Youkilis Wants A Roll Call

From PA’s LoHud Blog:

Spoke to Kevin Youkilis, who admitted he was hoping that the fans in the bleachers would do a roll call tomorrow night.

“That’s one of my favorite things at the Stadium,” he said. “It would be kind of cool if they did it.”

Then Youkilis laughed.

“I’m not sure they’ll do it for me, Dustin (Pedroia) or Manny. But I would love to wave at those guys.”

I actually think it would be pretty cool to see Yankee fans do a roll call for the AL. Too bad Youkilis, Manny and Dustin Pedroia are on this team. It would have been an interesting scene if fans actually decided to do it, but I doubt Pedroia, Youkilis, and Manny would get any love, at all. Maybe we can leave them out, would that be wrong? Or, maybe we can do a roll call and include Justin Morneau and Ian Kinsler instead of Youkilis and Pedroia (I’m fine with Manny). How hilarious would that be?

Pre-Derby Bits: Futures Game, Posada Catching, A-Rumors, Rotation Configuration

Here are a couple of news items that may interest you:

• Michael Fensom has a nice read out on Jesus Montero (C) and Ramiro Pena (SS), two touted prospects in the Yankees’ farm system. Both players represented NY in this week’s Futures Game. They played on the World Team, which squared off against the Team USA squad (and won).
• Jorge Posada seems like he’s fine with catching after seeing his playing time behind the dish cut down considerably. Part of it had to do with the teams the Yankees were facing (Tampa Bay, Red Sox) and how well they’ve run on their opponents. However, Jorge’s shoulder definitely appears to be an ongoing problem and he’ll likely get days off when facing the quicker teams in the league.
• Next, we have a story on A-Rod and his wife, Cynthia. Apparently, Scott Boras stepped into their personal situation in order to arrange a truce between the two. According to the Daily News, it’s unknown whether or not Boras was helping to hasten what could be a messy divorce, or if he was simply trying to help with damage control (public relations). Either way, the DN reports that Boras has the Yankees’ support (and “blessings”) and that anything he can do to get A-Rod’s mind back to baseball would be wonderful.
• Finally, the Yankees’ second half rotation will open with Mike Mussina, then Joba Chamberlain, then Andy Pettitte. I like sandwiching Moose and Pettitte with Joba, as he’ll provide a very different look in comparison to his older teammates. The top 3 will be followed by Sidney Ponson (a number 4 starter, wow) and Darrell Rasner. Only time will tell how long this rotation can hold up. I’m not sold on Ponson and Rasner right now, so I’d expect that to change, somehow (whether from within or from an external party).

AS Lineups Revealed

Here they are, via the MLB:

AL starting lineup:

1: Ichiro Suzuki, RF, Mariners
2: Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees
3: Josh Hamilton, CF, Rangers
4: Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees
5: Manny Ramirez, LF, Red Sox
6: Milton Bradley, DH, Rangers
7: Kevin Youkilis, 1B, Red Sox
8: Joe Mauer, C, Twins
9: Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

SP: Cliff Lee, Indians

NL starting lineup:

1: Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins
2: Chase Utley, 2B, Phillies
3: Lance Berkman, 1B, Astros
4: Albert Pujols, DH, Cardinals
5: Chipper Jones, 3B, Braves
6: Matt Holliday, RF, Rockies
7: Ryan Braun, LF, Brewers
8: Kosuke Fukudome, CF, Cubs
9: Geovany Soto, C, Cubs

SP: Ben Sheets, Brewers

No complaints here, although I’m surprised at the starting pitcher selections. I thought that Roy Halladay should have been awarded the start as his numbers have been tremendous this year. Lee’s figures are also spectacular, but Halladay is just so consistently dominant and has seemingly revitalized his strikeout totals while pitching deep into ballgames. Also, Sheets over Volquez? I don’t know if I agree with that one.

Matsui In Tampa

Hideki Matsui is currently rehabbing his injured knee in Tampa (he’s taking batting practice) and Joe Girardi believes that Matsui could be back as early as Friday. If Matsui is activated, expect to see him in the DH role at all times. I don’t think  Girardi would dare play him in the field at all.