Huge

Yankee fans are likely rejoicing right now, as we haven’t had much to celebrate about, recently. But, today, that’s not the case as Mike Mussina pitched a beautiful ballgame, the bullpen held the lead, and then Mo, while shaky and after loading the bases in the 9th, came back to do what he normally does—prove to everyone that he’s simply unflappable. This was a huge victory for the Yankees (on a number of levels) and it’s a building/turning point. With Joba on the mound tomorrow, it could be time for something special so let’s hope the team comes ready to play.

Game 88: Yanks VS. BoSox

How about a win today boys? You’re facing Justin Masterson, who has performed fairly well but has walked a ton of batters, so his June ERA sits at 4.54 with 19 walks in 35.2 innings (he also has 28 K’s over the month). The Yankees are Damonless and Posadaless (he’s under the weather) and Jose Molina will see more time at catcher today (what about Moeller?). Masterson will square off against our most consistent pitcher, the grizzled veteran, Mike Mussina.

Here’s the lineup for both teams (via PA):

YANKEES (45-42)
Gardner LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi DH
Betemit 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Mussina RHP

RED SOX (52-37)
Ellsbury LF
Pedroia 2B
Drew RF
Ramirez DH
Lowell 3B
Youkilis 1B
Crisp CF
Varitek C
Cora SS
Masterson RHP

Also, a note on Damon. In PA’s Gameday post, he states that Damon could possibly go on the DL today. Now, a shoulder contusion, depending on the severity, probably shouldn’t keep Damon out of the lineup for 2 weeks, but we haven’t heard much on that front. We’ll likely hear more later as the game starts, but with Damon out of LF and Brett Gardner being our only option (I like Gardner, but without Damon and Matsui, this is going to be a tough battle), when does the name Barry Bonds become prevalent?

Yanks Complain, Change Babe Ruth Promotion

Remember the “Call Your Shot” promotion that was to be held at the Home Run Derby and was supposed to feature David Ortiz as he attempts his best Babe Ruth impression? Well, since the Yankees complained a bit about the promotion and also because of Ortiz’s wrist injury (which we haven’t capitalized on, at all), the promotion has been changed. Now, the 2 finalists during the HR contest, whoever they may be (the list of participants reportedly includes Lance Berkman, Vlad Guerrero and Josh Hamilton), will be awarded the opportunity to participate in the promotion. David Ortiz will be on hand but he won’t be calling any shots that day. Well, I guess if the Yankees can’t beat the Red Sox in an actual baseball game, then they’ll take this victory?