Lee Says No to a Halo

The Los Angeles Angels surprised a lot of people when they acquired Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Today it was the Halos who got the surprise when Chicago Cubs 1st baseman Derrek Lee turned down a trade to join the club.

Lee invoked his no-trade clause the deal, because he felt it would be better for his family to finish out the season with Chicago. Lee added that he hopes to stay beyond the current season.

The Angels also got bad news before this afternoon's game with Boston when scheduled starter Joel Pineiro was scratched with a strained oblique. He's expected to miss 6-8 weeks.

The Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers did swing a deal with the Tribe sending Jhonny Peralta to the Motor City. In return, Cleveland received minor league pitcher Giovanni Soto. The Tigers have been hurt, literally, by injuries to Brandon Inge and Carlos Guillen.

Rumor Mill

The Cardinals are said to be interested Orioles infielder Miguel Tejada. Baltimore also continues to get calls about Ty Wiggington.

The Blue Jays are said to be talking to the Diamondbacks about Kelly Johnson. Current 2nd baseman Aaron Hill is willing to change positions to upgrade the offense.

In addition to Wiggington the Marlins are also checking into Jorge Cantu, as are the Giants. San Fran is also looking into Jose Guillen.

The Blue Jays are said to be asking for a top prospect for reliever Scott Downs. That means they want Jesus Montero from the Yankees. Not happening. The Jays reportedly have already asked for Joba Chamberlain.

The Indians and Phillies are said to be discussing Fausto Carmona and Jake Westbrook.

The Dodgers have shown an interest in Royals speedster Scott Podsednik.

UPDATE 9:21 p.m. The Dodgers have indeed acquired Scott Podsednik for 2 minor leaguers - Lucas May and Elisaul Pimentel.

Jose Guillen Amuses Us

We got a good chuckle this morning reading some quotes by Jose Guillen in today's Kanas City Star (TOH to Rotoworld). Seems Jose is embarrassed by his play and embarrassed by how much money he's making for his poor play.

“I’m embarrassed by the money that I’m making,” Guillen said, “and playing the way I’ve been playing. I’ll swear that on my kids’ (lives). I feel very embarrassed.

“Sometimes, I feel I should take money out of my own pocket and buy tickets for every fan. Because you know what? For a $12-million man, these are not the numbers you should be expecting. I admit it. I’m not playing to my potential.”

“I hate making excuses,” he said. “If I suck, then I suck. And I suck. That’s the way I’m playing. If you suck, you suck. You have to take responsibility in this game. Right now, that’s the way I feel.

“Yes, I suck.”

Okay, the whole "I suck" part is genuinely funny, but let's concentrate on the money aspect. Guillen is not the first player to admit he's not living up to his pay. He's not the first to say he should give back some of his proceeds and he will certainly NOT be the first to actually do so.

Seriously, if you are struggling, keep your mouth shut about your money. Because you know damn well you are NOT going to give back or contribute one cent of that $12 million. Besides the fact that the player's union wouldn't let you, just cut out the disingenuous crap.

If Jose Guillen really wants to be a trendsetter than actually pay for some tickets for some kids or something. Just shut up.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/30

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Tampa Rays are in serious talks with the Pirates for outfielder Jason Bay. So far the Rays, who are notoriously difficult to deal with, aren't willing to part with a top prospect or a cache of prospects.

Adam Dunn is available, but apparently there are no takers for the moment.

Miguel Tejada was assured by the Astros front office that he won't be traded.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Red Sox are in deep talks about Manny Ramirez, and that the Phillies are the most likely destination. Speculation is that Pat Burrell would be sent north. The Marlins are also trying to work a Jeremy Hermida based deal.

The Dodgers are also interest in Manny and are thought to be putting together a deal centering on Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, though a deal doesn't seem likely.

Before sending Mark Teixeira to the Angels, the Braves turned down a package of Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks.

The talks with the Yankees have gone cold, but the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are interested in Jarrod Washburn. The Rockies are also taking a look at their former pitcher Josh Fogg, and Tim Redding. Of course they still don't know if they are buying, selling, or combining the two.

Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun would like to be dealt, but GM J.P. Ricciardi said there's no interest.

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is shooting down reports that he doesn't get along with manager Trey Hillman and wants out of Kansas City.

CBS Sportsline reports that Padres pitcher Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phillies.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have joined the Twins in having an interest in LaTroy Hawkins.

UPDATE - 12:03 P.M. EDT

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins are close to acquiring left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/30

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the Tampa Rays are in serious talks with the Pirates for outfielder Jason Bay. So far the Rays, who are notoriously difficult to deal with, aren't willing to part with a top prospect or a cache of prospects.

Adam Dunn is available, but apparently there are no takers for the moment.

Miguel Tejada was assured by the Astros front office that he won't be traded.

Jon Heyman reports that the Phillies and Red Sox are in deep talks about Manny Ramirez, and that the Phillies are the most likely destination. Speculation is that Pat Burrell would be sent north. The Marlins are also trying to work a Jeremy Hermida based deal.

The Dodgers are also interest in Manny and are thought to be putting together a deal centering on Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier, though a deal doesn't seem likely.

Before sending Mark Teixeira to the Angels, the Braves turned down a package of Micah Owings and Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks.

The talks with the Yankees have gone cold, but the Denver Post reports that the Rockies are interested in Jarrod Washburn. The Rockies are also taking a look at their former pitcher Josh Fogg, and Tim Redding. Of course they still don't know if they are buying, selling, or combining the two.

Blue Jays catcher Greg Zaun would like to be dealt, but GM J.P. Ricciardi said there's no interest.

Royals outfielder Jose Guillen is shooting down reports that he doesn't get along with manager Trey Hillman and wants out of Kansas City.

CBS Sportsline reports that Padres pitcher Greg Maddux said no to a trade to the Phillies.

According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have joined the Twins in having an interest in LaTroy Hawkins.

UPDATE - 12:03 P.M. EDT

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins are close to acquiring left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners.

Turn on the Bat Signal

Johnny Damon is back, but Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui are out, possibly for the rest of the season. The Yankees picked up Richie Sexson, but are still in need of a bat to give some punch to the lineup.

The Yankees could have survived losing one player, but having 2 or more out at a time has hurt the team's run production. Just as with our earlier look at starting pitching, it needs to be determined whether the Yankees go after a big gun, a guy who is a step below the upper tier, or a serviceable player that will come cheaper.

Lets take a look at some of the names that are out there.

The Box Seats

Matt Holliday
The Rockies left fielder is one of the biggest names that started swirling in trade rumors a few weeks back. Holliday is signed through the 2009 season and then would be looking for a huge deal with his current team or by testing the free agent market.

The Rockies, just a season removed from making it to the World Series, have to decide if they have another second half run in them, or if they would be better off dealing Holliday now, just as the Rangers did with Mark Teixeira last season.

Holliday has an explosive at-bat, especially at his home field. But he's not so bad on the road either. His career splits show a .364 home batting average with a 1.091 OPS. On the road the numbers dip to .277/.790, but as you can see Holliday has improved each of the last 5 years.

Going on the road for the Hollidays
2004 .240 .654
2005 .256 .729
2006 .280 .819
2007 .301 .860
2008 .301 .859

Holliday would of course, cost a small fortune in return. Last year's Teixeira deal netted the Rangers Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Elvis Andrus, the Braves top 2 prospects, and 3 other minor leaguers. The plus is that Holliday could man left field for the Yankees for a long time to come (possibly right field for a season if Johnny Damon is still a Yankee next year).

Mark Teixeira
Speaking of the Braves 1st baseman, he becomes a free agent after this season and so he could be part of a major deal for the second straight season. Teixeira has been rumored to not want to play for the Yankees, but of course money changes a lot of things. It's not likely that Teixeira would sign a deal prior to the free agent season, but again, he could be bowled over with a big deal.

The Braves may not be able to get as much in return as they had to give up last year, but it will still take a strong package to pry Tex from the Braves. Though they have hung in the playoff race for much of the season, they have to realize that they are not nearly as good as the Mets or Phillies.

Teixeira has plenty of American League experience, though not much playoff pressure experience. He'll be someone's 1st baseman for a long time to come. We think the Yankees are better off signing him in the off-season.

The Loge

Jason Bay/Xavier Nady

The two Pirates outfielders have had their names linked all season as teams look to strengthen their starting lineups and benches.

Bay, older than you think, he'll be 30 in September is put together another solid season. .280-20-56 with a .910 OPS. Bay hits well against lefties and righties. He's due $7.5 million next season, so he's a cheap financial option. Again though, he will not come cheaply.

Nady, who is 2 months younger than Bay, has only played more than 125 games once in his career. His best season came in 2007 when he hit .278-20-72, though he's on a pace to top those numbers this season. Right now he's somewhere between role and break out player. He's arbitration eligible next season and a free agent in 2010.

We would definitely opt for Bay or Nady.

Jose Guillen
The Royals outfielder has worn out his welcome in yet another place. High on talent, low on self discipline, Guillen can mash with the best of them. He'd be a top tier player if not for his attitude.

Guillen's offensive numbers don't lie, he's the real deal. But he has 2-years and $18 million left on his contract. We can see a team using him as a rental for the rest of the season, but do they want a headache for the next two years?

Raul Ibanez
Ibanez is an under appreciated bat that has put together 3 stellar seasons in a row. He's drive in 60 runs this season playing on a very weak club. Ibanez also has the ability to play 1st base and like Hideki Matsui, has the ability to hit left-handed pitching.

The Upper Deck

There are number of players that fit this bill. One of which we think would be a good fit would be Casey Blake. His versatility reminds us of one time fave Jeff Conine. This season Blake is hitting 80 points higher on the road, and has hit 10 of his 11 home runs away from the Jake. Those numbers reflect his career stats as well. Whether is due to pressure at home or a tough hitter's park remains to be seen.

Blake gives you the option to start him at either corner spot in the infield or outfield. He even made an appearance at shortstop this week. Of course, if he came to the Bronx his trademark beard would have to go.

We would rank our preferences as

Matt Holliday
Jason Bay
Casey Blake

So what do you think? Top gun, middle guy, or a nice fit. Answer our poll and let us know!

Turn on the Bat Signal

Johnny Damon is back, but Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui are out, possibly for the rest of the season. The Yankees picked up Richie Sexson, but are still in need of a bat to give some punch to the lineup.

The Yankees could have survived losing one player, but having 2 or more out at a time has hurt the team's run production. Just as with our earlier look at starting pitching, it needs to be determined whether the Yankees go after a big gun, a guy who is a step below the upper tier, or a serviceable player that will come cheaper.

Lets take a look at some of the names that are out there.

The Box Seats

Matt Holliday
The Rockies left fielder is one of the biggest names that started swirling in trade rumors a few weeks back. Holliday is signed through the 2009 season and then would be looking for a huge deal with his current team or by testing the free agent market.

The Rockies, just a season removed from making it to the World Series, have to decide if they have another second half run in them, or if they would be better off dealing Holliday now, just as the Rangers did with Mark Teixeira last season.

Holliday has an explosive at-bat, especially at his home field. But he's not so bad on the road either. His career splits show a .364 home batting average with a 1.091 OPS. On the road the numbers dip to .277/.790, but as you can see Holliday has improved each of the last 5 years.

Going on the road for the Hollidays
2004 .240 .654
2005 .256 .729
2006 .280 .819
2007 .301 .860
2008 .301 .859

Holliday would of course, cost a small fortune in return. Last year's Teixeira deal netted the Rangers Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Elvis Andrus, the Braves top 2 prospects, and 3 other minor leaguers. The plus is that Holliday could man left field for the Yankees for a long time to come (possibly right field for a season if Johnny Damon is still a Yankee next year).

Mark Teixeira
Speaking of the Braves 1st baseman, he becomes a free agent after this season and so he could be part of a major deal for the second straight season. Teixeira has been rumored to not want to play for the Yankees, but of course money changes a lot of things. It's not likely that Teixeira would sign a deal prior to the free agent season, but again, he could be bowled over with a big deal.

The Braves may not be able to get as much in return as they had to give up last year, but it will still take a strong package to pry Tex from the Braves. Though they have hung in the playoff race for much of the season, they have to realize that they are not nearly as good as the Mets or Phillies.

Teixeira has plenty of American League experience, though not much playoff pressure experience. He'll be someone's 1st baseman for a long time to come. We think the Yankees are better off signing him in the off-season.

The Loge

Jason Bay/Xavier Nady

The two Pirates outfielders have had their names linked all season as teams look to strengthen their starting lineups and benches.

Bay, older than you think, he'll be 30 in September is put together another solid season. .280-20-56 with a .910 OPS. Bay hits well against lefties and righties. He's due $7.5 million next season, so he's a cheap financial option. Again though, he will not come cheaply.

Nady, who is 2 months younger than Bay, has only played more than 125 games once in his career. His best season came in 2007 when he hit .278-20-72, though he's on a pace to top those numbers this season. Right now he's somewhere between role and break out player. He's arbitration eligible next season and a free agent in 2010.

We would definitely opt for Bay or Nady.

Jose Guillen
The Royals outfielder has worn out his welcome in yet another place. High on talent, low on self discipline, Guillen can mash with the best of them. He'd be a top tier player if not for his attitude.

Guillen's offensive numbers don't lie, he's the real deal. But he has 2-years and $18 million left on his contract. We can see a team using him as a rental for the rest of the season, but do they want a headache for the next two years?

Raul Ibanez
Ibanez is an under appreciated bat that has put together 3 stellar seasons in a row. He's drive in 60 runs this season playing on a very weak club. Ibanez also has the ability to play 1st base and like Hideki Matsui, has the ability to hit left-handed pitching.

The Upper Deck

There are number of players that fit this bill. One of which we think would be a good fit would be Casey Blake. His versatility reminds us of one time fave Jeff Conine. This season Blake is hitting 80 points higher on the road, and has hit 10 of his 11 home runs away from the Jake. Those numbers reflect his career stats as well. Whether is due to pressure at home or a tough hitter's park remains to be seen.

Blake gives you the option to start him at either corner spot in the infield or outfield. He even made an appearance at shortstop this week. Of course, if he came to the Bronx his trademark beard would have to go.

We would rank our preferences as

Matt Holliday
Jason Bay
Casey Blake

So what do you think? Top gun, middle guy, or a nice fit. Answer our poll and let us know!

Global Warming Doesn't Reach Yankees

No matter who they are playing, when they are playing, where they are playing, the Yankees have just not heated up this season. It continued yesterday when they failed to end the current home stand with a 3-game winning streak and instead lost to the Kansas City Royals 3-2.

Mike Mussina pitched remarkably well in near 100 degree heat, posting his first 8 inning outing in 2 years. But the Yankees couldn't muster any offense against Royals rookie Luke Hochever. The game was scoreless through six innings before both teams broke through.

Miguel Olivo blasted a 2-run home run to give the Royals the lead and they threatened for more. Consecutive hits by John Buck and Mike Aviles put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, but Mussina retired Joey Gathright on a ground out to Alex Rodriguez to end the inning.

The Yankees answered right back when A-Rod followed a lead off double by Bobby Abreu with a 2-run blast of his own. It was his 10th of the season and knocked Hochevar from the game. But the Yankees would fare no better against Ramon Ramirez or Yashiku Yabuta.

With the game tied 2-2 in the 9th, Mariano Rivera got taken deep for the 2nd time in 3 days. This time it was Jose Guillen, who killed the Yankees all series. His 11th of the season gave them Royals a 3-2 lead and Joakim Soria came on in the 9th to nail his 14th save when a Yankees rally fell short.

Rodriguez lead the inning off with a single and one out later Jason Giambi drew a walk to put the tying run in scoring position. But Robinson Cano struck out swinging for the 2nd out, and Melky Cabrera, after Chad Moeller was hit by a pitch to load the bases, grounded out to end the game.

News and Notes

Jose Guillen was 9-16 in the series with 4 home runs and 10 RBI.

Mike Mussina lowered his ERA to 3.82, the lowest its been since April 7. He threw just 89 pitches.

June 9, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Kansas City	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1		3	8	1
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0		2	6	0

Kansas City	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
DeJesus, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	.298
Grudzielanek, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.287
Teahen, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.249
Guillen, RF	4	2	2	1	0	0	0	.269
Gordon, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.263
Olivo, DH	4	1	2	2	0	1	0	.289
Buck, C	4	0	1	0	0	1	2	.252
Aviles, M, SS	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.294
Pena, SS	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.155
Gathright, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	.240
Totals	33	3	8	3	0	5	7
BATTING 2B: Guillen (21, Mussina), Aviles, M (3, Mussina). HR: Olivo (8, 7th inning off Mussina, 1 on, 2 out), Guillen (11, 9th inning off Rivera, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Guillen 6; Gordon; Olivo 5; Buck; Aviles, M 3. RBI: Olivo 2 (25), Guillen (48). 2-out RBI: Olivo 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Grudzielanek; Gathright 2. S: Gathright. GIDP: Buck. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING E: Guillen (2, fielding).

Kansas City	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hochevar	6.0	4	2	2	0	4	1	4.91
Ramirez	1.2	1	0	0	1	2	0	3.30
Yabuta (W, 1-0)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4.91
Soria (S, 14)	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	1.61

Hochevar pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.326
Jeter, SS	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	.276
Abreu, RF	4	1	1	0	0	1	3	.289
Rodriguez, 3B	4	1	2	2	0	1	1	.317
Matsui, DH	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	.323
Giambi, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.254
2-Betemit, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.240
Cano, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	2	.231
Molina, C	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.217
a-Posada, PH	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.311
1-Moeller, PR-C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.254
Cabrera, CF	3	0	0	0	0	1	3	.270
Totals	32	2	6	2	2	7	13
a-Singled for Molina in the 8th. 1-Ran for Posada in the 8th. 2-Ran for Giambi in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (14, Hochevar). HR: Rodriguez (10, 7th inning off Hochevar, 1 on, 0 out). TB: Damon; Abreu 2; Rodriguez 5; Cano; Posada. RBI: Rodriguez 2 (31). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rodriguez; Molina; Abreu; Cabrera 2. S: Cabrera. Team LOB: 7. BASERUNNING SB: Damon (11, 2nd base off Hochevar/Buck). FIELDING DP: (Cano-Jeter-Giambi).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina	8.0	7	2	2	0	3	1	3.82
Rivera (L, 2-2)	1.0	1	1	1	0	2	1	0.93

Hochevar pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

HBP: Moeller (by Soria).
Pitches-strikes: Hochevar 87-56, Ramirez 29-16, Yabuta 7-4,
Soria 18-10, Mussina 89-65, Rivera 13-12.
Ground outs-fly outs: Hochevar 7-7, Ramirez 2-1, Yabuta 1-0,
Soria 1-1, Mussina 12-9, Rivera 1-0.
Batters faced: Hochevar 22, Ramirez 7, Yabuta 1, Soria 6,
Mussina 30, Rivera 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Yabuta 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Chris Tiller. 1B: Ed Montague. 2B: Jim Wolf.
3B: Phil Cuzzi.
Weather: 94 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 11 mph, Out to RF.
T: 2:47.
Att: 53,633.

Global Warming Doesn't Reach Yankees

No matter who they are playing, when they are playing, where they are playing, the Yankees have just not heated up this season. It continued yesterday when they failed to end the current home stand with a 3-game winning streak and instead lost to the Kansas City Royals 3-2.

Mike Mussina pitched remarkably well in near 100 degree heat, posting his first 8 inning outing in 2 years. But the Yankees couldn't muster any offense against Royals rookie Luke Hochever. The game was scoreless through six innings before both teams broke through.

Miguel Olivo blasted a 2-run home run to give the Royals the lead and they threatened for more. Consecutive hits by John Buck and Mike Aviles put runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, but Mussina retired Joey Gathright on a ground out to Alex Rodriguez to end the inning.

The Yankees answered right back when A-Rod followed a lead off double by Bobby Abreu with a 2-run blast of his own. It was his 10th of the season and knocked Hochevar from the game. But the Yankees would fare no better against Ramon Ramirez or Yashiku Yabuta.

With the game tied 2-2 in the 9th, Mariano Rivera got taken deep for the 2nd time in 3 days. This time it was Jose Guillen, who killed the Yankees all series. His 11th of the season gave them Royals a 3-2 lead and Joakim Soria came on in the 9th to nail his 14th save when a Yankees rally fell short.

Rodriguez lead the inning off with a single and one out later Jason Giambi drew a walk to put the tying run in scoring position. But Robinson Cano struck out swinging for the 2nd out, and Melky Cabrera, after Chad Moeller was hit by a pitch to load the bases, grounded out to end the game.

News and Notes

Jose Guillen was 9-16 in the series with 4 home runs and 10 RBI.

Mike Mussina lowered his ERA to 3.82, the lowest its been since April 7. He threw just 89 pitches.

June 9, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Kansas City	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1		3	8	1
NY Yankees	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0		2	6	0

Kansas City	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
DeJesus, LF	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	.298
Grudzielanek, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.287
Teahen, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.249
Guillen, RF	4	2	2	1	0	0	0	.269
Gordon, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.263
Olivo, DH	4	1	2	2	0	1	0	.289
Buck, C	4	0	1	0	0	1	2	.252
Aviles, M, SS	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	.294
Pena, SS	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.155
Gathright, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	.240
Totals	33	3	8	3	0	5	7
BATTING 2B: Guillen (21, Mussina), Aviles, M (3, Mussina). HR: Olivo (8, 7th inning off Mussina, 1 on, 2 out), Guillen (11, 9th inning off Rivera, 0 on, 0 out). TB: Guillen 6; Gordon; Olivo 5; Buck; Aviles, M 3. RBI: Olivo 2 (25), Guillen (48). 2-out RBI: Olivo 2. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Grudzielanek; Gathright 2. S: Gathright. GIDP: Buck. Team LOB: 4. FIELDING E: Guillen (2, fielding).

Kansas City	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hochevar	6.0	4	2	2	0	4	1	4.91
Ramirez	1.2	1	0	0	1	2	0	3.30
Yabuta (W, 1-0)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	4.91
Soria (S, 14)	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	1.61

Hochevar pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	4	0	1	0	0	1	1	.326
Jeter, SS	3	0	0	0	1	0	1	.276
Abreu, RF	4	1	1	0	0	1	3	.289
Rodriguez, 3B	4	1	2	2	0	1	1	.317
Matsui, DH	4	0	0	0	0	0	1	.323
Giambi, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.254
2-Betemit, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.240
Cano, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	2	.231
Molina, C	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.217
a-Posada, PH	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.311
1-Moeller, PR-C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.254
Cabrera, CF	3	0	0	0	0	1	3	.270
Totals	32	2	6	2	2	7	13
a-Singled for Molina in the 8th. 1-Ran for Posada in the 8th. 2-Ran for Giambi in the 9th.
BATTING 2B: Abreu (14, Hochevar). HR: Rodriguez (10, 7th inning off Hochevar, 1 on, 0 out). TB: Damon; Abreu 2; Rodriguez 5; Cano; Posada. RBI: Rodriguez 2 (31). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Rodriguez; Molina; Abreu; Cabrera 2. S: Cabrera. Team LOB: 7. BASERUNNING SB: Damon (11, 2nd base off Hochevar/Buck). FIELDING DP: (Cano-Jeter-Giambi).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Mussina	8.0	7	2	2	0	3	1	3.82
Rivera (L, 2-2)	1.0	1	1	1	0	2	1	0.93

Hochevar pitched to 2 batters in the 7th.

HBP: Moeller (by Soria).
Pitches-strikes: Hochevar 87-56, Ramirez 29-16, Yabuta 7-4,
Soria 18-10, Mussina 89-65, Rivera 13-12.
Ground outs-fly outs: Hochevar 7-7, Ramirez 2-1, Yabuta 1-0,
Soria 1-1, Mussina 12-9, Rivera 1-0.
Batters faced: Hochevar 22, Ramirez 7, Yabuta 1, Soria 6,
Mussina 30, Rivera 4.
Inherited runners-scored: Yabuta 2-0.
Umpires: HP: Chris Tiller. 1B: Ed Montague. 2B: Jim Wolf.
3B: Phil Cuzzi.
Weather: 94 degrees, partly cloudy.
Wind: 11 mph, Out to RF.
T: 2:47.
Att: 53,633.

Yankees vs. Royals - June 9

The Yankees wrap up the homestand this afternoon with a 1:05 pm start against the Kansas City Royals. Mike Mussina looks to become the American League's first 10 game winner as he opposes Luke Hochevar in the finale of the 4-game set.

Mussina is 17-7, 2.98 in 33 starts against the Royals.

Royals vs. Mussina

Buck 0-10
DeJesus 2-16
Gathright 2-6
German 3-6
Gload 6-10 1 HR 4 RBI
Grudzielanek 2-9
Guillen 6-19 1 HR 2 RBI
Olivo 3-11
Pena 0-4


Hochevar has made one 3 inning scoreless appearance against the Yankees in his brief major league career.

Yankees vs. Hochevar

Betemit 0-2
Cabrera 1-1
Cano 1-2
Damon 0-2
Matsui 0-1
Molina 0-1

Here are today's lineups from Yahoo Sports.

Royals

D. DeJesus lf
M. Grudzielanek
M. Teahen 1b
J. Guillen rf
A. Gordon 3b
M. Olivo dh
J. Buck c
M. Aviles ss
J. Gathright cf

Yankees

J. Damon lf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui dh
J. Giambi 1b
R. Cano 2b
J. Molina c
M. Cabrera cf