Going Back to Cali

The Yankees are going to have to keep playing hard and keep winning if they want to make the post-season. This week could have a big say in the outcome. Before going to Detroit for 4 games (who makes up these ridiculous schedules?), the Yankees face a big test with their nemesis, the LA Angels. The Angels just split a 4 games series in Boston that either team could have won, but both team's bullpens blew leads.

The Yankees were swept in a May, 3 game series the last time they visited Anaheim. The Yankees took 2 of 3 at home in July, and scored 26 runs in the 2 wins. This time around, the Angels will be facing a much tougher team than they did in either of those previous meetings. Tonight's 1st game is huge with tough right-handers, Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey started the next 2 games for the Halos.

Pitching Probables

Monday - Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.44) vs. Dustin Moseley (4-2, 4.84)
Tuesday - Mike Mussina (8-8, 4.76) vs. Kelvim Escobar (13-6, 2.68)
Wednesday - Andy Pettitte (10-7, 3.80) vs. John Lackey (15-7, 3.32)


To add some depth to their Triple-A outfield, the Yankees signed veteran Jose Cruz Jr. to a minor league contract. The 11-year veteran has played with 8 different teams in the last 8 years, and was released earlier this month by the Padres.

Sunday's NY Daily News had a great article on Joba Chamberlain and his Dad, Harlan. It's a must read.

The NY Post's Phil Mushnick, never shy to criticize, ripped ESPN in today's column concerning the handling of Phil Rizzuto's death. Mushnick, felt, and rightly so, that ESPN radio used the Scooter's passing as a chance to self promote by having Joe Morgan, who barely knew him, as a guest with Michael Kay.