Yankees Outlast Dbacks in 10

Mariano Rivera must have been experiencing some deja vu, or at the very least, some near deja vu last night. But thankfully for the greatest closer of all time this is June, 2010 not November, 2001. Rivera worked out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam in the 10th inning and the Yankees defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 last night. In doing so, the Yankees took two of three and picked up a game on the Rays and Red Sox, both of whom lost.

The Yankees did everything they could to not win the game, particular on the basepaths, but the Diamondbacks bullpen was much more giving. After Alex Rodriguez's sac fly tied the game against Aaron Heilman in the 9th, Curtis Granderson smacked a solo home run off Carlos Rosa in the 10th inning to give the Bombers a 6-5 lead. Granderson is the only major leaguer with more than one home run in extra innings this season.

The Diamondbacks immediately rallied against Rivera in their half of the 10, loading the bases on a Stephen Drew single, a double off the bat of Justin Upton, and intentional walk to Miguel Montero. Rivera got Chris Young to foul out to Francisco Cervelli and Adam LaRoche, who had driven in all five Dbacks runs, to pop out to third. That left things up to Mark Reynolds, king of home runs and strikeouts. Rivera made it the latter, pushing Reynolds strikeout total to 103 with a swing and a miss at strike three.

This was a game that was ugly for the start. Dontrelle Willis couldn't throw strikes, but the Yankees made a pair of base running blunders to ruin a potential big 1st inning. Nick Swisher was picked off 1st base (though it was recorded as a caught stealing) and Mark Teixeira was thrown out on ill time double steal time as Robinson Cano struck out.

Javier Vazquez lasted just five innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the 6th. LaRoche victimized for a pair of 2-run singles, but he got off the hook when the Yankees tied the game at 4-4 in the 6th with a pair of runs. That included a pinch-hit RBI single for Colin Curtis.

Damaso Marte gave the run right back in the bottom of the sixth with the help of a balk and a wild pitch. LaRoche's ground out gave AZ a 5-4 lead and set up the late game drama.

The D-Train Has Sadly Derailed

Dontrelle Willis' days in the major leagues have to be numbered. For his own good.

The D-Train lasted just 2.1 innings tonight, walking seven Yankees in the process. Remarkably he allowed just two runs as the Yankees ran themselves out of a big number in the 1st inning.

Yankees fans, myself included, on Twitter were extremely sympathetic. It's difficult to see a good guy fail, even if he is facing the Yankees. Players have off nights, but Willis' far outweigh the good ones.

It's just the latest rough patch in the once bright career of the former Florida Marlins star. Willis is now with his third organization and it could be his last. He's battled anxiety and depression issues, and lost his fastball and his confidence.

Things didn't work out in Detroit, where they mistakenly gave him a three year, $29 million contract extension. Arizona, desperate for pitching, picked him up after Detroit waived him at the end of May.

Willis is a free agent after this season and needless to say there will be little call for his services. Perhaps a minor league deal or a contract with an independent league team. In his current state, Willis is not ready for prime time. Let's hope one day he is again.

Pettitte Exorcises Some Demons

A regular season game in June can't be compared to a World Series potential clincher, but Andy Pettitte had to feel some satisfaction after returning to the scene of his self proclaimed "worst start of my career". Pettitte limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to two runs over seven innings and the Yankees broke open a close game late for a 9-3 win.

Though he had been back to Chase Field (formerly "The BOB") as a member of the Houston Astros, this was the first time Pettitte stood atop the mound in his New York Yankees grey road uniform since his game six debacle (2 IP 6 ER) in the 2001 World Series. The Dbacks are not the same team in any way, shape, or form, but Pettitte sparkled in picking up his 9th win.

There was a slight bump in the road when Pettitte let a 2-0 lead, courtesy of Alex Rodriguez's first home run since June 3, get away in the 2nd inning. That's when Pettitte's counterpart, Dan Haren, poked a game tying 2-run single to right. Haren's batting average (.457) is nearly as high as his ERA (4.62)...let's not compare decimal places, shall we?...

The Yankees took the lead right back in the 3rd on an RBI single by Rodriguez and Pettitte made the lead stand up. He scattered seven hits, walked two, and struck out seven in earning his 238th career win (57th on the all time career wins list). His 2.48 ERA is the lowest of his career after 14 starts. Pettitte even amused his fellow pitchers with a base hit.

Pettitte also gave the bullpen some rest, finishing the 7th inning after going past the mystical 100-pitch mark. Haren also left after seven innings and the Yankees took full advantage of a shoddy Dbacks bullpen to bust the game open.

Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, and Curtis Granderson each stroked RBI singles and a Jorge Poasada sac fly gave the Yankees a 7-2 lead. That set the stage for Colin Curtis' second big league at-bat. He didn't disappoint. The Yankees reserve outfielder lined a 2-run double to deep center, much to the delight of his family, who were in attendance for the second straight evening..

Notes

The Yankees gained a game on both Tampa Bay and Boston and lead the AL East by 1.5 games. The Rays dropped their series opener to San Diego and have lost 8 of 11.

It becomes quite clear in watching Alex Rodriguez run that he's well short of being at 100%. Kim Jones reported during the YES broadcast that A-Rod has begun daily work outs in a pool to strengthen his leg and help his mobility. Last night's home run snapped a streak of 49 at-bats without a long ball. It's the third time this season that A-Rod has gone at least 40 games without a home run.

Burnett's Performance No Mirage

Picture if you will A.J. Burnett wandering through the desert. Down on his hands and knees, crawling, gasping for...COMMAND. Burnett couldn't find any last night in the air conditioned confines of Chase Field as the Arizona Diamondbacks pounded him and the Yankees 10-4.

The multi-tattooed right-hander got tattooed in the first inning after retiring the first two batters with ease. Justin Upton started the fireworks with a tape measure solo home run to center field. The next two hitters reached safely and came home on a 3-run blast by Andy LaRoche. Mark Reynolds then went back to back with LaRoche with a solo shot to left off Burnett. Two batters later Burnett finally struck out his counterpart, Rodrigo Lopez, on a 3-2 pitch to end the frame. In a matter of moments, the Yankees found themselves in a 6-0 hole that they wouldn't be able to climb out of.

Burnett gave up another run in the 2nd and has now allowed 23 earned runs in his last 20 innings (0-4, 10-35). He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the 5th inning.

The best the Yankees offense could do was the cut the lead to 7-3 in the 6th on RBI from Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada. But Upton put the game out of reach when he took Chan Ho Park deep with two aboard in the 8th. It was the sixth home run allowed by Park this season, one more than he surrendered all of last year.

Notes

Colin Curtis made his major league debut last night and lined out to center pinch-hitting for Burnett. With Jorge Posada ready to catch a regular or semi-regular rate, Chad Moeller became expendable and Curtis was added to the roster. His family flew in time for the game.

Andy Pettitte returns to Chase Field for the first time as a member of the Yankees since his disastrous 2001 World Series game 6 performance. The Yankees held a 3-2 lead in games, but Pettitte, who later found out he was tipping his pitches, got torched for six runs in two innings. He did face Arizona a number of times while with the Houston Astros.

Suh-weeeeeeeeeep

Andy Pettitte became the 2nd straight Yankees starter to pitch into the 8th, and A-Rod and Hideki Matsui continued to swing hot bats as the Yankees finished off a sweep of the Dbacks, 7-1. Less than 24 hours after Mike Mussina gave the Yankees 7 2-3 innings, Pettitte pitch 8 complete frames, allowing just 4 hits and a walk. In improving to 4-4, the Andyman struck out 4.

With Johnny Damon getting a day off, Melky Cabrera was penciled into the lead off spot and rewarded Joe Torre with a single to start the 1st. Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu each followed with singles as well to load the bases. Abreu's base hit extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Rather than give up a home run to Alex Rodriguez, Dback's starter Doug Davis walked him to force in a run. Davis struck out Jorge Posada, but Matsui's ground out brought home a 2nd run.

The heart of the order came through again in the 3rd. Abreu drew a walk, and A-Rod followed with a double into the corner. Abreu scored and A-Rod moved to 3rd as Scott Hairston misplayed the ball. Davis was again able to retired Posada, but Matsui doubled to right for a 4-1 lead.

Pettitte cruised through the middle innings, retiring 13 in a row at one point. Meantime the offense touched up the Dbacks pen for 3 more runs in the 7th. Posada and A-Rod singled off of Juan Cruz, setting up another RBI situation for Matsui. Godzilla took advantage, singling off reliever Doug Slaten. Posada scored and A-Rod joined him as Young's throw got away. Josh Phelps finished off the scoring with a single to center.

Scott Proctor pitched an uneventful 9th, striking out Mark Reynolds to seal the deal. Milwaukee was beating Detroit at the same time, moving the Yankees to within 3 1/2 of the Tigers in the wild card. And tonight, Colorado shellacked Boston again, 7-1, cutting the Yanks deficit in the AL East to 7 1/2.







Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Suh-weeeeeeeeeep

Andy Pettitte became the 2nd straight Yankees starter to pitch into the 8th, and A-Rod and Hideki Matsui continued to swing hot bats as the Yankees finished off a sweep of the Dbacks, 7-1. Less than 24 hours after Mike Mussina gave the Yankees 7 2-3 innings, Pettitte pitch 8 complete frames, allowing just 4 hits and a walk. In improving to 4-4, the Andyman struck out 4.

With Johnny Damon getting a day off, Melky Cabrera was penciled into the lead off spot and rewarded Joe Torre with a single to start the 1st. Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu each followed with singles as well to load the bases. Abreu's base hit extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Rather than give up a home run to Alex Rodriguez, Dback's starter Doug Davis walked him to force in a run. Davis struck out Jorge Posada, but Matsui's ground out brought home a 2nd run.

The heart of the order came through again in the 3rd. Abreu drew a walk, and A-Rod followed with a double into the corner. Abreu scored and A-Rod moved to 3rd as Scott Hairston misplayed the ball. Davis was again able to retired Posada, but Matsui doubled to right for a 4-1 lead.

Pettitte cruised through the middle innings, retiring 13 in a row at one point. Meantime the offense touched up the Dbacks pen for 3 more runs in the 7th. Posada and A-Rod singled off of Juan Cruz, setting up another RBI situation for Matsui. Godzilla took advantage, singling off reliever Doug Slaten. Posada scored and A-Rod joined him as Young's throw got away. Josh Phelps finished off the scoring with a single to center.

Scott Proctor pitched an uneventful 9th, striking out Mark Reynolds to seal the deal. Milwaukee was beating Detroit at the same time, moving the Yankees to within 3 1/2 of the Tigers in the wild card. And tonight, Colorado shellacked Boston again, 7-1, cutting the Yanks deficit in the AL East to 7 1/2.







Celebrate good times, c'mon!

Yankees Win a Blast

The Yankees won their 8th straight game last night, pounding the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-2. Mike Mussina had his longest outing in over a year and the Yankees got home runs from Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Hideki Matsui to move over .500 for the first time since early April.

Mussina threw a complete game against the Detroit Tigers on May 30, 2006, but hadn't gone more than 7 1-3 innings until last night. He was able to locate his pitches and threw 101 before being removed by Joe Torre. This time there was no anger in Mussina's post-game voice as there was after his last outing when he was removed after 79 pitches.

The Dbacks to a 1-0 lead in the 2nd on a double by Mark Reynolds and a sac fly by Chris Young. One wonders if Reynolds would have attempted to score if Melky Cabrera was playing centerfield. Johnny Damon made a rare start out there and his weak throw was well short and late to get Reynolds. The Yankees came right back though.

Jorge Posada drilled a Livan Hernandez pitch into the right field seats for his 8th HR of the season. One inning later Bobby Abreu singled to extend his hitting streak to 12 games and Alex Rodriguez followed with a deep shot that hit the facing of the upper deck. It was A-Rod's major league leading 25th HR and #489 for his career.

In the 4th, the Yankees finished off El-Duque's brother. A-Rod's RBI single pushed the lead to 4-1 and then Hideki Matsui capped off the inning with a 3-run HR, his 7th of the season. Then it was all up to Moose.

Mussina didn't issue a walk, struck out a season high 7 batters, and scattered 6 hits. He left to a standing ovation that including his family.

Brian Bruney decided to make things interesting though in the 9th. Joe Torre, reluctantly, had to get Mariano Rivera up as Bruney issued a lead off walk to Orlando Hudson and gave up an infield single to Chad Tracy. Bruney bounced back, striking out Reynolds, but Torre opted for Mike Myers with the left-handed hitting Stephen Drew due up. Myers did his job, striking out Drew, but fell behind 3-0 to the right-handed hitting Young. Mo was able to take the night off though as Young bounced out to A-Rod to end the game.

~~~

The Yankees moved to within 8.5 games of the Red Sox after the Rockies pounded Schitbag Schilling, 12-2. They also picked up a game on the Tigers in the wild card (4.5), who dropped a 3-2 decision to the Brewers.

Yankees Win a Blast

The Yankees won their 8th straight game last night, pounding the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-2. Mike Mussina had his longest outing in over a year and the Yankees got home runs from Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, and Hideki Matsui to move over .500 for the first time since early April.

Mussina threw a complete game against the Detroit Tigers on May 30, 2006, but hadn't gone more than 7 1-3 innings until last night. He was able to locate his pitches and threw 101 before being removed by Joe Torre. This time there was no anger in Mussina's post-game voice as there was after his last outing when he was removed after 79 pitches.

The Dbacks to a 1-0 lead in the 2nd on a double by Mark Reynolds and a sac fly by Chris Young. One wonders if Reynolds would have attempted to score if Melky Cabrera was playing centerfield. Johnny Damon made a rare start out there and his weak throw was well short and late to get Reynolds. The Yankees came right back though.

Jorge Posada drilled a Livan Hernandez pitch into the right field seats for his 8th HR of the season. One inning later Bobby Abreu singled to extend his hitting streak to 12 games and Alex Rodriguez followed with a deep shot that hit the facing of the upper deck. It was A-Rod's major league leading 25th HR and #489 for his career.

In the 4th, the Yankees finished off El-Duque's brother. A-Rod's RBI single pushed the lead to 4-1 and then Hideki Matsui capped off the inning with a 3-run HR, his 7th of the season. Then it was all up to Moose.

Mussina didn't issue a walk, struck out a season high 7 batters, and scattered 6 hits. He left to a standing ovation that including his family.

Brian Bruney decided to make things interesting though in the 9th. Joe Torre, reluctantly, had to get Mariano Rivera up as Bruney issued a lead off walk to Orlando Hudson and gave up an infield single to Chad Tracy. Bruney bounced back, striking out Reynolds, but Torre opted for Mike Myers with the left-handed hitting Stephen Drew due up. Myers did his job, striking out Drew, but fell behind 3-0 to the right-handed hitting Young. Mo was able to take the night off though as Young bounced out to A-Rod to end the game.

~~~

The Yankees moved to within 8.5 games of the Red Sox after the Rockies pounded Schitbag Schilling, 12-2. They also picked up a game on the Tigers in the wild card (4.5), who dropped a 3-2 decision to the Brewers.

Tonight's Lineup (6/13)

L. Hernandez vs. Mussina; Posada DH's tonight with Melky getting the night off - until he comes in as a defensive replacement.

Diamondbacks

E. Byrnes lf
C. Jackson dh
O. Hudson 2b
C. Tracy 1b
M. Reynolds 3b
S. Drew ss
C. Young cf
M. Montero c
C. Quentin rf

Yankees

J. Damon cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada dh
H. Matsui lf
R. Cano 2b
M. Cairo 1b
W. Nieves c

Tonight's Lineup (6/13)

L. Hernandez vs. Mussina; Posada DH's tonight with Melky getting the night off - until he comes in as a defensive replacement.

Diamondbacks

E. Byrnes lf
C. Jackson dh
O. Hudson 2b
C. Tracy 1b
M. Reynolds 3b
S. Drew ss
C. Young cf
M. Montero c
C. Quentin rf

Yankees

J. Damon cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada dh
H. Matsui lf
R. Cano 2b
M. Cairo 1b
W. Nieves c

I Could Walk 500 Miles

It only took 30 games, but the Yankees are finally back to the .500 mark with a 4-1 over the Arizona Diamondbacks. They got there with another big performance from Chien-Ming Wang, shaky, but scoreless relief from Kyle Farnsworth and another save for Mariano Rivera. Most of the offense came in the 1st inning when Bobby Abreu ripped a 3-run HR off of starter and loser, Brandon Webb.

Wang was in trouble in the top of the 1st inning, allowing a pair of singles to put runners on the corners with 1 out. But the Yankee's iceman got Eric Byrnes to foul out to Jorge Posada, and retired Chad Tracy on a ground out to 2nd. The only run off of him on the night came courtesy of a 4th innings solo shot by Tracy.

Wang (6-4) threw 23 pitches in the 1st inning, but averaged only 12 an inning after that in a 7-inning stint. Since a blowout loss to Texas on May 10, the Taiwanese native has gone 5-1 with a 2.30 ERA, and has averaged over 7 innings a start.

After the 1st inning fireworks, Webb (6-4) was masterful, allowing only a pair of Hideki Matsui singles over the next 5 innings. But the Yankees added some insurance in the 7th when Matsui drew a lead off walk and Robinson Cano followed with a double to right. With the infield playing in, Dbacks 2nd Baseman Orlando Hudson made a beautiful stop of a Melky Cabrera grounder up the middle. Hudson threw to 1st as Matsui held his ground at 3rd. Cano, however, needs a copy of "Where's the play?" after breaking for 3rd despite Matsui holding. Former Yankee Tony Clark threw to 2nd to nail Cano retreating to the base, but Matsui raced home with that all important extra run.

Farnsworth nearly let the Dbacks back in the 8th when he gave up a double to Stephen Drew and issued a 2-out walk to Tracy. But he retired Clark on a line drive to right to bring a sigh of relief from anyone watching. Then it was over to Mo.

Mariano breezed through the 9th, retiring the side in order for his 8th save. He's now allowed just 1 run over his last 17 appearances (18 1-3 innings) and has a 10 2-3 innings scoreless streak. His ERA has lowered from 12.15 to 3.96 since being lit up by Boston on April 27th.

I Could Walk 500 Miles

It only took 30 games, but the Yankees are finally back to the .500 mark with a 4-1 over the Arizona Diamondbacks. They got there with another big performance from Chien-Ming Wang, shaky, but scoreless relief from Kyle Farnsworth and another save for Mariano Rivera. Most of the offense came in the 1st inning when Bobby Abreu ripped a 3-run HR off of starter and loser, Brandon Webb.

Wang was in trouble in the top of the 1st inning, allowing a pair of singles to put runners on the corners with 1 out. But the Yankee's iceman got Eric Byrnes to foul out to Jorge Posada, and retired Chad Tracy on a ground out to 2nd. The only run off of him on the night came courtesy of a 4th innings solo shot by Tracy.

Wang (6-4) threw 23 pitches in the 1st inning, but averaged only 12 an inning after that in a 7-inning stint. Since a blowout loss to Texas on May 10, the Taiwanese native has gone 5-1 with a 2.30 ERA, and has averaged over 7 innings a start.

After the 1st inning fireworks, Webb (6-4) was masterful, allowing only a pair of Hideki Matsui singles over the next 5 innings. But the Yankees added some insurance in the 7th when Matsui drew a lead off walk and Robinson Cano followed with a double to right. With the infield playing in, Dbacks 2nd Baseman Orlando Hudson made a beautiful stop of a Melky Cabrera grounder up the middle. Hudson threw to 1st as Matsui held his ground at 3rd. Cano, however, needs a copy of "Where's the play?" after breaking for 3rd despite Matsui holding. Former Yankee Tony Clark threw to 2nd to nail Cano retreating to the base, but Matsui raced home with that all important extra run.

Farnsworth nearly let the Dbacks back in the 8th when he gave up a double to Stephen Drew and issued a 2-out walk to Tracy. But he retired Clark on a line drive to right to bring a sigh of relief from anyone watching. Then it was over to Mo.

Mariano breezed through the 9th, retiring the side in order for his 8th save. He's now allowed just 1 run over his last 17 appearances (18 1-3 innings) and has a 10 2-3 innings scoreless streak. His ERA has lowered from 12.15 to 3.96 since being lit up by Boston on April 27th.

Tonight's Lineups (6/12)

Brandon Webb vs. Chien-Ming Wang

DIAMONDBACKS

Chris Young CF
Stephen Drew SS
Orlando Hudson 2B
Eric Byrnes LF
Chad Tracy DH
Tony Clark 1B
Mark Reynolds 3B
Carlos Quentin RF
Chris Snyder C

YANKEES

Johnny Damon DH
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Miguel Cairo 1B

Tonight's Lineups (6/12)

Brandon Webb vs. Chien-Ming Wang

DIAMONDBACKS

Chris Young CF
Stephen Drew SS
Orlando Hudson 2B
Eric Byrnes LF
Chad Tracy DH
Tony Clark 1B
Mark Reynolds 3B
Carlos Quentin RF
Chris Snyder C

YANKEES

Johnny Damon DH
Derek Jeter SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui LF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Miguel Cairo 1B

Yankees vs. Diamondbacks Preview

It's kind of ironic that the Yankees are following up their series with the Pirates by playing the Diamondbacks. The two teams are intertwined in Yankees fans nightmares.

For anyone over the age of 50 seeing the Pittsburgh Pirates brings back painful memories of the 1960 World Series. For the rest of us, there is 2001. Both last at-bat losses in Game 7. There were many differences, but some painful similarities as well.

The Yankees offense was a juggernaut in the '60 series. They won games by scores of 16-3, 12-0, and 10-0. Each game the Pirates won was a close, tightly pitched contest. That all changed in Game 7 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. You've probably seen the replay hundreds of times of Bill Virdon's bad hop hit Tony Kubek in the throat. It helped turn the game around as the Pirates scored 5 times in the bottom of the 8th to take a 9-7 lead.

The Yankees rallied for 2 runs in the 9th to tie it, but then there's the image of Yogi running back in left and watching Mazeroski's ball clear the left field wall. The HR made Maz's career and overrated his value as well. Sorry, but the guy doesn't belong in the Hall.

The Yankees were far from an offensive juggernaut in 2001. It was clear that the team was getting old and couldn't hit like it used to. As it turned out, Paul O'Neill and Scott Brosius would retire after the season, and Tino Martinez would sign as a free agent with the Cards as the Yankees preferred to bring in Jason Giambi.

If not for some magical moments in games 4 and 5, the series could have been over quickly. And then of course, it seemed like another championship was a lock. Alfonso Soriano had homered off of Schitbag to give the Yankees the lead and Mo was on the mound in the 9th. And the rest is misery. Just as many older Yankees fans turn their head and can't watch the end of the '60 series, I can't watch the end of 2001. With Luis Gonzalez's little bloop over the drawn in infield scoring the game winner against a suddenly human Mariano Rivera.

The Pirates last made it to a series in 1979. Neither they nor the Dbacks will going again any time soon. Sometimes you have to be punished for messing up Yankeeland!

Here are the pitching probables for the 3 game series with AZ.

Tuesday - Battle of the sinkers - Brandon Webb vs. Chien-Ming Wang
Wednesday - Livan Hernandez vs. Mike Mussina
Thursday - Doug Davis vs. Andy Pettitte

Yankees vs. Diamondbacks Preview

It's kind of ironic that the Yankees are following up their series with the Pirates by playing the Diamondbacks. The two teams are intertwined in Yankees fans nightmares.

For anyone over the age of 50 seeing the Pittsburgh Pirates brings back painful memories of the 1960 World Series. For the rest of us, there is 2001. Both last at-bat losses in Game 7. There were many differences, but some painful similarities as well.

The Yankees offense was a juggernaut in the '60 series. They won games by scores of 16-3, 12-0, and 10-0. Each game the Pirates won was a close, tightly pitched contest. That all changed in Game 7 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. You've probably seen the replay hundreds of times of Bill Virdon's bad hop hit Tony Kubek in the throat. It helped turn the game around as the Pirates scored 5 times in the bottom of the 8th to take a 9-7 lead.

The Yankees rallied for 2 runs in the 9th to tie it, but then there's the image of Yogi running back in left and watching Mazeroski's ball clear the left field wall. The HR made Maz's career and overrated his value as well. Sorry, but the guy doesn't belong in the Hall.

The Yankees were far from an offensive juggernaut in 2001. It was clear that the team was getting old and couldn't hit like it used to. As it turned out, Paul O'Neill and Scott Brosius would retire after the season, and Tino Martinez would sign as a free agent with the Cards as the Yankees preferred to bring in Jason Giambi.

If not for some magical moments in games 4 and 5, the series could have been over quickly. And then of course, it seemed like another championship was a lock. Alfonso Soriano had homered off of Schitbag to give the Yankees the lead and Mo was on the mound in the 9th. And the rest is misery. Just as many older Yankees fans turn their head and can't watch the end of the '60 series, I can't watch the end of 2001. With Luis Gonzalez's little bloop over the drawn in infield scoring the game winner against a suddenly human Mariano Rivera.

The Pirates last made it to a series in 1979. Neither they nor the Dbacks will going again any time soon. Sometimes you have to be punished for messing up Yankeeland!

Here are the pitching probables for the 3 game series with AZ.

Tuesday - Battle of the sinkers - Brandon Webb vs. Chien-Ming Wang
Wednesday - Livan Hernandez vs. Mike Mussina
Thursday - Doug Davis vs. Andy Pettitte