Captain Clutch

We're not talking about Derek Jeter this time. An amazing round of applause, kudos, high fives, back slaps, kisses, and bro hugs to Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III. The 57-yr old is America's hero today after safely landing US Airways flight 1549 in the Hudson River yesterday afternoon.

It's mind boggling to think of what Capt. Sullenberger did, avoiding ships, bridges, the Intrepid Museum, etc., to bring the plane down after double engine failure.

We think we can this Captain throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees and/or Mets game before you know it.

Here's to you Captain!!!

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Dear Andy

An open letter to Andy Pettitte from someone very close to him.

Dear Andy,

It's been a while since we had a good talk, but I think now is the time for me to step up and remind you of a few things. You're in a quandary right now. You want to play for the Yankees, but you don't want to take a pay cut to come back.

But let me ask you something: How do you want to be remembered, not just by Yankees fans, but by baseball fans and the media, and even your opponents?

As a solid, sometimes spectacular left-hander who helped the Yankees to 4 World Series championships and 2 other World Series appearances?

Or, would you prefer to be thought of as a guy who cheated? No matter how good your intentions might have been, you still cheated. A guy who lied about how many times he used HGH? For all we know you could still be lying about that.

A player who ended his time in Pinstripes because he wouldn't take a pay cut? And let me remind you, it's a pay cut to $10 million, not a-buck-fifty. Yes, CC and A.J. are making big bucks and they never wore the uniform. But they are still in the relatively early stages of their careers, while you're on the other end of the spectrum.

And what about loyalty? You want the Yankees to be loyal to you, but where is some reciprocation? The Steinbrenners have been very good to you. Yes, there was the "not enough love shown" after the 2003 season; we'll give you that. But you did all right over the 9 years prior to that, and in the 2 years since you came back. And you weren't exactly stellar this past season, injuries or not.

Jorge, Mo, Derek...they were all there for you last Spring Training, standing by your side as you 'fessed up. How about showing a little loyalty back? You embarrassed the ball club. If anything, you owe the Yankees something.

Let's face it, you don't need the money. You have more than enough. Remember your good buddy Paul O'Neill? He took $6 million to play his last year in 2001. He could have gone anywhere and made much more money. But he wanted to finish his career as a Yankee. You keep saying you do, but your actions don't match your words.

Am I being tough on you? Maybe. But that's my job.

Sincerely,
Your Conscience

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The Christmas Yankeeland

For those of you celebrating Christmas, we hope you got everything you wanted and more and are sharing the day with friends and family.

The Yankees brass certainly got what they wanted this holiday season, but there's more going on than just CC, A.J., and Tex.

The Yankees, believe it or not, did get a bargain this week when they avoided arbitration by re-signing 2-time 19 game winner Chien-Ming Wang to a one year, $5 million contract. Wang matched his career high in wins in 2006 and 2007, and was 8-2 this past season before rupturing his Achilles tendon in an interleague game in Houston on June 15.

As part of his Turn 2 Foundation work, Derek Jeter hosted 500 top academic achievers in Central Park this past week.

The Yankees signed catcher Kevin Cash to a minor league deal as insurance in the event that Jorge Posada isn't ready when the season rolls around. Cash, who spent the past season in Boston as Tim Wakefield's personal knuckleball catcher, hit .225 in 142 at-bats with 3 home runs and 15 RBI.

One spoof site says the Yankees have signed Santa Claus to a long term deal, but no good will come of it. Meanwhile a NC Observer columnist doesn't like the spending spree, but understands the logic behind it. Even better is this Providence Journal article talking about how wonderful the Red Sox are with their money.

The new MLB Network will kick off on New Year's Day with the first TV re-broadcast of Don Larsen's perfect 1956 World Series game.


The humorous Peter Abraham has a funny take on the "Night before Christmas".


Alumni News

A nice article on Donnie Baseball's son Preston and his own battle to make it to the majors.

Dennis Werth was a mediocre ball player for the Yankees ('79 - '82), but his son Jayson was just a member of the World Champion Phillies and his daughter Hannah is one of the top volleyball players in the country.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 12/11

Not so fast with the Mike Cameron to the Yankees deal. The deal is on hold, speculation being it has to do with the $10 million owed Cameron for the '09 season. There is also talk of Bill Hall and Kei Igawa being involved.

Joel Sherman and George King of The Post are reporting that Brian Cashman departed the winter meetings to meet with Andy Pettitte. The Yankees need to figure out if Pettitte is in their plans or not as they weigh how many free agent pitchers to sign.

In case you missed, Derek Jeter will participate in the WBC next spring. Oh, he will be playing for the U.S.. ;)

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The Daily Yankeeland - 10/8

It's been a few days, but we were under the weather and then had to catch up on our day job. The league championship series are set, Mariano Rivera had his surgery, and the winter leagues are underway.

First and foremost, Mariano Rivera is doing well after Tuesday's surgery to remove bone spurs from his right shoulder. He should be able to start throwing in January.

Jon Heyman was on with Mike Francesca the other day. Among the topics of discussion was Joe Girardi's difficulties with the media. Peter Abraham also points out that Tony Pena was marginalized, because Girardi liked to lean on "his coaches" (Meacham, Harkey, etc.).

Another strange twist in the Yankees closing ceremony plans- there won't be any. The Yankees have decided that the finale on September 21 was a fitting end. Which means that the Giants, boxing, etc., will not be acknowledged.

Ross Newhan of the LA Times wrote a nice piece on Don Mattingly's contribution to the Dodgers' success.

Harvey Araton of the NY Times says Joe Torre bleeds Dodgers blue, but has a Pinstripe undershirt.

Derek Jeter's spikes and bat are among new items featured in the baseball Hall of Fame.

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Pettitte Wins Stadium Finale

Last night's game, in some ways, was anti-climactic in comparison to everything else going on. Perhaps having non-Yankees announcers in John Miller and Joe Morgan was part of the problem. Especially since there times when they weren't saying what was going in the game. Class move by ESPN though bringing in Michael Kay to do a half inning and reminisce. Kay at least did actual play by play.

Andy Pettitte started out shaky and we were thinking, "no, this can't be the way to go out.". Thankfully Pettitte settled down enough and the Yankees bats woke up against Orioles starter Chris Waters.

Trailing 2-0 in the third, Hideki Matsui, who is undergoing knee surgery today, and Jose Molina started the inning off with back to back singles. Johnny Damon then belted his 16th home run of the season for a 3-2 Yankees lead.

Pettitte gave the lead right back on a game tying single by Brian Roberts in the fourth, but the Yankees countered in their half of the inning. Robinson Cano led off with a rare walk and one batter later Molina cracked his third home run of the season on to the netting in left field, for a 5-3 Yankees advantage.

Pettitte gave up a lead off single to Adam Jones to start the sixth and exited to a standing ovation and calls of "An-dy Pett-itte". The fans got their wish, a curtain call, and Jose Veras and Phil Coke combined to strand Jones and Oscar Salazar, who had walked.

The Yankees added to their lead in the seventh with the help of some shoddy Orioles defense. Bobby Abreu stroked a lead off single and easily stole second base. He moved to third on Alex Rodriguez's fly out and scored when Jason Giambi's pop up fell between Brendan Fahey and Melvin Mora for a gift RBI single.

Pinch-runner Brett Gardner moved all the way to third base when Fahey booted Xavier Nady's grounder and scored on Cano's fly to left for a 7-3 advantage. The Yankees went down in order in the eighth, including Derek Jeter. Jeter had a tough night at the plate, bothered by the baseball he took off his wrist and hand on Saturday (he would never admit it of course), going 0-5. He struck out twice looking and both times, argued more than usual with home plate ump/tough guy Angel Hernandez. In the eighth it would get no better, as he grounded to third to end the inning, but appropriately, he was the last Yankees batter in the game.

Joba Chamberlain pitched 1.2 innings and handed the ball over to Mariano Rivera in a non-save situation. But Mo had his wish, he would be the last pitcher to toe the rubber. retired RiveraJay Payton on a grounder to Jeter and Luke Scott on a bouncer to Cano. Girardi then pulled Derek Jeter from the game for another standing ovation and a curtain call to the chants of "Der-ek Jet-er". Rivera then retired Roberts on a grounder to Cody Ransom, who had replaced Giambi for defense at first base.

And just like that, the final game at Yankee Stadium was over. Andy Pettitte got the final win, Brett Gardner scored the last run, Jose Molina had the last home run, and Jason Giambi picked up the final RBI. It was a must win, and for once this season, the Yankees came through when they had to.

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A Grand Finale

The final game and it's pre- and post-game ceremonies were a perfect send off to the Stadium. Kudos to ESPN and YES for a fantastic job all around. The day started out with ESPN Classic. We caught parts of Boomer and Coney's perfect games, Brosius' heroics in game 5 of '01, and Boone's big blast in '03.

We watched, with great envy, the fans pouring in from 1:00 on, stopping at the monuments, walking on the warning track, and the best of all, leaving their hand prints on the outfield wall.

ESPN's team of Karl Ravich, John Kruk, Steve Berthiaume, and Steve Phillips reminisced and talked to a number of former Yankees and some celebrities too. Getting John Sterling to do his body shaking, "thaaaaaaaaaaaa Yankees win" was classic.

At about 6:00 the ceremonies began with a great surprise. A pre-recorded message from Bob Sheppard, who then introduced the two emcees for the night, Sterling and Michael Kay.

The ceremony began oddly, using actors to re-create the 1923 opening day lineup. We think it was no coincidence that they were in the deepest part of center field so no one could see their faces.

Next was a salute to the players and managers who had plaques in Monument Park. More actors to represent Joe DiMaggio, Red Ruffing, Lefty Gomez, and Casey Stengel (the actor looked eerily like the Ol' Professor from the distance).

Each position on the field was saluted with a video montage and then an introduction of the past players from that position.

LF - Dave Winfield, Roy White

SS - Cora Rizzuto representing the Scooter,

3B - Graig Nettles, Scott Brosius

RF - Reggie Jackson, Paul O'Neill, Randy Maris representing his Dad

2B - Willie Randolph, who provided one of the highlights by sliding into second base, Bobby Richardson

1B - Moose Skowron, Tino Martinez

C - Yogi Berra, Joe Girardi, Michael Munson representing his Dad, Cheryl Howard representing her Dad

P - Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Helen Hunter representing her husband, David Wells, David Cone

CF - David Mantle representing his Dad, Kay, Todd, and Tori Murcer representing their husband and Dad, and then the biggest moment of the night. Bernie Williams, donning the Pinstripes for the first time in 2 years, returning to Yankee Stadium. Bern Baby Bernie received a raucous standing ovation for 2 minutes.

Notably absent was the inclusion of Roger Clemens in the pitching montage. And there was no real salute to the managers, which left out Joe Torre, Ralph Houk, and Buck Showalter.

The starting lineups were then introduced with each player joining the greats at their position. It also provided comic relief since Johnny Damon didn't realize what was going on and didn't have his cleats on. He quickly ran back to the clubhouse, put them on, and raced out to the field, the wrong field at that. They told him to go to left field even though he was playing center field, which only confused him further.

After the lineups were introduced, Derek Jeter, joined by his parents and sister, was presented with a Waterford crystal bat and ball, by Hal and Jennifer Steinbrenner (Swindal), to commemorate him becoming the all-time hits leader at Yankee Stadium.

The Babe's 92-yr old daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, through out the first pitch to Jorge Posada, and then it was game time.

The Yankees won 7-3, more on that later, and then there were more festivities. Derek Jeter and his team gathered on the mound, and the Captain spoke to the fans. Thanks to Peter Abraham for the transcription of the speech,

“Every member of this organization, past and present, has been calling this place home for 85 years, There’s a lot of tradition, a lot of history and a lot of memories. Now the great thing about memories is you’re able to pass it along from generation to generation.

“Although things are going to change next year. We’re going to move across the street. There are a few things that New York Yankees that never change. That’s pride, tradition and most of all we have the greatest fans in the world.

We want you to take the memories from this stadium, add them to the new memories that come at the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them along from generation to generation. So on behalf of the entire organization, we want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.”

The players then took a lap around the Stadium, waving to the fans, who like them, didn't want to go home. Players did interviews with the media and scooped up dirt from the batter's box, the mound, and the bullpen, and took photos (would love to have the Bernie, Tino, Derek, Jorge, Mo, Andy photo).

Finally everyone went home and went to sleep. They had already lived a dream.

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Yankees Salute the Fans

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A "Mo" Kind of Night

It's over. The final game at Yankee Stadium. The final Yankees batter? Derek Jeter (it was an out, but what the hell). The last pitcher on the mound? Mariano Rivera. And the last home run in Yankee Stadium? Jose Molina.

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The Autumn Heros

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End of Days

Robinson Cano singled to snap a scoreless tie in the bottom of the ninth and the Yankees won for the seventh time in nine games, 1-0. Mariano Rivera picked up the win after entering, dare we say it, a tie game. Disturbing isn't the word for it, but the Yankees celebrated like they had just won the pennant. More disturbing was the ninth inning pitch Derek Jeter took off his left hand/wrist, the same area that Daniel Cabrera plunked back in May. X-Rays were negative and you can bet your ass he'll be in the lineup tonight though.

But enough about that.

This is it, the final day of the Stadium. In case you haven't realized it by now, it's perfectly acceptable to refer to Yankee Stadium as merely "the Stadium". Every Yankee fan knows what you mean. It's like saying "the Garden" for Madison Square Garden.

It's an emotional day for many. It's a place where so many of us spent our youth. Where so many great moments took place. Among those we witnessed in person - Game 2 of the 1981 World Series, David Cone's 20th win in 1998, Bobby Murcer's opening day grand slam in 1981, the first Sunday game in the renovated Stadium in 1976, Derek Jeter tying Lou Gehrig's home hit record last Sunday, El Duque's return to Pinstripes, Phil Rizzuto Day, combined with Tom Seaver's 300th win in 1985, Bobby Murcer Day in 1983. Countless home runs by Reggie Jackson and Bobby Murcer, the return to glory in '76-'78', and again from '96-'01.

Our first game on August 30, 1970, a 5-2 win over the Twins. Seeing Mickey Mantle, Joe D., Tommy Henrich, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Casey Stengel, and more on Old Timers Day in the early '70s. Being at the Old Timer's Day when number 8 was retired for the two Hall of Fame catchers, Berra and Dickey. Bat Day, 1971, and getting our Bobby Murcer bat. And so many more. We have countless programs and yearbooks from those days, some of them with autographs. On and on it goes, so many memories, remembered with joy much more than with tears.

As watch today's coverage on ESPN and ESPN Classic (we've seen Boomer's perfecto, Coney's perfecto, and now Game 5 of the 2001 Series), and YES, and listen to the local ESPN radio, here's some more great stuff to read about the Stadium.

Reggie reflects on the 2001 World Series.

"Writer" George Steinbrenner talks about the finale.

Steve Serby does a Q & A with Bob Sheppard. The Daily News with a profile as well.

Rudy Guiliani reflects on the '96 WS.

Mike Vaccaro's 100 classic Stadium moments.

About the, gulp, dismantling of the HTRB.

Pettitte reflects on his final start. Another take here.

Kevin Kernan talks to some of the real veterans, the vendors.

A look from Boston's Bob Ryan.

Steve Politi looks at the House the Fans Built.

Retired beat writer Moss Klein (this is the guy we grew up reading) looks back.

Stadium magic bridges generations.

Peter Abraham's fondest memories. And he takes a look back.
"Writer" Billy Crystal looks back.

Henry Kissinger, yes, Henry Kissinger looks back.

Tyler Kepner looks back.

A very cool virtual tour of the Stadium from Newsday.

You can even take a vintage subway to today's game.

You can go home again when home is the Stadium.

Buster Olney gets opponents views.

Bob Klapisch looks back.



Goodbye old friend.

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Gardner Sparks Yankees to 3rd Straight Win

No one knows who will be manning center field for the Yankees next season, but Brett Gardner left an impression last night of what he's capable of. Gardner doubled in a run, robbed Luke Scott of a home run, and threw out Nick Markakis at the plate, in the Yankees 3-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

The victory was the Yankees third in a row and moved them back into sole possession of third place in the AL East, ahead of Toronto. Carl Pavano provided an adequate five innings of work (2 ER, 6 hits, 1 BB, 2 K) to earn his 4th win of the season.

The Orioles took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Aubrey Huff's RBI single, but Gardner threw out Markakis at home plate and had runners on the corners with no one out in the second. But Pavano escaped with just a sacrifice fly by Lou Montanez for a 2-0 advantage.

The Yankees tied the game up in the third against O's starter Radhames Liz, when Robinson Cano led off the inning with his 14th home run of the season, and Ivan Rodriguez singled, stole second base, and came home on Gardner's double to the gap in left-center field. What has become the norm for the 2008 Yankees then kicked in as Gardner was stranded.

Gardner then flashed the leather in the fourth when Scott drove a pitch to deep center field. Gardner raced back to the 408-ft sign, leapt, caught the baseball, and slammed into the wall. He sat on the warning track momentarily shaken up while Scott cursed on the base paths.

The Yankees have been more aggressive on the bases of late and it paid off in the fifth inning when Johnny Damon singled with one out, stole second base, and moved to third base on Derek Jeter's single. Liz retired Bobby Abreu on a foul out, but then wild pitched home Damon with the go ahead run. The Yankees again had a chance for more when Alex Rodriguez walked, but Jason Giambi grounded out to end the inning.

The Yankees refreshed pen has been looking better of late and they combined for four shutout innings last night. Phil Coke struck out the first two hitters in the sixth before a walk to Adam Jones and a Giambi throwing error (what else?) put two aboard. Joe Girardi sent for Brian Bruney, who made it a 'K' trifecta by striking out Montanez looking to end the threat.

Bruney and Damaso Marte combined for a scoreless seventh inning and Joba Chamberlain struck out the side in the eighth. Then it was on to Mariano Rivera, whose usual ovation was even louder as the days at home are dwindling. The greatest closer of all-time made things interested when a pair of two out singles and an error put runners on the corners, but he got Brian Roberts to pop out to Ivan Rodriguez, on the first pitch, to pick up save number 37.


News and Notes

Mariano Rivera's save was career number 480. Ivan Rodriguez had trouble at first picking up the final pop up and gave Mo a hug of relief after catching it.

Derek Jeter donated the spikes he wore in his record breaking hits game to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Pettitte Can't Shoulder the Load

There were reports during the Summer that Andy Pettitte was pitching injured. He denied it at the time, but now admits he's been taking the mound with a sore shoulder. Clearly something is wrong. After last night's 6-2 loss to the White Sox, Pettitte had dropped 7 of his last 8 decisions and saw his record go from 12-7 to 13-14. He's never finished a season under .500.

Pettitte's start last night evolved the way many of his starts have this season, going from good to bad in the middle innings. Tied 1-1 in the fourth, Pettitte walked Brian Anderson to start the inning. Consecutive singles by Jermaine Dye and Ken Griffey Jr. produced the go ahead run, and Dye scored on a double by Paul Konerko to give the White Sox a 3-1 lead.

Pettitte finally retired A.J. Pierzynski for the first out of the inning and then intentionally walked Alexei Ramirez to set up a double play situation. But the move backfired when Pettitte walked Juan Uribe to force in a run.

As they have been all season, especially in the second half, the Yankees went lifeless after being behind. A Jason Giambi home run in the Yankees half of the fourth cut the deficit to 4-2, but they would get no closer. The White Sox tacked on runs against the worn out Jose Veras, and Dan Giese for a 6-2 final.

The only highlight of the night was Derek Jeter's passing of Lou Gehrig for hits at Yankee Stadium. Jeter's first at-bat took care of it, though the hit should have been ruled an error when the ball went right through Uribe at third base.

Gavin Floyd continued his break out season for the White Sox, improving to 16-7 with the win. The Yankees biggest threat against him was a bases loaded, two out jam in the fifth. A 10-pitch battle ensued with Jason Giambi, that Floyd won when Giambi swung and missed at a strike three breaking pitch. Bobby Jenks, in a non-save situation, easily retired the punchless Yankees in the ninth.


News and Notes

Hideki Matsui has decided to go in for knee surgery after Sunday's home finale.

Derek Jeter also passed Lou Gehrig for second place on the franchise career at-bats list.

Brett Gardner stole two bases and is 10-11 on the season.

Olympic medalist Dara Torres threw out the first pitch.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/15

The Yankees open a four game series this evening with the Chicago White Sox at the Stadium tonight. The pale hose swept the Tigers in a doubleheader on Sunday to extend their AL Central lead to 1.5 games over the Twins.

Pitching match ups for the series:
Monday: Mark Buehrle (13-11, 3.88) vs. Al Aceves (1-0, 1.29)
Tuesday: Gavin Floyd (15-7, 3.77) vs. Andy Pettitte (13-13, 4.52)
Wednesday: Lance Broadway (1-0, 8.49) vs. Phil Hughes (0-4, 9.00)
Thursday: Javier Vazquez (12-13, 4.15) vs. Mike Mussina (17-9, 3.63)

Jorge Posada is a team leader in the Yankees clubhouse, but it will be interesting to see the reaction to comments he made on a taping of Centerstage, with Michael Kay. When Kay played word association and said, "Joba Chamberlain", Posada answered quite bluntly.

"Leave him in the bullpen," Posada replied flatly, before being asked to expand on his answer. "If you start him and he pitches 200 innings, he won't be able to (last).

"You're going to lose him. He's going to get hurt . . . I don't see him as a starter. I'd leave him in the bullpen."

We hadn't realized that Jorge was a pitching expert/coach. Posada expects to be ready by spring training and in not so many words, said Ivan Rodriguez has to go.

"Pudge, he's my friend, but he's going to have to go somewhere else."

There was no real likelihood of the Yankees bringing back I-Rod anyway.


The Journal Star has a profile on Joba Chamberlain's mom.

Unfortunately, Bob Sheppard will be unable to attend the Stadium finale on Sunday.

Newsday's Anthony Rieber thinks the Stadium farewell is "falling flat".

More on Derek Jeter's record tying Sunday.

Joe Girardi talked with Jack Curry about this year's disappointments.

The Scranton Yankees, winners of the International League championship, will face the Sacramento RiverCats, the A's triple-A affiliate and Pacific League champions, in a one game showdown on Tuesday. The game will be televised at 8 PM EDT on ESPN2.

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Jeter Makes for a Great Day at the Ballpark

With nothing to play for, Derek Jeter brought excitement to the announced paid crowd of 54,279 (it was a lot less) by tying Lou Gehrig's record for hits at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees toppled the Rays again, 8-4.

Jeter needed three hits to tie Gehrig's record after he got three hits in each game of the day-night doubleheader on Saturday. He started things off with a bunt single in the first inning, doubled to right in the second, and homered to right in the fifth off of Rays' prized prospect David Price. The home run brought the crowd, us included, to its feet for a long standing ovation, that culminated with a curtain call from the Captain. Jeter had a chance to break the record in the seventh, but bounced into a double play. He received another large ovation anyway.

Jeter's first inning bunt single followed a bloop lead off single by Johnny Damon. Jason Giambi then worked a long at-bat against Rays starter Edwin Jackson, pulling several deep flies into foul territory in right field. Jackson finally threw ball four on a 3-2 pitch with the runners moving, and quickly fell behind Alex Rodriguez. After laying in a batting practice fastball for a strike, he threw another fat one that A-Rod drilled into the bleachers in right-center field for a grand slam. It put A-Rod at the 100 RBI mark for the 11th straight season, and also put him over 100 runs scored for the 13th consecutive season.

The Rays came right back in the second inning when Columbia University product, and rookie, Fernando Perez took Carl Pavano deep for a 3-run home run. But that's the closest the Rays would get. Giambi blasted a 2-run shot into the upper deck in right in the Yankees half of the second to extended the lead back to 6-3. It was Giambi's 30th home run of the season and gave him 92 RBI.

Jeter's solo pushed the margin back to four when a familiar sight occurred in the top of the sixth inning. With one on, one out, and an 0-1 count on Eric Hinske, Joe Girardi went out to see Pavano, accompanied by assistant trainer Steve Donahue. Pavano left, with what would turn out to be a cramp in his hip, to a chorus of boos, followed by a smattering of applause.

Hinske singled off of Edwar Ramirez and after retiring Gabe Gross, Ramirez walked Perez to load the bases. Girardi brought on Damaso Marte, who continued his inconsistent time in Pinstripes by walking Aki Iwamura to force in a run. Marte escaped further trouble when Brett Gardner made a charging, diving grab of Jason Bartlett's line drive to center field.

Wilson Betemit's RBI single in the eighth made it a non-save situation, so Girardi brought in Jose Veras to start the ninth. But after a walk to Iwamura and a two-out single by Evan Longoria, Girardi called for Mariano Rivera to face Willy Aybar. The switch-hitting DH worked the count to 3-2 before Rivera struck him out swinging to record his 35th save in 36 attempts. The save tied Rivera with Lee Smith for second place o the all-time list with 478.


News and Notes

Robinson Cano was pulled from the game after not showing hustle on a play in the fourth inning. Cliff Floyd ripped a ball to the right side that Jason Giambi dove for and deflected. Cano was on the move to his right and couldn't reach back for the baseball. He then turned and watched it trickle into right field while Floyd hustled it into a double. It was a smart move by Girardi, but one that should have happened much sooner. He could have taken notice of the manager of the pennant contending teamin the other dugout, Joe Maddon, who pulled B.J. Upton out of an important game in August for lack of hustle.
Brett Gardner made another fabulous catch when he ran down and dove to glove, Evan Longoria's fly ball to right-center field in the seventh inning.

Brian Bruney worked a scoreless seventh inning and has a 2.55 ERA in his 17 appearances since returning from the DL.
David Price, the first pick in the 2007 amateur draft, was making his major league debut. To put it simply, the dude throws hard!

The family that caught Derek Jeter's home run ball, got the chance to give it to him in person. They were also rewarded with tickets to next Sunday's home finale and a signed bat. Jeter's former teammates Paul O'Neill and David Cone were part of the YES broadcast team.

Former Yankees catcher Rick Cerone pulled the lever to lower the number of home games to 7.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/13

The Yankees are just under way as Mike Mussina tries to run the table to get 20 wins. Sidney Ponson goes tonight in the back end of the day-night doubleheader. Alex Rodriguez was scratched from game one with a stiff neck.

Andy Pettitte will be getting the final start in the Stadium.

Derek Jeter is chasing Lou Gehrig for most hits at the Stadium.

Brian Cashman doesn't want to talk about his future.

Last night's weather reflected the Yankees season.

The Yankees have recalled Phil Hughes and David Robertson, and Hughes could start on Wednesday.

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Angels Put Yankees in a Clinch

The Yankees are used to celebrating September clinches and October victories. Yesterday they sat and watched the Los Angeles Angels become the first team to clinch a playoff spot with a combined 4-2 win over the Yankees and an 8-7 Rangers loss to the Mariners.

Things started out all right for the locals, Andy Pettitte had a 2-1 lead entering the fifth inning. Then the Angels loaded the bases on consecutive singles by Gary Matthews Jr., Garret Anderson, and Vladmir Guerrero (the killer 'G's?). Pettitte bounced back, striking out both Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales looking. But Robb Quinlan singled home two runs to put the Angels ahead and Guerrero came home home as well on Xavier Nady's errant throw to third base.

Just like that the Yankees were down 4-2 and rolled over. They managed just a walk over the next three innings and then had to face Francisco Rodriguez in the ninth. The Yankees did have a chance with two outs, as Jason Giambi drew a walk and Nady singled, but Hideki Matsui went down looking for the final out. The save was K-Rod's 56th, leaving him one behind Bobby Thigpen for the most saves in a single season.

The Yankees got off to a good start in the first inning against Angels right-hander Dustin Moseley, but, as usual, couldn't build off it. Derek Jeter drew a one out walk and stole second base. Bobby Abreu followed with a walk of his own and the Yankees were in business. Alex Rodriguez struck out for the second out, but Jason Giambi picked him up with an RBI single to right, for a 1-0 lead. Moseley then balked home Abreu for a second run. Giambi was stranded in scoring position, however, when Nady went down swinging.

The Angels got a run back in the first after a one out double by Matthews. Guerrero struck out, but reached on a wild pitch, with Matthews moving to third. Juan Rivera put the Angels on the board with an RBI ground out.

Box Score


News and Notes

The Yankees struck out 13 times in the game with A-Rod collecting three of them.

Joba Chamberlain threw two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three. It was the first time he went more than an inning since returning from the DL.

Derek Jeter stole his 275th career base.

Robinson Cano is in a 2-25 slide.

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Aceves Makes His Pitch

The Yankees have a lot of questions to answer this off-season, and as usual, the starting rotation and bullpen will be among the chief issues. Al Aceves threw his hat in the ring last night to be part of the 2009 pitching staff with a solid, six inning performance, in his first major league start, to lead the Yankees over the Angels, 7-1.

Aceves' stuff is not among the best in baseball, but he's gritty and isn't afraid to throw strikes. Location is key and last night he was masterful in hitting Chad Moeller's mitt. He held the Angels scoreless until the sixth, and even then made effective pitches so LA couldn't open up a big inning. Aceves also had plenty of help on offense where Alex Rodriguez slugged a 3-run home run and Johnny Damon hit a pair of blasts.

The Yankees had a 1-0 lead against Angels starter Ervin Santana when a crucial error helped break things open for the Bombers in the sixth inning. Center fielder Torii Hunter had left the game after fifth inning due to tightness in his left quad and his replacement, Gary Matthews Jr., made an immediate impact.

Derek Jeter hit a lead off drive in the sixth that Matthews ran down on the warning track, but dropped for a three base error (the play was originally ruled a triple). The play changed Santana's demeanor and he immediately walked Bobby Abreu to get into further trouble. A-Rod made Santana feel even more miserable when he crushed a pitch to right-center field for his 33rd home run of the season, and number 551 for his career.

Aceves had allowed just a single through the first three innings when Garret Anderson led off the fourth with a base hit. One out later, Derek Jeter mishandled Vlad Guerrero's potential double play grounder for an error, putting the tying and go ahead runs on base. But Aceves got Hunter to hit a comebacker for an easy 1-4-3 double play.

An Anderson one out single in the sixth was followed by a Mark Teixeira double and the Angels were in business. But Aceves retired Guerrero on an RBI ground out and Matthews on an inning ending grounder to Robinson Cano to escape further trouble.

Damon put the game out of reach with a 2-run home run off of Santana in the seventh and a solo shot against Justin Speier in the ninth.


News and Notes

Al Aceves won his first major league game in front of about 30 friends and family.

Jered Weaver was originally supposed to get the start for the Angels, but was scratched due to a problem with a finger on his pitching hand.

Dave Eiland was feeling better last night after falling in the dugout on Tuesday night. It was apparently caused by a dizzy spell. While he landed hard on his shoulder, Eiland was more embarrassed than anything else.

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Breaking News: Jeter Catches the Bambino

Derek Jeter just picked up hit number 2,519, putting him into sole possession of second place on the all-time Yankees hit list. The hit, a hard chopper through the left side, moved him ahead of Babe Ruth. The single came off of the Angels' Ervin Santana.

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Yankees Rally Can't Overcome Rasner

As we batten down the hatches here in the Carolinas for Tropical Storm Hanna, the Yankees continue to be wiped out by their poor starting pitching. It was orginally thought that Al Aceves might take Sidney Ponson's place in the rotation this weekend in Seattle, but now Aceves may be supplanting Rasner, who he relieved last night after Rasner failed to get out of the second inning.

The Yankees only managed one hit off of Rays starter Scott Kazmir and couldn't manage anything against the Rays pen until their final at-bat. The Yankees rallied with two away in the ninth, but came up short. Ivan Rodriguez opened the inning with a double off of Jason Hammel and out later, Cody Ransom got the Yankees on the board with an RBI single to center. Hideki Matsui pinch-hit for Brett Gardner, who had struck out three times looking, but did no better, going down swinging for the second out of the inning.

A Johnny Damon walk put two men aboard and Derek Jeter followed with a 3-run home run to cut the lead to 7-4. Alex Rodriguez, hitting in the number three spot in the order with Bobby Abreu out of the lineup, followed with a solo shot. It was A-Rod's 32nd of the season and number 550 all-time. Joe Maddon brought on Dan Wheeler, who was able to record a save by retiring Xavier Nady on a fly ball to center field.

Rasner had no problem in the first inning, but the second inning ended things for him. Eric Hinske and Dionnar Navarro opened the second inning with singles and a Rasner wild pitch put runners on the corners with no one out. Gabe Gross brought home the first run with a double to right and Jason Bartlett followed with a sac fly. Aki Iwamura then singled home Gross for a 3-0 Rays' lead.

B.J. Upton's single and a Carlos Pena walk loaded the bases and sent Rasner to an early shower. Aceves struck out Cliff Floyd, but Willy Aybar singled through the middle to plate two more for a 5-0 advantage. Eric Hinske finally popped out to end the inning.

The Rays added insurance runs in the fourth, on an Aybar home run, and the eighth for a 7-0 lead.


News and Notes

Derek Jeter is now for four hits within Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time Yankees list.

Bobby Abreu couldn't swing a bat after hurting his wrist stealing second base on Wednesday night. Melky Cabrera will be recalled for tonight's game with Seattle.

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