Cashman Re-Ups

Brian Cashman said he still has a job to do. He's got three years to do it. The Yankees general manager signed a new, three year contract that will keep as the head honcho through 2011.

"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line."

The Steinbrenner boys were happy to have Cashman back in the fold.

"Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th world championship," Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a joint statement released through the team.

"We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years."

Cashman Re-Ups

Brian Cashman said he still has a job to do. He's got three years to do it. The Yankees general manager signed a new, three year contract that will keep as the head honcho through 2011.

"I know I've said it before, but it's an incredible opportunity and honor to hold the title of general manager for the New York Yankees," Cashman said. "With it comes a great responsibility to ownership, the people who wear the uniform and our fan base. I've got a job to finish here. That's the bottom line."

The Steinbrenner boys were happy to have Cashman back in the fold.

"Before we could move forward as an organization this offseason, we needed to come to a resolution on the person who would hold the important position of general manager and allow us to make another run at a 27th world championship," Hal and Hank Steinbrenner said in a joint statement released through the team.

"We are thrilled that Brian has accepted to renew his commitment to this organization for at least three more years."

R.I.P. Cool Hand Luke

Paul Newman's passing at age 83 on Friday left a big void in the World. Besides being a great actor, he was a big time humanitarian, donating millions to charity and starting the "Hole in the Wall" camp for cancer stricken kids.

Butch Cassidy, Judge Roy Bean, Reg Dunlop, Hud..the list of memorable characters goes on and on.

Rest in Peace and thanks for some great memories Mr. Newman.

R.I.P. Cool Hand Luke

Paul Newman's passing at age 83 on Friday left a big void in the World. Besides being a great actor, he was a big time humanitarian, donating millions to charity and starting the "Hole in the Wall" camp for cancer stricken kids.

Butch Cassidy, Judge Roy Bean, Reg Dunlop, Hud..the list of memorable characters goes on and on.

Rest in Peace and thanks for some great memories Mr. Newman.

89-73

What an incredibly underwhelming season. The Yankees dropped game #162 last night, 4-3, to the Red Sox in 10 innings. The Yankees rallied to tie the game in the ninth, but Jose Veras couldn't get out of a bases loaded jam in the tenth. Jonathan Van Every singled home the game winner, some 48 hours, OK, not that long on, after the day began.

Sidney Ponson was impressive in his final start, allowing a run on four hits through six innings. Boston went ahead 3-1 in the eighth, against Darrell Rasner, on Sean Casey's 2-run single. But a sac fly by Juan Miranda (his first major league RBI) and a 2-out single by Robinson Cano tied the game in the ninth against David Aardsma. Red Sox pitcher Devern Hansack picked up his second major league win, and his first in two years.

One of the biggest story this season was of course, the transformation of Joba Chamberlain from reliever to starter and then back again due to injury. Looks like more of the same for next year.

Joe Girardi is already talking about next year's goals as if we didn't know what they were already.

Mike Mussina's 20th win yesterday, and number 270 all-time, could be his last. Speculation is that he'll retire.

Prior to yesterday's game the Red Sox retired #6 in honor of long time player and coach Johnny Pesky. He may be the first person to hit an opening fungo.

The 89 wins was the least since the Yankees won just 87 in taking the AL East in 2000 (something tells us Hank Steinbrenner didn't complain back then). The last non-strike, non-post season team of 1993 won 88 games.

Hard to argue with those who said Robinson Cano should have been sent a message earlier. Since being pulled out of September 14th's game and a subsequent one game benching, Cano went on a 19-46 (.413) tear to finish the season.

Johnny Damon (.303), Alex Rodriguez (.302), and Derek Jeter (.300) were the only regulars to finish at .300 or above. It was the first time for Damon since he donned the Pinstripes in 2006. Damon also had his highest stolen base total in the three years with 29.

Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Albert Pujols are the only major leaguers to drive in 100 runs each of the last six seasons.

A-Rod led the clubs in HR (35), RBI (103), slugging (.573), and strikeouts (117).

Cody Ransom has the early inside for the 2009 utility position. Ransom hit .302 in 43 at-bats with 4 home runs and a 1.051 OPS.

Jason Giambi led the team in walks with 76, three more than Abreu. Abreu did lead the team with 39 doubles, while Damon topped in triples with 5.

Andy Pettitte (204.1) and Mike Mussina (200.1) were the only pitchers to top 200 innings. In addition to wins, Mussina led the starters with a 3.37 ERA. Pettitte's 158 strikeouts was 8 more than Mussina's total. Pettitte was second in wins (14) and had the most losses (14). Chien-Ming Wang owned the only complete game in '08.

In saving 39 games, Mariano Rivera appeared in the most games, 64, four more than Jose Veras.

89-73

What an incredibly underwhelming season. The Yankees dropped game #162 last night, 4-3, to the Red Sox in 10 innings. The Yankees rallied to tie the game in the ninth, but Jose Veras couldn't get out of a bases loaded jam in the tenth. Jonathan Van Every singled home the game winner, some 48 hours, OK, not that long on, after the day began.

Sidney Ponson was impressive in his final start, allowing a run on four hits through six innings. Boston went ahead 3-1 in the eighth, against Darrell Rasner, on Sean Casey's 2-run single. But a sac fly by Juan Miranda (his first major league RBI) and a 2-out single by Robinson Cano tied the game in the ninth against David Aardsma. Red Sox pitcher Devern Hansack picked up his second major league win, and his first in two years.

One of the biggest story this season was of course, the transformation of Joba Chamberlain from reliever to starter and then back again due to injury. Looks like more of the same for next year.

Joe Girardi is already talking about next year's goals as if we didn't know what they were already.

Mike Mussina's 20th win yesterday, and number 270 all-time, could be his last. Speculation is that he'll retire.

Prior to yesterday's game the Red Sox retired #6 in honor of long time player and coach Johnny Pesky. He may be the first person to hit an opening fungo.

The 89 wins was the least since the Yankees won just 87 in taking the AL East in 2000 (something tells us Hank Steinbrenner didn't complain back then). The last non-strike, non-post season team of 1993 won 88 games.

Hard to argue with those who said Robinson Cano should have been sent a message earlier. Since being pulled out of September 14th's game and a subsequent one game benching, Cano went on a 19-46 (.413) tear to finish the season.

Johnny Damon (.303), Alex Rodriguez (.302), and Derek Jeter (.300) were the only regulars to finish at .300 or above. It was the first time for Damon since he donned the Pinstripes in 2006. Damon also had his highest stolen base total in the three years with 29.

Bobby Abreu, Alex Rodriguez, and Albert Pujols are the only major leaguers to drive in 100 runs each of the last six seasons.

A-Rod led the clubs in HR (35), RBI (103), slugging (.573), and strikeouts (117).

Cody Ransom has the early inside for the 2009 utility position. Ransom hit .302 in 43 at-bats with 4 home runs and a 1.051 OPS.

Jason Giambi led the team in walks with 76, three more than Abreu. Abreu did lead the team with 39 doubles, while Damon topped in triples with 5.

Andy Pettitte (204.1) and Mike Mussina (200.1) were the only pitchers to top 200 innings. In addition to wins, Mussina led the starters with a 3.37 ERA. Pettitte's 158 strikeouts was 8 more than Mussina's total. Pettitte was second in wins (14) and had the most losses (14). Chien-Ming Wang owned the only complete game in '08.

In saving 39 games, Mariano Rivera appeared in the most games, 64, four more than Jose Veras.

We Want You as a New Recruit

It may be sung to CC Sabathia in the off-season, but for now it's just because the Yankees rookies went through their hazing on Friday night. Normally this would take place after the last home game, but with all of the festivities and a late night last Sunday, things were put off until Boston. The players were dressed as the Village People, though they didn't have enough uniforms for players such as Phil Coke.

Unfortunately, there was also a lack of photographs. From left to right - Francisco Cervelli as the leather clad biker, Juan Miranda as the cop, Humberto Sanchez is "in the Navy", and Al Aceves as the Indian. Not pictured, Brett Gardner as the construction worker, and David Robertson as the cowboy.

Not their best work, but not bad.

We Want You as a New Recruit

It may be sung to CC Sabathia in the off-season, but for now it's just because the Yankees rookies went through their hazing on Friday night. Normally this would take place after the last home game, but with all of the festivities and a late night last Sunday, things were put off until Boston. The players were dressed as the Village People, though they didn't have enough uniforms for players such as Phil Coke.

Unfortunately, there was also a lack of photographs. From left to right - Francisco Cervelli as the leather clad biker, Juan Miranda as the cop, Humberto Sanchez is "in the Navy", and Al Aceves as the Indian. Not pictured, Brett Gardner as the construction worker, and David Robertson as the cowboy.

Not their best work, but not bad.

The Pennant Race - 9/28

It's been an amazing final weekend of the 2008 season, with several playoff spots still up for grabs. The Phillies clinched the NL East with a win over Washington on Saturday, but the Mets victory, combined with the Brewers loss, meant the wildcard would come down the final Sunday, and possibly Monday.

The Marlins had crushed the Mets dreams in 2007, jumping all over then Met Tom Glavine in the first inning and cruised to an 8-1 victory. Johan Santana had put the Mets into position with a masterful shutout on Saturday. Sunday was a match of a pair of left-handers, Scott Olsen for the Marlins, and Oliver Perez for the Mets.

The two teams were scoreless in the sixth inning when the Marlins finally broke through. Cameron Maybin led off with a double and scored on John Baker's single for a 1-0 lead. Jorge Cantu followed with a single and both runners moved up on Mike Jacobs fly out. Jerry Manuel elected to intentionally walk Dan Uggla, but reliever Joe Smith walked Josh Willingham to force in a run. Smith wiggled out of further trouble and the Mets came right back.

Robinson Cancel started the home half of the sixth with a walk. One batter later Carlos Beltran drove the Shea crowd crazy with a game tying 2-run home run, his 27th of the season.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, the Brewers trailed the Cubs 1-0 on an unearned run. CC Sabathia was doing everything he could to win it for the Brewers, but Milwaukee couldn't break through against an array of Cubs pitchers.

Carlos Zambrano was originally slated to start the game for Chicago, but Lou Piniella end up opting for Angel Guzman, who gave him two innings of work. Chad Gaudin, Neall Cotts, and Kevin Hart kept Milwaukee off the board through six innings.

Veteran Ray Durham greeted reliever Scott Marshall with a lead off double in the seventh. Ryan Braun's ground out moved Durham up to third, and Prince Fielder was intentionally walked to set up a potential double play. Piniella went to Mike Wuertz, who walked J.J. Hardy to load the bases. Wuertz then struck out Craig Counsell for the second out, but walked Corey Hart to force in the tying run.

The Marlins and Mets moved to the eighth inning back at Shea, still tied at 2-2. But Wes Helms connected off of Scot Schoenweis for just his fifth home run of the season and a 3-2 Marlins lead. Two batters later, Dan Uggla slugged his 32nd home run of the year off of Luis Ayala for a 4-2 Florida advantage.

With the Mets falling behind, the Brewers took it to the Cubs in the eighth. Mike Cameron singled with one out and two batters later, second year sensation Ryan Braun belted his 37th home run of the year off of Cubs set up man Bobby Howry. Braun has 71 home runs in 264 big league games.

At Shea, Jose Reyes smacked a double off of Kevin Gregg with two outs in the eighth. A Beltran walk brought up the Mets biggest hitter in the second half, Carlos Delgado. Fredi Gonzalez countered with lefty specialist Arthur Rhodes. Delgado drilled a 1-1 shot to left, but the ball stayed in the park for the third out of the inning.

In Milwaukee, Sabathia completed his seventh game in 17 Brewers starts, Ryan Theriot singled with one away, but Sabathia got Derrek Lee to bounce into a game ending double play.

A quite Shea Stadium held their breath and heads, and prayed as Matt Lindstrom came on in the ninth for the Marlins. David Wright popped out to second base and Endy Chavez hit a comebacker for the first two outs of the inning. Damon Easley drew a walk, giving the Mets on more shot with the tying run at the plate, but Ryan Church flied out to deep center to end the ball game and another disappointing Mets season.


Over in the American League, the AL Central was coming down to the last Sunday. With a half-game separating the two teams, the White Sox needed a win in order to play their 162nd game against the Tigers on Monday. The game being a make up of an earlier rain out. The Twins held destiny in their own hands, knowing that a win would ensure them, at the very least, of a one game playoff on Tuesday.

Pitching was the name of the game for both teams. Chicago's ace Mark Buehrle pitched like one. After losing the first two games against the Indians, the White Sox needed their best to give them his best. Buerhle did just that, allowing one run over seven innings to earn his 15th win of the season. Paul Konerko's solo home run highlighted a 3-run second inning that gave the White Sox the lead for good. Jermaine Dye added some big insurance with a 2-run single in the seventh before Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks sealed the win.

Meanwhile in Minnesota, the Twins had struggled against the Royals for two days, but Scott Baker was huge on Sunday. The Twins right-hander allowed just four hits, and struck out eight over seven innings, and the Twins rolled to a 6-0 victory. Joe Mauer and Delmon Young drove in two runs each for the Twins, who won their 88th game.

Gavin Floyd will start for Chicago on Monday, while former White Sox star Freddy Garcia goes for the Tigers. Should the White Sox win, they will face the Twins in a one game showdown in Chicago on Tuesday.

The Pennant Race - 9/28

It's been an amazing final weekend of the 2008 season, with several playoff spots still up for grabs. The Phillies clinched the NL East with a win over Washington on Saturday, but the Mets victory, combined with the Brewers loss, meant the wildcard would come down the final Sunday, and possibly Monday.

The Marlins had crushed the Mets dreams in 2007, jumping all over then Met Tom Glavine in the first inning and cruised to an 8-1 victory. Johan Santana had put the Mets into position with a masterful shutout on Saturday. Sunday was a match of a pair of left-handers, Scott Olsen for the Marlins, and Oliver Perez for the Mets.

The two teams were scoreless in the sixth inning when the Marlins finally broke through. Cameron Maybin led off with a double and scored on John Baker's single for a 1-0 lead. Jorge Cantu followed with a single and both runners moved up on Mike Jacobs fly out. Jerry Manuel elected to intentionally walk Dan Uggla, but reliever Joe Smith walked Josh Willingham to force in a run. Smith wiggled out of further trouble and the Mets came right back.

Robinson Cancel started the home half of the sixth with a walk. One batter later Carlos Beltran drove the Shea crowd crazy with a game tying 2-run home run, his 27th of the season.

Meanwhile in Milwaukee, the Brewers trailed the Cubs 1-0 on an unearned run. CC Sabathia was doing everything he could to win it for the Brewers, but Milwaukee couldn't break through against an array of Cubs pitchers.

Carlos Zambrano was originally slated to start the game for Chicago, but Lou Piniella end up opting for Angel Guzman, who gave him two innings of work. Chad Gaudin, Neall Cotts, and Kevin Hart kept Milwaukee off the board through six innings.

Veteran Ray Durham greeted reliever Scott Marshall with a lead off double in the seventh. Ryan Braun's ground out moved Durham up to third, and Prince Fielder was intentionally walked to set up a potential double play. Piniella went to Mike Wuertz, who walked J.J. Hardy to load the bases. Wuertz then struck out Craig Counsell for the second out, but walked Corey Hart to force in the tying run.

The Marlins and Mets moved to the eighth inning back at Shea, still tied at 2-2. But Wes Helms connected off of Scot Schoenweis for just his fifth home run of the season and a 3-2 Marlins lead. Two batters later, Dan Uggla slugged his 32nd home run of the year off of Luis Ayala for a 4-2 Florida advantage.

With the Mets falling behind, the Brewers took it to the Cubs in the eighth. Mike Cameron singled with one out and two batters later, second year sensation Ryan Braun belted his 37th home run of the year off of Cubs set up man Bobby Howry. Braun has 71 home runs in 264 big league games.

At Shea, Jose Reyes smacked a double off of Kevin Gregg with two outs in the eighth. A Beltran walk brought up the Mets biggest hitter in the second half, Carlos Delgado. Fredi Gonzalez countered with lefty specialist Arthur Rhodes. Delgado drilled a 1-1 shot to left, but the ball stayed in the park for the third out of the inning.

In Milwaukee, Sabathia completed his seventh game in 17 Brewers starts, Ryan Theriot singled with one away, but Sabathia got Derrek Lee to bounce into a game ending double play.

A quite Shea Stadium held their breath and heads, and prayed as Matt Lindstrom came on in the ninth for the Marlins. David Wright popped out to second base and Endy Chavez hit a comebacker for the first two outs of the inning. Damon Easley drew a walk, giving the Mets on more shot with the tying run at the plate, but Ryan Church flied out to deep center to end the ball game and another disappointing Mets season.


Over in the American League, the AL Central was coming down to the last Sunday. With a half-game separating the two teams, the White Sox needed a win in order to play their 162nd game against the Tigers on Monday. The game being a make up of an earlier rain out. The Twins held destiny in their own hands, knowing that a win would ensure them, at the very least, of a one game playoff on Tuesday.

Pitching was the name of the game for both teams. Chicago's ace Mark Buehrle pitched like one. After losing the first two games against the Indians, the White Sox needed their best to give them his best. Buerhle did just that, allowing one run over seven innings to earn his 15th win of the season. Paul Konerko's solo home run highlighted a 3-run second inning that gave the White Sox the lead for good. Jermaine Dye added some big insurance with a 2-run single in the seventh before Matt Thornton and Bobby Jenks sealed the win.

Meanwhile in Minnesota, the Twins had struggled against the Royals for two days, but Scott Baker was huge on Sunday. The Twins right-hander allowed just four hits, and struck out eight over seven innings, and the Twins rolled to a 6-0 victory. Joe Mauer and Delmon Young drove in two runs each for the Twins, who won their 88th game.

Gavin Floyd will start for Chicago on Monday, while former White Sox star Freddy Garcia goes for the Tigers. Should the White Sox win, they will face the Twins in a one game showdown in Chicago on Tuesday.

Mussina Wins 20th

It took Mike Mussina 18 seasons, but he can finally say he's a 20-game winner. The 39-year old became the oldest pitcher to earn 20 wins for the first time in his career when the Yankees downed the Red Sox 6-2. Mussina tossed six scoreless innings to extend his season-ending streak to 11.1 innings, leaving after 73 pitches were thrown.

An Xavier Nady 3-run home run off of Daisuke Matsuzaka in the fourth inning snapped a 0-0 tie. The win didn't come easily, however, as the Red Sox rallied in the eighth inning. Joba Chamberlain issued a lead-off walk to Jason Bay, and Mark Kotsay followed with a ground rule double to right. With the tieing run at the plate, Joe Girardi sent for Brian Bruney.

The right-hander, who missed much of the season with a torn Lisfranc ligament, struck out Jed Lowrie looking and retired Chris Carter on an RBI ground out. With Jacoby Ellsbury due up, Girardi went to left-hander Damaso Marte, but it was for naught, as Ellsbury singled to left field to cut the lead to 3-2.

Mariano Rivera went to New York earlier this week and has been contemplating surgery for his sore right shoulder, but he came back for the final series knowing that Mussina had a chance for 20 wins. With base stealing threat Ellsbury on base, Rivera blew three fastballs past Dustin Pedroia to retire the side.

The Yankees added three insurance runs in the ninth off of Jon Papelbon to increase the lead to 6-2, and then it was up to Rivera. David Ortiz reached on an error by Cody Ransom at short, but Rivera retired Kevin Youkilis, Jon Van Every, and Bay, on a ground-out to Ransom, for his 39th save in 40 tries. A jubilant Mussina sat on the bench and was greeted by the Yankees coaches, before joining his teammates on the field. Rivera gave him the game ball for career win number 270.

September 28, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	3		6	10	1
Boston	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0		2	5	0

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Gardner, CF	5	1	1	0	0	1	1	.228
Damon, LF	4	0	0	0	1	0	0	.303
Abreu, RF	2	1	0	0	2	1	0	.296
Cabrera, RF	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	.244
Rodriguez, A, 3B	4	1	2	1	1	1	0	.302
Giambi, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	3	4	.247
Miranda, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.375
Nady, DH	4	1	2	3	0	1	0	.307
Cano, 2B	4	1	3	0	0	0	1	.270
Ransom, SS	3	1	2	0	1	1	1	.325
Molina, C	3	0	0	1	0	1	5	.216
Totals	35	6	10	6	5	10	16
BATTING 2B: Cano (35, Matsuzaka). HR: Nady (25, 4th inning off Matsuzaka, 2 on, 2 out). TB: Gardner; Rodriguez, A 2; Nady 5; Cano 4; Ransom 2. RBI: Nady 3 (96), Molina (18), Cabrera (37), Rodriguez, A (103). 2-out RBI: Nady 3; Rodriguez, A. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gardner; Molina; Giambi; Miranda. SF: Molina. GIDP: Molina. Team LOB: 8. BASERUNNING SB: Abreu (22, 2nd base off Matsuzaka/Varitek), Cano (2, 3rd base off Matsuzaka/Varitek). FIELDING E: Ransom (3, fielding). Outfield assists: Damon (Pedroia at 2nd base). DP: 2 (Cano-Ransom-Giambi 2).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (W, 20-9)	6.0	3	0	0	2	3	0	3.37
Coke (H, 5)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.61
Chamberlain	0.0	1	2	2	1	0	0	2.60
Bruney (H, 12)	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	1.83
Marte	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	4.02
Rivera (S, 39)	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	1.40

Boston	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Ellsbury, CF	4	0	1	1	0	0	1	.280
Pedroia, 2B	4	0	2	0	0	1	2	.326
Ortiz, DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.264
2-Bailey, PR-DH	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.283
Youkilis, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.312
Drew, RF	2	0	0	0	1	1	2	.280
Van Every, J, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.231
Bay, LF	3	1	0	0	1	2	2	.286
Kotsay, 1B	3	1	1	0	0	0	1	.276
Lowrie, SS	3	0	0	0	0	2	2	.256
Varitek, C	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.220
1-Kottaras, G, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
Ross, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.230
a-Carter, PH	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	.429
Cash, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.232
Totals	30	2	5	2	3	7	15
a-Grounded out for Ross in the 8th. 1-Ran for Varitek in the 6th. 2-Ran for Ortiz in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Kotsay (25, Chamberlain). TB: Ellsbury; Pedroia 2; Ortiz; Kotsay 2. RBI: Carter (2), Ellsbury (47). 2-out RBI: Ellsbury. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bay. GIDP: Drew; Pedroia. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING DP: (Youkilis-Pedroia-Kotsay).

Boston IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Matsuzaka (L, 18-3) 4.0 4 3 3 2 5 1 2.90 Lopez 1.0 1 0 0 1 2 0 2.43 Delcarmen 2.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3.27 Okajima 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2.61 Papelbon 1.0 4 3 3 1 1 0 2.34

Chamberlain pitched to 2 batters in the 8th. Marte pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. WP: Lopez. Pitches-strikes: Mussina 73-48, Coke 13-9, Chamberlain 10-4, Bruney 10-7, Marte 6-5, Rivera 23-16, Matsuzaka 73-46, Lopez 29-17, Delcarmen 23-16, Okajima 11-8, Papelbon 33-18. Groundouts-flyouts: Mussina 9-5, Coke 1-0, Chamberlain 0-0, Bruney 1-0, Marte 0-0, Rivera 2-1, Matsuzaka 4-3, Lopez 1-0, Delcarmen 4-2, Okajima 0-1, Papelbon 1-1. Batters faced: Mussina 20, Coke 3, Chamberlain 2, Bruney 2, Marte 1, Rivera 5, Matsuzaka 18, Lopez 5, Delcarmen 7, Okajima 3, Papelbon 8. Inherited runners-scored: Bruney 2-1, Marte 1-1, Rivera 1-0. Umpires: HP: Phil Cuzzi. 1B: James Hoye. 2B: Jerry Layne. 3B: Randy Marsh. Weather: 67 degrees, drizzle. Wind: 3 mph, Out to LF. T: 3:16 (:00 delay). Att: 37,091.

Mussina Wins 20th

It took Mike Mussina 18 seasons, but he can finally say he's a 20-game winner. The 39-year old became the oldest pitcher to earn 20 wins for the first time in his career when the Yankees downed the Red Sox 6-2. Mussina tossed six scoreless innings to extend his season-ending streak to 11.1 innings, leaving after 73 pitches were thrown.

An Xavier Nady 3-run home run off of Daisuke Matsuzaka in the fourth inning snapped a 0-0 tie. The win didn't come easily, however, as the Red Sox rallied in the eighth inning. Joba Chamberlain issued a lead-off walk to Jason Bay, and Mark Kotsay followed with a ground rule double to right. With the tieing run at the plate, Joe Girardi sent for Brian Bruney.

The right-hander, who missed much of the season with a torn Lisfranc ligament, struck out Jed Lowrie looking and retired Chris Carter on an RBI ground out. With Jacoby Ellsbury due up, Girardi went to left-hander Damaso Marte, but it was for naught, as Ellsbury singled to left field to cut the lead to 3-2.

Mariano Rivera went to New York earlier this week and has been contemplating surgery for his sore right shoulder, but he came back for the final series knowing that Mussina had a chance for 20 wins. With base stealing threat Ellsbury on base, Rivera blew three fastballs past Dustin Pedroia to retire the side.

The Yankees added three insurance runs in the ninth off of Jon Papelbon to increase the lead to 6-2, and then it was up to Rivera. David Ortiz reached on an error by Cody Ransom at short, but Rivera retired Kevin Youkilis, Jon Van Every, and Bay, on a ground-out to Ransom, for his 39th save in 40 tries. A jubilant Mussina sat on the bench and was greeted by the Yankees coaches, before joining his teammates on the field. Rivera gave him the game ball for career win number 270.

September 28, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	3		6	10	1
Boston	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0		2	5	0

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Gardner, CF	5	1	1	0	0	1	1	.228
Damon, LF	4	0	0	0	1	0	0	.303
Abreu, RF	2	1	0	0	2	1	0	.296
Cabrera, RF	1	0	0	1	0	0	2	.244
Rodriguez, A, 3B	4	1	2	1	1	1	0	.302
Giambi, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	3	4	.247
Miranda, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.375
Nady, DH	4	1	2	3	0	1	0	.307
Cano, 2B	4	1	3	0	0	0	1	.270
Ransom, SS	3	1	2	0	1	1	1	.325
Molina, C	3	0	0	1	0	1	5	.216
Totals	35	6	10	6	5	10	16
BATTING 2B: Cano (35, Matsuzaka). HR: Nady (25, 4th inning off Matsuzaka, 2 on, 2 out). TB: Gardner; Rodriguez, A 2; Nady 5; Cano 4; Ransom 2. RBI: Nady 3 (96), Molina (18), Cabrera (37), Rodriguez, A (103). 2-out RBI: Nady 3; Rodriguez, A. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Gardner; Molina; Giambi; Miranda. SF: Molina. GIDP: Molina. Team LOB: 8. BASERUNNING SB: Abreu (22, 2nd base off Matsuzaka/Varitek), Cano (2, 3rd base off Matsuzaka/Varitek). FIELDING E: Ransom (3, fielding). Outfield assists: Damon (Pedroia at 2nd base). DP: 2 (Cano-Ransom-Giambi 2).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina (W, 20-9)	6.0	3	0	0	2	3	0	3.37
Coke (H, 5)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.61
Chamberlain	0.0	1	2	2	1	0	0	2.60
Bruney (H, 12)	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0	1.83
Marte	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	4.02
Rivera (S, 39)	1.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	1.40

Boston	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Ellsbury, CF	4	0	1	1	0	0	1	.280
Pedroia, 2B	4	0	2	0	0	1	2	.326
Ortiz, DH	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.264
2-Bailey, PR-DH	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.283
Youkilis, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.312
Drew, RF	2	0	0	0	1	1	2	.280
Van Every, J, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.231
Bay, LF	3	1	0	0	1	2	2	.286
Kotsay, 1B	3	1	1	0	0	0	1	.276
Lowrie, SS	3	0	0	0	0	2	2	.256
Varitek, C	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.220
1-Kottaras, G, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
Ross, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.230
a-Carter, PH	1	0	0	1	0	0	1	.429
Cash, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.232
Totals	30	2	5	2	3	7	15
a-Grounded out for Ross in the 8th. 1-Ran for Varitek in the 6th. 2-Ran for Ortiz in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Kotsay (25, Chamberlain). TB: Ellsbury; Pedroia 2; Ortiz; Kotsay 2. RBI: Carter (2), Ellsbury (47). 2-out RBI: Ellsbury. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Bay. GIDP: Drew; Pedroia. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING DP: (Youkilis-Pedroia-Kotsay).

Boston IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Matsuzaka (L, 18-3) 4.0 4 3 3 2 5 1 2.90 Lopez 1.0 1 0 0 1 2 0 2.43 Delcarmen 2.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 3.27 Okajima 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2.61 Papelbon 1.0 4 3 3 1 1 0 2.34

Chamberlain pitched to 2 batters in the 8th. Marte pitched to 1 batter in the 8th. WP: Lopez. Pitches-strikes: Mussina 73-48, Coke 13-9, Chamberlain 10-4, Bruney 10-7, Marte 6-5, Rivera 23-16, Matsuzaka 73-46, Lopez 29-17, Delcarmen 23-16, Okajima 11-8, Papelbon 33-18. Groundouts-flyouts: Mussina 9-5, Coke 1-0, Chamberlain 0-0, Bruney 1-0, Marte 0-0, Rivera 2-1, Matsuzaka 4-3, Lopez 1-0, Delcarmen 4-2, Okajima 0-1, Papelbon 1-1. Batters faced: Mussina 20, Coke 3, Chamberlain 2, Bruney 2, Marte 1, Rivera 5, Matsuzaka 18, Lopez 5, Delcarmen 7, Okajima 3, Papelbon 8. Inherited runners-scored: Bruney 2-1, Marte 1-1, Rivera 1-0. Umpires: HP: Phil Cuzzi. 1B: James Hoye. 2B: Jerry Layne. 3B: Randy Marsh. Weather: 67 degrees, drizzle. Wind: 3 mph, Out to LF. T: 3:16 (:00 delay). Att: 37,091.