Game 86: Yankees VS. Red Sox

Here are the lineups (via PA):

YANKEES (45-40)
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Betemit 1B
Cabrera CF
Pettitte LHP

RED SOX (50-37)
Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Ramirez DH
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Crisp CF
Varitek C
Lugo SS
Lester LHP

In PA’s gameday post, he also notes that Hideki Matsui could possibly need surgery now or he’ll opt for the surgery after the season. That would pretty much end his year if he goes for it now, assuming that the surgery is more than minor (rehab time). If we lose Matsui, that would obviously hurt the Yankees, especially since he’s such a productive hitter with RISP. Would the Yankees deal for a pitcher and a hitter, similar to the Corey Lidle and Bobby Abreu deal that occurred a few years ago? Could we see a Raul Ibanez and INSERT MARINER PITCHER HERE trade (random speculation) in a few weeks or will Brett Garder take over?

More later.

Closing Ceremony For Yankee Stadium?

A few weeks ago, I reported that the Yankees were considering a closing ceremony at Yankee Stadium that featured “every living Yankee” that was still available (past and former). Now, that phrase is debatable, I mean, who are we going to see, Yogi or Aaron Small (or both?). However, it would be an appropriate way to end things at the stadium and Hank Steinbrenner told Barry Bloom (MLB) that they’re currently working on having the ceremony in November. Here’s a passage from the mini-Stein interview (check it out, they clear up some misconceptions that have been floating around regarding the new stadium):

TAMPA, Fla. — The All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium is fewer than two weeks away, but it will by no means be the last of the tributes that will be paid to the old Bronx yard on 161st Street and River Avenue in this, its 85th and final season.In addition to ceremonies at the final regular season game scheduled to be played on Sept. 21 against the Orioles, a gala celebration is being considered in November as the final event before the scene shifts across the street to the new Yankee Stadium, Hal Steinbrenner told MLB.com in an interview in his Legends Field office.

“There’s going to be things at the actual game, but we’re also looking to have a closing ceremony in November,” said the 39-year-old youngest son of George Steinbrenner, the team’s patriarch and principal owner since 1973. “We’re strongly considering it and it will be a very nice event.

“We’re working on it right now. We’re talking to people and some big names in terms of what they want to do. And it may be music, it may be a comedian, it may be an emcee. There will certainly be a lot of videos and things like that. And, of course, bringing back the old Yankees. That’s something we’ve always done.”

There’s a lot the team can do for a closing ceremony. Hopefully it’ll involve both Bernie Williams’ presence, and Joe Torre’s presence, as I’m sure these are things that fans would certainly want to see. I hope those bridges are too badly burnt by now because if they are, it’ll be hard to swallow not seeing Torre or Bernie there.

Posada’s Shoulder Woes

Jorge Posada’s shoulder was definitely on display this week, as the Rangers (and Ian Kinsler, specifically) went steal happy (even Josh Hamilton got into it) and ran on Jorge a lot (4 bases on Tuesday). Obviously, this was going to happen, teams will learn about his shoulder and will try to exploit it (the Rays come to mind, with Upton and Crawford) and with each throw you have to wonder about Jorge’s 2008. Joe Girardi states that the team will keep 3 catchers on hand for now, and that will likely continue for the rest of the season. When the team faces the Rays (Upton, Crawford, Longoria, Hinske) or the Sox (Ellsbury, Crisp), Molina and Moeller will be valuable players, especially with Matsui out (Jorge may see more time at the DH spot or at first with Giambi at DH).

For now, I don’t think Jorge’s shoulder will keep him out of the lineup much, even if he isn’t throwing people out. As long as he can make the throws without any pain, that’s all that matters. He may not see as much time as catcher, and granted, he’ll get a few more days off, but the team will still try to get his bat in the lineup whenever possible. When Matsui returns though (if he does), it’ll be more of a juggling act and Jorge will not see nearly as many AB’s as last year, but this is how it’ll go until his offseason surgery corrects the problem.

A-Rod’s Problems

Alex Rodriguez and his wife, Cynthia, have reportedly separated after experiencing some personal problems for the past 3 months. Now, the only reason I’m posting this is because this situation is very different from some of A-Rod’s past moments (e.g. strippergate, etc.). This is a very serious and sad situation for A-Rod and his family. Alex is a professional and has performed like one all season (he could have been leading the AL in homers if it weren’t for his DL stint), and, while this is a tough situation, it’ll certainly be followed by the media and I’m sure this would effect any man, both on the field and off. Let’s hope that he’ll be able to buckle down and have a productive season, despite his off-field issues. I’m sure if he slumps at all, people will be quick to attribute the slump to his alleged separation, but then again, he’s been doing pretty well so far (and this was obviously an ongoing situation).

You know, in light of this news, do you think Hank Steinbrenner is going to feel like a dick tomorrow morning? Look at what he said about the Yanks yesterday:

With Alex Rodriguez’s budding friendship with Madonna making headlines, Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner is hinting that “outside distractions” are causing the team’s offense to break his heart.Steinbrenner told The Associated Press today, “We’ve got to start hitting. It’s getting ridiculous.”

Though he did not mention Rodriguez by name, Steinbrenner said, “We all know they’re better than that. I don’t know. Maybe a little less outside distractions and a little more concentrating and they’ll start hitting better.”

Well Hank, sometimes, player’s aren’t simply cavorting with pop singers in the middle of the night. These guys have other off-field issues that you don’t necessarily know about, so maybe you should leave the “outside distractions” jab out of your next uplifting speech (even if it did seem to work).

A Few Notes: IFA’s, Karstens, Venditte, Tabata

If you’ve wondered about our good ol’ friend, Jeff Karstens, relax, because he’s been doing just fine in AAA. Tonight, Karstens outpitched Brett Myers (recently demoted ace) and went 7 innings, giving up 2 ER on 5 hits and striking out 6. He’s currently 3-3 and, as PA notes, he’s been dealing all season. Karstens and Darrell Rasner were once interchangeable names to Yankee fans, as they were both seen, essentially, as AAAA pitchers. However, with Sidney Ponson in the rotation, blowing leads left and right, Karstens will likely get the call if Ponson implodes in his next start against the Rays. I think Karstens could be a serviceable back of the rotation starter and his presence/performance can impede a C.C. deal from happening. If he’s pitching this well, I’m sure Cashman would rather call him up before sending out the farm system for Sabathia.

• PA also notes that Jose Tabata is headed to the DL with a hamstring strain.
• PA (he’s got oodles of news, OK, I just wanted to say oodles) also provides us with a list of the Yankees’ international free agent signings. Look out, these kids could be big players a few years from now.
• Pat Venditte’s versatility has led to the creation of a new rule for ambidextrous pitchers. Venditte will have to signify what arm he’ll be using before the batter steps into the box.

More tomorrow (Sox VS. Yanks, oh yeah).