Pinstripe Notes

Jason Giambi is excited about a possible return to the Yankees next week. He's expected to play a pair of rehab games for Tampa Friday and Saturday. Considering the Yankees success while he's been, my heart is not exactly aflutter at the prospect of him returning.

Alex Rodriguez is about to become the 1st player to hit his 500th home run in a Yankees uniform since Mickey Mantle in 1967. Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson (Angels) are the other members of the 500 club to wear the Yankees uniform.

No Yankee has topped 50 HRs since Roger Maris in 1961. A-Rod belted 48 two years ago. With over 100 RBI before August, A-Rod also has a chance to put his name among the Yankees elite. He has an excellent shot at the highest total since Don Mattingly drove in 145 in 1985. Manny Ramirez, Sammy Sosa, Miguel Tejada, Andres Galarraga, and Juan Gonzalez are the only players to drive in 150 or more runs in a season in the last 45 years.

A-Rod also has a chance to surpass the 141 runs he scored for Seattle in 1996, the highest AL total in the last 20 years.

Joba Chamberlain made his Triple-A debut last night and it was a memorable one. The Nebraska native threw 5 shutout innings and struck out 10. He's now 9-2, 2.56 at 3 levels.

Jose Molina gets his 1st start as a Yankee tonight. Maybe he can get through to Kei Igawa.