Giambi Rocks Yankees

I've never hidden my disdain for Jason Giambi. He's a nice guy, the golden thong stuff was funny, but he was/is a miserable first baseman (No matter how many times Michael Kay tried to convince us he was great at scooping throws out of the dirt), his steroid use and subsequent body breakdown hurt the team, he was a mentally soft player (Derek Jeter, one of his biggest supporters was pissed at him during the 2003 playoffs when Giambi begged out of the lineup with a bad knee, but later homered- "if you can hit a home run, you can play"), and his contract was a boondoggle. George Steinbrenner was chiefly to blame for the deal as he just needed to sign "the big star" despite knowing full well that Giambi may have used steroids.

All of the above is the reason I had problem with those who gave Giambi a standing ovation last night when he was announced for his first plate appearance of the game. Also, though I didn't hear it, the Bleacher Creatures gave him a roll call. So all Giambi did his first time up was hit a home run that may have landed in the Rockies (even if they are in the wrong direction). It was the first of the three hits, the now grey bearded Giambi, had on the night. But it was Ty Wiggington's RBI ground out in the 4th and Troy Tulowitzki's home run an inning later that did A.J. Burnett and the Yankees in, 4-2.

Burnett had an up and down, including become the first Yankees pitcher to strikeout four batters an inning. Alex Rodriguez gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with an RBI double, but Giambi's blast deep into the mass of Bleacher Creatures tied the game in the 2nd inning and started a pick fence as the Rockies scored a single run in four consecutive innings.

Rodriguez had temporarily tied the game with second RBI of the game in the 3rd inning, but as is the custom this season, the Yankees provided no run support for Burnett. Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez had control issues early (he eclipsed 60 pitches in the 3rd inning), but settled down to limit the Yankees bats to four of their five hits over seven innings.

Giambi DFA'ed by A's

No, in this case, you can't go home again. According to the NY Post's Joel Sherman (via his Twitter acc't), Jason Giambi has been released by the Oakland A's.

Giambi has been hitting below the Mendoza Line for most of the season and has been beset by injuries. After 7 seasons with the Yankees, Giambi signed a 1-yr, $5.25 million deal free agent deal with Oakland. The contract also includes an option for 2010.

It's most likely some team, possibly even the Mets, will give Giambi another shot (no pun intended), if he's healthy enough.

We Hate Steroids, if it's Not Our Guy

Just read a feature by Yahoo! Sports' Steve Henson concerning his perception that fans are caring less and less if players use performance enhancing drugs. The article, in part, was spurred on by the huge standing ovation Manny Ramirez received upon his return to Dodger Stadium last night.

While Henson made many valid points, we beg to differ. Fans do care about PEDs...if it is not their player. Alex Rodriguez already received boos throughout baseball before his forced admonition that he cheated. But now he is vilified even louder by fans on the road. Do you think if it came out that David Ortiz was using PEDs during the Red Sox' World Series run in 2004 that anyone in Fenway Park would care? But they would still call A-Rod a cheater.

Just look at the way Barry Bonds was loved in the Bay area during his run at Hank Aaron's home run record, and the disdain that is still shown towards Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmiero and other big names that are no longer in the game.

The star players are also the true targets- no one cares that Sergio Mitre or J.C. Romero were suspended.

The player's personality obviously affects attitudes too. Yankees fan loved Jason Giambi, seeing him as a flawed individual, and generally, a nice guy. But he did have to win the fans back after his body broke down and he made his version of an apology (without openly admitting what it was for).

And finally, it all comes down to the player's success or failure. Do you think Mannywood will still be cheering Man-Ram if he's hitting .230 in September?

For me personally, it's a difficult situation. I don't want A-Rod to fail because I want the Yankees to win. But I do not have the same regard for him as a ball player (never had much regard for him as a person).

So just like with your friends or family, you accept baseball, warts and all. Unfortunately, no matter how things are perceived, baseball will never be the same.

Highs and Lows of Opening Day

While CC Sabathia and the Yankees would like to forget their opening day, they aren't the only ones.

It wasn't a good day for the aces:

Reigning CY Young Award winner Cliff Lee was tagged for 7 runs in 5 innings.

Tigers #1 starter Justin Verlander gave up 8 runs in 3.2 innings (and killed my fantasy team)

Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay won, but gave up 5 runs in 7 innings.

NL CY Young runner up Brandon Webb allowed 6 earned runs in 4 innings.


But it wasn't all bad.

The King, Felix Hernandez, allowed one run over 8 innings in the Mariners 6-1 win over the Twins.

Carlos Zambrano looked dynamite in his 6 innings of work in the Cubs 4-2 victory over the Astros.

Joe Saunders tossed 6.2 innings of 3-hit ball as the Angels blanked the A's 3-0.

Kevin Millwood tossed 7 innings of 5 hit ball as the Rangers crushed the Indians 9-1.

Hiroki Kuroda out pitched Jake Peavy as the Dodgers dropped the Padres 4-1.


The Hitting Heros

Arizona's Felipe Lopez and Tony Clark became just the second teammates, joining the Yankees Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada, to homer from each side of the plate. They also became the first teammates to perform the feat on opening day. (Are we the only ones who think of that unfortunate ground-rule double by Tony Clark in the 2004 ALCS, every time TC's name is mentioned?)

Toronto's Adam Lind had 4 hits and drove in a career high 6 runs. His big game included a home run.

Marlins' superstar shortstop Hanley Ramirez belted a grand slam and drove in 5 runs. Guess he got over having to get his hair cut.

Ken Griffey Jr. homered in his return to Seattle. That's 612 and counting.


The much anticipated debuts

The Mets new bullpen shone immediate. J.J. Putz pitched a scoreless eight inning, setting things up for Francisco Rodriguez's first "thank the big guy upstairs afterwards" save.

Jason Giambi went 0-3 for Oakland. Bobby Abreu was 1-4 in LA. Milton Bradley was 0-3 for Chicago. Pudge Rodriguez was 0-4 for Houston.


Are we a jinx?

Yesterday we picked CC Sabathia (12.46 ERA) for AL CY Young, Mark Teixeira (0-4) for AL MVP, and Jason Motte (1 IP 4 ER Blown Save, Loss) for NL Rookie of the Year.


It's a new day

Plenty more games on tap today, with the Royals-White Sox and Rays-Red Sox making up postponed openers.

Turn up the Hot Stove

Maybe it will melt the ice from the frozen tundra we had formed by freezing rain overnight. Don't worry with Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi off the market, there's still plenty of big names left out there.

The all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has been offered similar one year deals by both the Brewers and Dodgers. Jon Heyman believes the Brewers have made a stronger push.

Heyman was on with Mike Francesa yesterday and had some guestimates as to where some of the remaining free agents would end up.

Manny Ramirez - Dodgers reportedly made a 2 year, $45 million offer and aren't likely to increase it. Heyman still thinks another team will jump in.

Adam Dunn - Nationals; teams aren't willing to throw big money at him.

Ben Sheets - Rangers

Bobby Abreu - Still a good possibility of him going to Oakland. We think he could end up with the Angels.

The Rangers are reportedly checking out the medical records on free agent third baseman Joe Crede. Pitcher John Patterson has decided to retire at age 30 due to persistent arm problems.

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent pitcher Jon Garland, but are no longer pursuing him. K-Ros points to Pat Burrell's ($8 mill per year) new contract to show just how difficult it is for the Mets to deal Luis Castillo and his $6.25 mill per year. Like a lot of us, K-Ros also doesn't understand the Angels lack of maneuvering.

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are targeting John Smoltz for the rotation. Of course, most of what is said in the Herald isn't true.

Don't cringe Mets fans, but the Mets have reportedly made an offer to Tim Redding.

Turn up the Hot Stove

Maybe it will melt the ice from the frozen tundra we had formed by freezing rain overnight. Don't worry with Carl Pavano and Jason Giambi off the market, there's still plenty of big names left out there.

The all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has been offered similar one year deals by both the Brewers and Dodgers. Jon Heyman believes the Brewers have made a stronger push.

Heyman was on with Mike Francesa yesterday and had some guestimates as to where some of the remaining free agents would end up.

Manny Ramirez - Dodgers reportedly made a 2 year, $45 million offer and aren't likely to increase it. Heyman still thinks another team will jump in.

Adam Dunn - Nationals; teams aren't willing to throw big money at him.

Ben Sheets - Rangers

Bobby Abreu - Still a good possibility of him going to Oakland. We think he could end up with the Angels.

The Rangers are reportedly checking out the medical records on free agent third baseman Joe Crede. Pitcher John Patterson has decided to retire at age 30 due to persistent arm problems.

Ken Rosenthal says the Diamondbacks made an offer to free agent pitcher Jon Garland, but are no longer pursuing him. K-Ros points to Pat Burrell's ($8 mill per year) new contract to show just how difficult it is for the Mets to deal Luis Castillo and his $6.25 mill per year. Like a lot of us, K-Ros also doesn't understand the Angels lack of maneuvering.

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are targeting John Smoltz for the rotation. Of course, most of what is said in the Herald isn't true.

Don't cringe Mets fans, but the Mets have reportedly made an offer to Tim Redding.

You Can Go Home Again

Especially if your name is Jason Giambi. The former leader of the Oakland A's playoff teams of 2000-2001 has re-signed with the A's after 7 years in New York. Giambi passed his physical, enabling him to put his John Hancock on a 1 year, $5.25 million contract to play for Oakland.

Giambi built his reputation as a slugger, and steroid user, while averaging 35 home runs and 122 RBI from 1998-2001. He won the AL MVP Award his last season in the Bay area before bolting to the Yankees for 7 years and $120 million.

His time in New York was a mixed bag of home runs, walks, strikeouts, injuries, golden thongs, and of course, the steroid scandal. While he screwed up, he still had the backing of his teammates, most notably the Yankees captain, Derek Jeter, and was well liked by the fans and media.

Good luck in Oakland, Big G.

You Can Go Home Again

Especially if your name is Jason Giambi. The former leader of the Oakland A's playoff teams of 2000-2001 has re-signed with the A's after 7 years in New York. Giambi passed his physical, enabling him to put his John Hancock on a 1 year, $5.25 million contract to play for Oakland.

Giambi built his reputation as a slugger, and steroid user, while averaging 35 home runs and 122 RBI from 1998-2001. He won the AL MVP Award his last season in the Bay area before bolting to the Yankees for 7 years and $120 million.

His time in New York was a mixed bag of home runs, walks, strikeouts, injuries, golden thongs, and of course, the steroid scandal. While he screwed up, he still had the backing of his teammates, most notably the Yankees captain, Derek Jeter, and was well liked by the fans and media.

Good luck in Oakland, Big G.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

Vegas Update - Day 11:45 PM EST

No shock here, the San Jose Mercury News rumor that CC Sabathia rejected the Yankees offer was just that, a rumor. Word now is that Brian Cashman has flown to California to meet with Sabathia and his wife.

As expected, the Dodgers have agreed to a 3-year deal with Casey Blake that will pay the free agent corner man/outfielder $17.5 million. The pact includes a club option for 2012.

The Orioles and Reds finalized their Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel swap, with the Orioles also receiving prospects Brandon Waring and Justin Turner. The O's are sending cash along with their former catcher.

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Brewers are looking to move Prince Fielder, possibly in a deal that would bring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle.

The Rays have met with former Yankee Jason Giambi.

The Orioles are expected to announce the signing of free agent infielder Caesar Izturis to a 2-year deal.

Having already locked up K-Rod, Ken Rosenthal reports the Mets are increasing their efforts to sign Raul Ibanez.

Vegas Update - Day 1 10:40 PM EST

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers and Casey Blake are close to an agreement that would pay the free agent $17 million over 3 years. The Dodgers became Blake's main suitor after the Twins refused to give him a third year.

Padres GM Kevin Towers says it's up to the Cubs if a Jake Peavy deal is to go down. Reportedly a deal is in place, but the Cubs have to sign off on it. Towers also said there's a greater possibility of bringing back Trevor Hoffman if Peavy is dealt.

Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi denied that he had any talks with the Mets concerning B.J. Ryan.

A Rangers official feels that the Rays and Royals are in the lead in the race for Milton Bradley. If the Rangers want him back, Bradley should stay and continue to play for Ron Washington.

Jason Giambi apparently thinks he's going back to Oakland, but Billy Beane isn't moving too quickly.

Vegas Update - Day 1 10:40 PM EST

Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers and Casey Blake are close to an agreement that would pay the free agent $17 million over 3 years. The Dodgers became Blake's main suitor after the Twins refused to give him a third year.

Padres GM Kevin Towers says it's up to the Cubs if a Jake Peavy deal is to go down. Reportedly a deal is in place, but the Cubs have to sign off on it. Towers also said there's a greater possibility of bringing back Trevor Hoffman if Peavy is dealt.

Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi denied that he had any talks with the Mets concerning B.J. Ryan.

A Rangers official feels that the Rays and Royals are in the lead in the race for Milton Bradley. If the Rangers want him back, Bradley should stay and continue to play for Ron Washington.

Jason Giambi apparently thinks he's going back to Oakland, but Billy Beane isn't moving too quickly.

Yankees Don't Put Any Stops on Arbitration

The Yankees announced this afternoon they will not offer salary arbitration to free agents Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Chad Moeller, Carl Pavano, and Sidney Ponson.

The real surprise is that arbitration was not offered to Abreu, who has put up solid numbers in his 2 1/2 seasons in Pinstripes. It's especially puzzling since Abreu would likely get a multi-year deal somewhere, meaning the Yankees would get a pair of draft picks as compensation.

The NY Post reported earlier today that the Yankees made an offer recently to Pettitte that was for less money than the $16 million he earned last season. Pettitte, unwilling to take a pay cut, rejected the offer.

The Post also speculated the Yankees wouldn't offer Abreu and Pettitte arbitration, fearing that the poor economy would cause teams to not offer deals for major money.

Yankees Don't Put Any Stops on Arbitration

The Yankees announced this afternoon they will not offer salary arbitration to free agents Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Chad Moeller, Carl Pavano, and Sidney Ponson.

The real surprise is that arbitration was not offered to Abreu, who has put up solid numbers in his 2 1/2 seasons in Pinstripes. It's especially puzzling since Abreu would likely get a multi-year deal somewhere, meaning the Yankees would get a pair of draft picks as compensation.

The NY Post reported earlier today that the Yankees made an offer recently to Pettitte that was for less money than the $16 million he earned last season. Pettitte, unwilling to take a pay cut, rejected the offer.

The Post also speculated the Yankees wouldn't offer Abreu and Pettitte arbitration, fearing that the poor economy would cause teams to not offer deals for major money.

Moose Wins 19th, but Yanks Eliminated

The Yankees hit a high and a low last night in Toronto as Mike Mussina won his 19th game, but the Yankees were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 1993. While the Yankees were beating the Blue Jays, 3-1, the Red Sox were beating the Cleveland Indians, 5-4, in Boston.

It was almost entirely a night of lows when Mussina was hit on the right elbow by a line drive off the bat of Travis Snider. Moose was clearly in pain as he tried to walk it off, with a stressed Joe Girardi looking on. After a couple of warm up tosses, Mussina remained in the game and quickly got Joe Inglett to hit into an inning ending double play.

The Yankees took a 1-0 lead against Jay's starter Jesse Litsch in the second inning when Xavier Nady followed Jason Giambi's single with a double, and Robinson Cano grounded out, with the infield back conceding the run. Giambi made it a 2-0 game in the fourth when he crushed a pitch over the wall in right-center for his 32nd home run of the year, and the 396th of his career.

Mussina showed no ill effects in the fourth and fifth innings, retiring six of the seven hitters he faced, but his elbow stiffened up and Girardi removed him before the sixth inning.

The Yankees added a big insurance run in the seventh when Cano doubled, and came around on a pair of wild pitches. The play at the plate was a close one, and catcher Greg Zaun and manager Cito Gaston argued, to no avail, that Cano was out.

After Phil Coke and Brian Bruney combined for a scoreless sixth inning and the first out in the seventh, Girardi sent for Damaso Marte to face a pair of Blue Jays' lefties. But Adam Lind singled and Marte walked Lyle Overbay to bring the tying run to the plate. Girardi quickly went to Joba Chamberlain, who was greeted by a line drive RBI single off the bat of Scott Rolen to cut the lead to 3-1. Chamberlain struck out Zaun and then wild pitched the tying runs into scoring position. But the hard throwing right-hander struck out Snider swinging to end the threat.

Chamberlain got in trouble again with two out in the eighth after a single by Alex Rios and a throwing error by shortstop Cody Ransom on Vernon Wells' grounder. Chamberlain compounded the issue by walking Lind to load the bases, and went to a full count on Overbay. But a nasty slider froze Overbay for a called third strike and the Blue Jays' threat was done.

Mariano Rivera struck out two of three in the ninth, including Zaun, who got the "Golden Sombrero", for his 38th save in 39 tries.


News and Notes

Mike Mussina won his 19th game for the first time since 1996, when he his finished his second consecutive 19-win season. He also needs just 5.2 innings pitched this season to reach 200 innings for the first time since 2003. Elbow permitting, he's set to face the Red Sox in Boston on Sunday.
Derek Jeter was scratched from the starting lineup after not being able to effectively swing a bat, due to the fastball he took off his left hand on Saturday, during batting practice. He came in as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning, with Cody Ransom sliding over to first base to replace Jason Giambi.

Yankees pitching had 14 strikeouts in the game.

Moose Wins 19th, but Yanks Eliminated

The Yankees hit a high and a low last night in Toronto as Mike Mussina won his 19th game, but the Yankees were officially eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 1993. While the Yankees were beating the Blue Jays, 3-1, the Red Sox were beating the Cleveland Indians, 5-4, in Boston.

It was almost entirely a night of lows when Mussina was hit on the right elbow by a line drive off the bat of Travis Snider. Moose was clearly in pain as he tried to walk it off, with a stressed Joe Girardi looking on. After a couple of warm up tosses, Mussina remained in the game and quickly got Joe Inglett to hit into an inning ending double play.

The Yankees took a 1-0 lead against Jay's starter Jesse Litsch in the second inning when Xavier Nady followed Jason Giambi's single with a double, and Robinson Cano grounded out, with the infield back conceding the run. Giambi made it a 2-0 game in the fourth when he crushed a pitch over the wall in right-center for his 32nd home run of the year, and the 396th of his career.

Mussina showed no ill effects in the fourth and fifth innings, retiring six of the seven hitters he faced, but his elbow stiffened up and Girardi removed him before the sixth inning.

The Yankees added a big insurance run in the seventh when Cano doubled, and came around on a pair of wild pitches. The play at the plate was a close one, and catcher Greg Zaun and manager Cito Gaston argued, to no avail, that Cano was out.

After Phil Coke and Brian Bruney combined for a scoreless sixth inning and the first out in the seventh, Girardi sent for Damaso Marte to face a pair of Blue Jays' lefties. But Adam Lind singled and Marte walked Lyle Overbay to bring the tying run to the plate. Girardi quickly went to Joba Chamberlain, who was greeted by a line drive RBI single off the bat of Scott Rolen to cut the lead to 3-1. Chamberlain struck out Zaun and then wild pitched the tying runs into scoring position. But the hard throwing right-hander struck out Snider swinging to end the threat.

Chamberlain got in trouble again with two out in the eighth after a single by Alex Rios and a throwing error by shortstop Cody Ransom on Vernon Wells' grounder. Chamberlain compounded the issue by walking Lind to load the bases, and went to a full count on Overbay. But a nasty slider froze Overbay for a called third strike and the Blue Jays' threat was done.

Mariano Rivera struck out two of three in the ninth, including Zaun, who got the "Golden Sombrero", for his 38th save in 39 tries.


News and Notes

Mike Mussina won his 19th game for the first time since 1996, when he his finished his second consecutive 19-win season. He also needs just 5.2 innings pitched this season to reach 200 innings for the first time since 2003. Elbow permitting, he's set to face the Red Sox in Boston on Sunday.
Derek Jeter was scratched from the starting lineup after not being able to effectively swing a bat, due to the fastball he took off his left hand on Saturday, during batting practice. He came in as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning, with Cody Ransom sliding over to first base to replace Jason Giambi.

Yankees pitching had 14 strikeouts in the game.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/23

What? There's a game tonight? Didn't the season end on Sunday? Oh wait, that's right, the MLB scheduler makers fecked up. The Yankees travel north of the border tonight to visit the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Tonight's game is huge and we're not talking about the fact that the Yankees aren't mathematically eliminated. Mike Mussina (18-9, 3.57) goes for win number 19 tonight. If he gets it, he'll go for number 20 in Fenway Park. Moose will be opposed by Jesse Litsch (12-8, 3.72).

Phil Hughes makes his second start, since coming from the DL, tomorrow night against new Yankee killer, and maybe future Yankee, A.J. Burnett. The series finishes up on Thursday with Carl Pavano going against Roy Halladay, who will be looking for his 20th win.

We waded through many of the reviews of Sunday night's festivities and though most were favorable, there were some definite on-the-money criticisms. The ridiculous re-enactment of the 1923 lineup and of players like Joe D. The complete omission of Joe Torre from the highlights. The inclusion of Jesse Barfield in the highlights.

There was one thing we were quite curious about - who pulled the lever to set the countdown to zero. We saw no mention of it, so we asked Peter Abraham during his live chat yesterday - the answer? Michael Kay. Michael Kay??? WTF. Not even Hal or Jennifer Steinbrenner? By the way, nice of Hank not to show.

Here are some of the good columns we read concerning Sunday's ceremonies and some of the suggestions of what could have made the day better:

Richard Sandomir of the Times.

Joel Sherman of the Post.

Peter Abraham's video chat from yesterday. We asked what Pete would have added and taken away from Sunday's ceremony, how Jason Giambi felt about the possible end of his days in Pinstripes, and about the countdown lever.

Yankees spokesperson Jason Zillo claimed that Torre and Clemens were not intentionally skipped. Yeah, right.

Word has it that Roger Clemens was not invited. Duh. He was reportedly heartbroken over being left out of the montage. Ya reap what you sow.

You knew there were some people who were going to try to purloin some history on Sunday.

As for the business of rebuilding the Yankees. We're not happy about the Yankees considering bringing back Jason Giambi. Remember, this is about winning, and while the Big 'G' is a really likeable guy, it's time to go.

The Daily Yankeeland - 9/23

What? There's a game tonight? Didn't the season end on Sunday? Oh wait, that's right, the MLB scheduler makers fecked up. The Yankees travel north of the border tonight to visit the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Tonight's game is huge and we're not talking about the fact that the Yankees aren't mathematically eliminated. Mike Mussina (18-9, 3.57) goes for win number 19 tonight. If he gets it, he'll go for number 20 in Fenway Park. Moose will be opposed by Jesse Litsch (12-8, 3.72).

Phil Hughes makes his second start, since coming from the DL, tomorrow night against new Yankee killer, and maybe future Yankee, A.J. Burnett. The series finishes up on Thursday with Carl Pavano going against Roy Halladay, who will be looking for his 20th win.

We waded through many of the reviews of Sunday night's festivities and though most were favorable, there were some definite on-the-money criticisms. The ridiculous re-enactment of the 1923 lineup and of players like Joe D. The complete omission of Joe Torre from the highlights. The inclusion of Jesse Barfield in the highlights.

There was one thing we were quite curious about - who pulled the lever to set the countdown to zero. We saw no mention of it, so we asked Peter Abraham during his live chat yesterday - the answer? Michael Kay. Michael Kay??? WTF. Not even Hal or Jennifer Steinbrenner? By the way, nice of Hank not to show.

Here are some of the good columns we read concerning Sunday's ceremonies and some of the suggestions of what could have made the day better:

Richard Sandomir of the Times.

Joel Sherman of the Post.

Peter Abraham's video chat from yesterday. We asked what Pete would have added and taken away from Sunday's ceremony, how Jason Giambi felt about the possible end of his days in Pinstripes, and about the countdown lever.

Yankees spokesperson Jason Zillo claimed that Torre and Clemens were not intentionally skipped. Yeah, right.

Word has it that Roger Clemens was not invited. Duh. He was reportedly heartbroken over being left out of the montage. Ya reap what you sow.

You knew there were some people who were going to try to purloin some history on Sunday.

As for the business of rebuilding the Yankees. We're not happy about the Yankees considering bringing back Jason Giambi. Remember, this is about winning, and while the Big 'G' is a really likeable guy, it's time to go.

Pettitte Wins Stadium Finale

Last night's game, in some ways, was anti-climactic in comparison to everything else going on. Perhaps having non-Yankees announcers in John Miller and Joe Morgan was part of the problem. Especially since there times when they weren't saying what was going in the game. Class move by ESPN though bringing in Michael Kay to do a half inning and reminisce. Kay at least did actual play by play.

Andy Pettitte started out shaky and we were thinking, "no, this can't be the way to go out.". Thankfully Pettitte settled down enough and the Yankees bats woke up against Orioles starter Chris Waters.

Trailing 2-0 in the third, Hideki Matsui, who is undergoing knee surgery today, and Jose Molina started the inning off with back to back singles. Johnny Damon then belted his 16th home run of the season for a 3-2 Yankees lead.

Pettitte gave the lead right back on a game tying single by Brian Roberts in the fourth, but the Yankees countered in their half of the inning. Robinson Cano led off with a rare walk and one batter later Molina cracked his third home run of the season on to the netting in left field, for a 5-3 Yankees advantage.

Pettitte gave up a lead off single to Adam Jones to start the sixth and exited to a standing ovation and calls of "An-dy Pett-itte". The fans got their wish, a curtain call, and Jose Veras and Phil Coke combined to strand Jones and Oscar Salazar, who had walked.

The Yankees added to their lead in the seventh with the help of some shoddy Orioles defense. Bobby Abreu stroked a lead off single and easily stole second base. He moved to third on Alex Rodriguez's fly out and scored when Jason Giambi's pop up fell between Brendan Fahey and Melvin Mora for a gift RBI single.

Pinch-runner Brett Gardner moved all the way to third base when Fahey booted Xavier Nady's grounder and scored on Cano's fly to left for a 7-3 advantage. The Yankees went down in order in the eighth, including Derek Jeter. Jeter had a tough night at the plate, bothered by the baseball he took off his wrist and hand on Saturday (he would never admit it of course), going 0-5. He struck out twice looking and both times, argued more than usual with home plate ump/tough guy Angel Hernandez. In the eighth it would get no better, as he grounded to third to end the inning, but appropriately, he was the last Yankees batter in the game.

Joba Chamberlain pitched 1.2 innings and handed the ball over to Mariano Rivera in a non-save situation. But Mo had his wish, he would be the last pitcher to toe the rubber. retired RiveraJay Payton on a grounder to Jeter and Luke Scott on a bouncer to Cano. Girardi then pulled Derek Jeter from the game for another standing ovation and a curtain call to the chants of "Der-ek Jet-er". Rivera then retired Roberts on a grounder to Cody Ransom, who had replaced Giambi for defense at first base.

And just like that, the final game at Yankee Stadium was over. Andy Pettitte got the final win, Brett Gardner scored the last run, Jose Molina had the last home run, and Jason Giambi picked up the final RBI. It was a must win, and for once this season, the Yankees came through when they had to.

Pettitte Wins Stadium Finale

Last night's game, in some ways, was anti-climactic in comparison to everything else going on. Perhaps having non-Yankees announcers in John Miller and Joe Morgan was part of the problem. Especially since there times when they weren't saying what was going in the game. Class move by ESPN though bringing in Michael Kay to do a half inning and reminisce. Kay at least did actual play by play.

Andy Pettitte started out shaky and we were thinking, "no, this can't be the way to go out.". Thankfully Pettitte settled down enough and the Yankees bats woke up against Orioles starter Chris Waters.

Trailing 2-0 in the third, Hideki Matsui, who is undergoing knee surgery today, and Jose Molina started the inning off with back to back singles. Johnny Damon then belted his 16th home run of the season for a 3-2 Yankees lead.

Pettitte gave the lead right back on a game tying single by Brian Roberts in the fourth, but the Yankees countered in their half of the inning. Robinson Cano led off with a rare walk and one batter later Molina cracked his third home run of the season on to the netting in left field, for a 5-3 Yankees advantage.

Pettitte gave up a lead off single to Adam Jones to start the sixth and exited to a standing ovation and calls of "An-dy Pett-itte". The fans got their wish, a curtain call, and Jose Veras and Phil Coke combined to strand Jones and Oscar Salazar, who had walked.

The Yankees added to their lead in the seventh with the help of some shoddy Orioles defense. Bobby Abreu stroked a lead off single and easily stole second base. He moved to third on Alex Rodriguez's fly out and scored when Jason Giambi's pop up fell between Brendan Fahey and Melvin Mora for a gift RBI single.

Pinch-runner Brett Gardner moved all the way to third base when Fahey booted Xavier Nady's grounder and scored on Cano's fly to left for a 7-3 advantage. The Yankees went down in order in the eighth, including Derek Jeter. Jeter had a tough night at the plate, bothered by the baseball he took off his wrist and hand on Saturday (he would never admit it of course), going 0-5. He struck out twice looking and both times, argued more than usual with home plate ump/tough guy Angel Hernandez. In the eighth it would get no better, as he grounded to third to end the inning, but appropriately, he was the last Yankees batter in the game.

Joba Chamberlain pitched 1.2 innings and handed the ball over to Mariano Rivera in a non-save situation. But Mo had his wish, he would be the last pitcher to toe the rubber. retired RiveraJay Payton on a grounder to Jeter and Luke Scott on a bouncer to Cano. Girardi then pulled Derek Jeter from the game for another standing ovation and a curtain call to the chants of "Der-ek Jet-er". Rivera then retired Roberts on a grounder to Cody Ransom, who had replaced Giambi for defense at first base.

And just like that, the final game at Yankee Stadium was over. Andy Pettitte got the final win, Brett Gardner scored the last run, Jose Molina had the last home run, and Jason Giambi picked up the final RBI. It was a must win, and for once this season, the Yankees came through when they had to.