Johnny Damon has not been activated from the DL, though he said he's ready to go. The Yankees would like to see him come through batting practice OK again, possibly do a brief rehab assignment and be closer to throwing. Joe Girardi said he expects Damon to be activated this week. Said Damon: "My decision is to play today and leadoff." That wasn't an option given him, though.
Jorge Posada said he is OK after being hit on the hand twice yesterday. He is not in the lineup, but had not been scheduled to catch. Both Girardi and GM Brian Cashman said Posada's ability to throw is a concern.
Robinson Cano is batting fifth, as he is really hot at the plate at the moment.
And I've just learned that GOP presidential candidate John McCain is in the house, attending the game with Rudy Giuliani.
Lineup as the Yankees try to sweep the A's. It's Andy Pettitte opposite Justin Duchscherer, the guy whose name nobody seems able to pronounce and whose stuff nobody is hitting much this season either.
A's
Ellis 2B
Sweeney RF
Crosby SS
Brown DH
Murton LF
Gonzalez CF
Bowen C
Murphy 3B
Hannahan 1B
Duchscherer RHP
Yankees
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Cano 2B
Betemit 1B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Gardner LF
Pettitte LHP