card club is very much up in the air.

Lineup:

Damon DH
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A-Rod 3B
Matsui LF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientky 1B
Melky CF
Pettitte P

Notes: Joe Torre said if Clemens can't go tomorrow it'll be Igawa or DeSalvo . . . The last regular-season home game is usually rooking hazing day, where the rooks have to dress in outrageous clothing for the trip to Tampa. Wonder what they'll have in store for Joba and Hughes and Kennedy et al? Here's a picture of Dice-K dressed as a Teletubby last Sunday in Boston.

If and when the Yankees clinch a postseason berth, will Joe Torre push hard to try and overtake the Red Sox? Here's what he had to say on that subject today:
"Getting things set up for the postseason is more important."
So, at least in Torre's mind, there is no debate. What about in yours?

Oh, and if you think the point is not debatable, Jim Baumbach wrote a column earlier in the week saying the Yankees shouldn't worry about the division and was ripped mercilessly by some Yankee fans who want them to overtake the Red Sox at all costs.
Not that Baumbach doesn't deserve to be ripped just on general principle. Hey, Jim, how about updating your column logo to a post-high school photo?

Roger Clemens will not start Monday. Now the Yankees are saying he's going to start Tuesday.
I wouldn't bet on him starting Tuesday.
If the Yankees make the playoffs, which is looks like they will, then Clemens will likely start Game 3. It's in their best interest to hold off pitching Clemens, possibly until late next week, to allow his hamstring, elbow, blisters and whatever else to heal.
A 45-year-old body doesn't need to be pounded with the rigors of pitching every fifth day. Just ask El Duque.
Andy Pettitte will start Monday.

Here's the lineup:
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A-Rod 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Melky CF
Mientkiewicz 1B
Molina C
Mussina P

As you know, Roger Clemens was scratched from today's start because of a tight left hamstring. Manager Joe Torre announced it at about 12:30 a.m. yesterday after Friday night’s 14-inning loss. Clemens said he felt “a little stinger in the back of my left leg” when he was working out on Thursday in preparation for a start that had been moved up a day because of the strained back muscle of rookie Ian Kennedy.

Now Clemens is penciled in to start Monday. But if he feels anything at all, he’ll be scratched again and the Yankees will go with Andy Pettitte. No reason to risk a longer absence with the team on the cusp of the postseason.
“I think Monday’s a real possibility from how I feel today,” Clemens said. “There’s a little something going on, but I expect it to be better.”
So add the hamstring to the list of body parts the 45-year-old Clemens has had to rest, soak, steam or wrap since he signed with the Yankees in May. First, he had the “fatigued” groin that delayed his return to the majors. Then there were the foot blisters that led to a sore elbow that needed two cortisone shots.
“Elbow’s good,” Clemens said. “I think they’re just buying me a little time but I need to get back out there. I’ll do everything I can to make sure it’s right.”
Said Torre: “He threw [Friday] and he thought it was OK, but I said let’s move him back.”

Well, the Yankees put together an extremely impressive rally, right up there with last week's six-run eighth inning to beat the Red Sox 8-7 in Boston. They scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning after trailing 4-0 midway through the 9th. All those runs were off Roy Halladay, though only one was earned, due to an error by second baseman Aaron Hill.
Mariano Rivera, Joba Chamberlain and Luis Vizcaino pitched four shutout innings to match the efforts of the Blue Jays' Casey Janssen, Jeremy Accardo, Brian Wolfe and Joe Kennedy. But Brian Bruney gave up a solo home run to Gregg Zaun in the top of the 14th, and the Yankees lost 5-4 to the Blue Jays.

They now stand 2 1/2 behind the Red Sox in the AL East and lead the Tigers by 4 1/2 games in the wild card.
The Yankees are on to plan C for tomorrow's starter. Roger Clemens had been scheduled to replace Ian Kennedy as a starter tomorrow, but he's been scratched due to a "tweaked" left hamstring. Tentatively, the Yankees hope Clemens can pitch Monday, but I wouldn't assume anything. Phil Hughes will start tomorrow, Mike Mussina Sunday and possibly Clemens Monday.

If any of you are free tomorrow night, the Peace, Unity and Hope concert will be putting on at Utopia's Paradise Theater at 187th St. and Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Based on Yankees special assistant to George Steinbrenner Ray Negron's bestseller "The Boy of Steel" is the short play "The Boy of Steel ... Drama in the Bronx", starring Darryl Strawberry. Then comes a concert featuring music star Jose Feliciano and ex-Yankee Bernie Williams. The show will benefit the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.

It's scoreless in the Bronx through four innings. The Yankees have two hits off Roy Halladay, and the Blue Jays have three off Chien-Ming Wang. Each team has an error. No runs, though.
As for the playoff competitors: the Tigers are losing 4-0 in the 5th inning to K.C. Boston's up 3-1 in the 3rd over the Devil Rays.

Also, forgot to mention, Humberto Sanchez is spending the weekend in New York and will be with the team. He's throwing lightly, and has been for about seven weeks. He underwent elbow ligament transplant "Tommy John" surgery April 17th. Sanchez will spend most of the winter rehabbing in Tampa, aside from a Nov. break to get married and take a honeymoon. He hopes to be ready for spring training.

Ian Kennedy was scratched from tomorrow's start. In his side session Wednesday, his upper back "spasmed up" and remained tight. The Yankees have decided to go the safe route and have him skip this start. He said he feels like he could throw today. Instead, he will throw on flat ground tomorrow. Roger Clemens will start tomorrow, as the Yankees had an extra starter in the rotation, so he had been pushed back. It's the first start Kennedy has missed in his life, he said.

Jason Giambi feels better and did regular batting practice and fielding. He's not in the lineup, but feels ready to play.

It sounds very much like Joe Torre has already decided upon the foursome of Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina (though not in any particular order) for playoff starters, should the Yankees get there. Torre said today: "Pettitte, Mussina, Clemens, Wang, you've got four guys that could be your No. 1."

A note courtesy of the Elias Sports Bureau: Melky Cabrera leads the major leagues with 12 assists as a centerfielder. He has 14 assists (two in leftfield).
15 of Bobby Abreu's last 20 hits have been for extra bases (13 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer).

Joba Chamberlain's father, Harlan, is here. Continental Airlines made special arrangements to fly him in (he suffered from polio as a child and rides in a motorized scooter). It's his first time east of Chicago, and he is ecstatic to be here. Said Chamberlain "To be here in Yankee Stadium, I mean, my God. That's just part of this ongoing dream come true, another chapter."

Torre on Vernon Wells not playing: "I'm sorry that he's hurt. I understand he's going to get that surgery. He's one of the premiere young players in the game for certain. It's like Manny 's being out for the Red Sox. He's an explosive player."

And here's the lineup:

Blue Jays
Johnson RF
Stairs 1B
Rios CF
Thomas DH
Hill 2B
Adams 3B
Zaun C
Lind LF
Olmedo SS

Halladay P

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera CF

Wang P

I forgot to post links to a couple stories from today: one on decisions to be made on the Yankees' big free agents-to-be, one on the effect of not trading for Eric Gagne, and an interesting story by Ken Davidoff that includes a chat with Bernie Williams.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyinside215384234sep21,0,6598596.story

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spbernie215384233sep21,0,7296471.story

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spyanks215384231sep21,0,5134937.story

The Yankees next face the Blue Jays for four games. Tonight's matchup will be no creampuff, with Chien-Ming Wang starting opposite Roy Halladay. But the Yankees will get one break, and that is that Blue Jays centerfielder Vernon Wells will not be in the lineup. He is scheduled to undergo left shoulder surgery early next week and will not play until then. He has a torn labrum. Wells's season has not been as good as some in his recent past, but he is still a formidable hitter and stellar fielder. When the Yankees played in Toronto last week, Wells said he was hoping to wait until after the season to undergo the surgery. Apparently the pain worsened and they decided to get the surgery out of the way.

The Red Sox are playing at Tampa Bay this weekend (but they will face Scott Kazmir tonight). The Tigers host the Royals.

OK, so this may be premature to even think about, but as the Yankees close in on locking up a playoff spot, which team would you rather see them face in the first round -- Indians or Angels?

The Angels have been tougher on the Yankees than the Indians, but the Yankees haven't faced Cleveland's C.C. Sabathia in either series against them this year.

The front two pitchers for both teams are extremely impressive.

The Angels' John Lackey is 17-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 31 games, and Kelvim Escobar is 17-7 with a 3.46 ERA in 29 games. For the Indians, Sabathia is 18-7 with a 3.19 ERA in 33 games, and Fausto Carmona is 17-8 with a 3.07 ERA in 30 starts.

Until recently, I would have said I'd rather take my chances with the Indians starters than the Angels. However, Escobar has hit a huge roadblock in September. He is 2-1 (hello, run support) with a 10.19 ERA in four September games. He has allowed 20 earned runs in 17 2/3 innings. Prior to that, he only had one month with an ERA above 3.28 -- June, when it was a still excellent 3.93.

Who would you rather face? Yankees are 1 1/2 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and 5 1/2 games up in the wild card. Enjoy the off day -- the Yankees' last offday of the regular season.

The Yankees have a 2-1 lead over the Orioles midway through the seventh inning. Hideki Matsui hit a solo homer off Orioles starter Brian Burres, and Doug Mientkiewicz scored on a wild pitch in the fifth. The Orioles have scored one run off Andy Pettitte. He walked Brian Roberts in the sixth, and Roberts stole second and third bases, then scored on a Melvin Mora single.
The Red Sox are losing 2-1 to the Blue Jays, also in the middle of the seventh. They had the bases loaded in the top of the seventh, but Casey Janssen got Julio Lugo to ground out to end the inning.

The MRI on Jason Giambi's right foot came back negative.

Here's the lineup for tonight's game. The Tigers lost this afternoon, so even if the Yankees lose tonight, they will be at least 4 1/2 games up in the wild card.
Jason Giambi's foot (hit by pitch the other night) is bothering him more than he expected, and he is at Columbia Presbyterian for additional tests. Those should be back tonight, and I'll let you know what his status is.

Orioles
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Tejada SS
Markakis RF
Millar 1B
Huff DH
Hernandez C
Payton LF
Redman CF

Burres P

Yankees
Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Matsui LF
Cano 2B
Duncan DH
Mientkiewicz 1B

Pettitte P

The Yankees have trimmed their deficit with the Red Sox to 2 1/2 games. That's the smallest it's been since April 20th, five months ago tomorrow. It really seems almost everything is going right for the Yankees now, whether it's seven shutout innings from Mussina or the fact that they didn't give up Ian Kennedy or Melky Cabrera for Eric Gagne. Even better for the Yankees, the Red Sox did get Gagne, and he has gone from phenomenal in Texas to disastrous in Boston. He blew another lead last night, and the Red Sox lost the game.
My bad, thanks for the corrections. Had a brainfreeze. Andy Pettitte is pitching tonight. Sorry for the confusion.

So maybe you're not even sacrificing any offense to get Doug Mientkiewicz's defense in the lineup at first base. At least not at the moment. Mientkiewicz hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give the Yankees' a 6-0 lead over the Orioles. He now has four hits, five RBIs and a pair of walks since Sunday.

Mike Mussina has pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings so far, and has given up one hit and one walk.

Here's the lineup. Jason Giambi's foot is sore from being hit by a pitch last night. He can pinch-hit, but wasn't available to start. Joe Torre said Giambi's likely to play tomorrow, and Johnny Damon may get a day off.
Bullpen should be thin tonight, as Vizcaino, Chamberlain and Farnsworth are all available. They'd like to avoid using Rivera, if possible.

Lineup
Orioles
Roberts 2B
Redman CF
Markakis RF
Tejada SS
MIllar DH
Huff 1B
Mora 3B
Hernandez C
Bynum LF

Leicester P

Yankees
Damon DH
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Mientkiewicz 1B
Cabrera CF

Mussina P