Game 2: Yanks VS. Rays (Finale)

PA’s got the lineups:

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Moeller C
Pettitte LHP (0-1, 5.40)

Now that’s a “typical” Yankee lineup (outside of Moeller’s presence). If these guys, in this order, can bust out against Edwin Jackson, who has seemingly turned a corner (sort of like Greinke as of late), it’ll be a big confidence boost for the entire squad. Also, If you see players wearing No. 42 and you don’t know why, remember, it’s Jackie Robinson Day, so no need to bug out.

Honoring a Legend

The MLB has a nice website devoted to Jackie Robinson and his accomplishments. I encourage you to check it out. Tonight, I believe the entire Rays team will be wearing number 42, while Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, and Mariano Rivera (of course) will also don 42 in order to honor Jackie Robinson’s legacy.

Here’s a nice Q&A with Derek Jeter (from the MLB) as he discusses the relationship he has with the Robinson family as well as the influence Robinson has had on his career and the rest of baseball.

Yanks Interested in Mike Piazza?

According to Mark Healey of Gotham Baseball, the Yankees are engaging in some internal discussions in order to figure out an effective solution to their current catcher woes. These discussions reportedly feature conversations about Mike Piazza. Now, this seems like sheer speculation, but you have to wonder if Jorge Posada is seriously injured. Why else would you waste money on Piazza?

Thanks to MLBTR.

Curt Schilling’s Infatuation

Curt Schilling recently reiterated that he has not and will not consider pitching for the Yankees (in the future). Well, I hate to break it to you Curt, but nobody in Yankeeland ever wanted you to pitch for them in the past, nor do they want you to pitch for them in the future. You’re a washed up ballplayer that ate his career away in its final throes, just as you were making a case to be in the HOF. Now, you’re simply “that guy” who needed weight-based incentives weaved into his contract (a contract that your loyal Red Sox brethren have tried to void). Quit embarrassing yourself, stop thinking about the Yankees, and concentrate on getting healthy again (which probably won’t happen).

Posada’s Shoulder Still a Problem

Jorge has been debating whether or not to get a cortisone shot in order to help his “dead” shoulder. I think the Yanks should just put him on the DL already (retroactively) and let the guy rest up. There’s no point in letting it get worse or having him play through it. At least not now.

Tuesday’s Early Bird Bits: Chamberlain, Meltdowns, A-Rod, Red Sox…

Here are some stories to start off your day:

1) Joba father, Harlan, remains in critical condition and he is believed to be sedated and resting within a Nebraska hospital. As of now, there is no explanation as to what is going on with Joba’s dad (who are we to ask for one), but, within a few days and after a variety of tests, the doctors expect to have some sort of idea about his condition. Joba will be gone for the next 2 days, at least, but he’ll probably be gone for more depending on his father’s situation.

2) Last night’s game against the Rays was a fairly interesting experience. It was a wild one and we witnessed a normative bullpen breakdown. This sort of thing doesn’t seem to surprise Yankee fans anymore since we’ve grown accustomed to this practice over the years. However, I would not fret as much as George King III is about the reliever blowup, instead, I would rather focus on the offensive attack launched by our beloved Yankees (led by A-Rod who tied Willie McCovey and Ted Williams on the all-time homer list), as well as the strong pitching performance by Ian Kennedy. Remember, the bullpen has been overworked lately while Billy Traber has actually been underworked, explaining tonight’s ineffectiveness, so the situation still looks relatively good at this point in time.

3) Last but not least, we have a nice read by George Vecsey of the Times about the Boston Red Sox. Quite often we hear about the Red Sox as being the underdog archetype, whether we’re talking about finances or their place in the baseball hierachy in relation to the Yankees. However, Larry Luchino’s “little engine that could” is a money making empire that finds its ways to turn a profit.

More later.

Kennedy Does his Jaret Wright Impression

In tonight’s debacle game, IPK took a hard liner off the side of his hip (right side). He’s reportedly okay, but I’m sure he’ll have quite the bruise. The Yankees don’t expect him to miss any time.