Game 2 Lineup

Howell vs. DeSalvo

Devil Rays

A. Iwamura 3b
B. Harris ss
B.J. Upton cf
C. Pena 1b
D. Young rf
T. Wigginton dh
J. Gomes lf
D. Navarro c
J. Wilson 2b

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

Game 2 Lineup

Howell vs. DeSalvo

Devil Rays

A. Iwamura 3b
B. Harris ss
B.J. Upton cf
C. Pena 1b
D. Young rf
T. Wigginton dh
J. Gomes lf
D. Navarro c
J. Wilson 2b

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

Sox it to Me

The Yankees followed up their series win against the Red Sox in Yankees Stadium last month with a 5 game losing streak. Last night they started their next post Red Sox series win on the wrong foot. Matt DeSalvo was awful and John Garland came within 2 outs of a complete game in the White Sox 6-4 win.

One has to wonder why DeSalvo was even given another chance to pitch. He was designated for assignment after his awful performance against Toronto on May 28, and then assigned to Scranton when he passed through waivers. It was clear that Joe Torre no longer had any confidence in him. That was backed up when he pulled DeSalvo in the 2nd inning, trailing 3-1.

Obviously DeSalvo only got another chance because of the injury to Roger Clemens. It's possible the Yankees didn't want to make another change to the 40 man roster, but at this point it would have made more sense to bring Kei Igawa back up to pitch (not that I have a lot of confidence in him either, but that's what he's getting paid big money for).

Just as it did on Saturday, a poor throw lead to a bigger inning and an injury. With the game tied 1-1, and runners on the corners with 1 out in the 2nd, Josh Phelps cleanly fielded Jerry Owens' grounder, but threw wide to 2nd. Derek Jeter was left prone and was upended when Joe Crede slid into the bag. Jeter was slow to get up and was grimicing noticeably. It was obvious from the way he ran the rest of the game that Jeter was hurting. Afterwards he said Crede stepped on his foot on the slide.

The White Sox built up a 6-1 lead as Jim Thome and Paul Konerko homered. Ozzie Guillen left Garland in to try for the complete game, but the Yankees finally woke up. Hideki Matsui nearly hit one out and settled for a one out double, knocking Garland from the game. Matt Thornton walked Robinson Cano and Josh Phelps followed with an RBI single. Melky Cabrera's sac fly off of closer Bobby Jenks cut the lead to 6-3 and the Yankees added another when Tadahito Iguchi threw away Johnny Damon's infield single. But Jeter, representing the tying run, bounced out to short to end the game.

~~~

Newsday is reporting that utility infielder Chris Basak, not Andy Phillips, will be recalled for tonight's game. This may lead to Johnny Damon playing 1st base earlier than expected.

Chris Britton showed why he should be on the squad instead of retreads like Mike Myers, Ron Villone, or Luis Vizcaino. The hard throwing righty allowed on one hit, Konerko's solo HR, in 3 innings of work.

Sox it to Me

The Yankees followed up their series win against the Red Sox in Yankees Stadium last month with a 5 game losing streak. Last night they started their next post Red Sox series win on the wrong foot. Matt DeSalvo was awful and John Garland came within 2 outs of a complete game in the White Sox 6-4 win.

One has to wonder why DeSalvo was even given another chance to pitch. He was designated for assignment after his awful performance against Toronto on May 28, and then assigned to Scranton when he passed through waivers. It was clear that Joe Torre no longer had any confidence in him. That was backed up when he pulled DeSalvo in the 2nd inning, trailing 3-1.

Obviously DeSalvo only got another chance because of the injury to Roger Clemens. It's possible the Yankees didn't want to make another change to the 40 man roster, but at this point it would have made more sense to bring Kei Igawa back up to pitch (not that I have a lot of confidence in him either, but that's what he's getting paid big money for).

Just as it did on Saturday, a poor throw lead to a bigger inning and an injury. With the game tied 1-1, and runners on the corners with 1 out in the 2nd, Josh Phelps cleanly fielded Jerry Owens' grounder, but threw wide to 2nd. Derek Jeter was left prone and was upended when Joe Crede slid into the bag. Jeter was slow to get up and was grimicing noticeably. It was obvious from the way he ran the rest of the game that Jeter was hurting. Afterwards he said Crede stepped on his foot on the slide.

The White Sox built up a 6-1 lead as Jim Thome and Paul Konerko homered. Ozzie Guillen left Garland in to try for the complete game, but the Yankees finally woke up. Hideki Matsui nearly hit one out and settled for a one out double, knocking Garland from the game. Matt Thornton walked Robinson Cano and Josh Phelps followed with an RBI single. Melky Cabrera's sac fly off of closer Bobby Jenks cut the lead to 6-3 and the Yankees added another when Tadahito Iguchi threw away Johnny Damon's infield single. But Jeter, representing the tying run, bounced out to short to end the game.

~~~

Newsday is reporting that utility infielder Chris Basak, not Andy Phillips, will be recalled for tonight's game. This may lead to Johnny Damon playing 1st base earlier than expected.

Chris Britton showed why he should be on the squad instead of retreads like Mike Myers, Ron Villone, or Luis Vizcaino. The hard throwing righty allowed on one hit, Konerko's solo HR, in 3 innings of work.

DeSalvo to Replace Clemens

The Journals News' Peter Abraham is reporting that Matt DeSalvo will be recalled to take Roger Clemens' start on Monday versus the White Sox. DeSalvo had been sent down prior to the weekend series with Boston, but can be recalled because he's replacing a DL'ed player, Doug Mientkiewicz. If tonight's game is rained out then DeSalvo will remain in the minors.

Speaking of Mientkiewicz, we've been real tough on him at My Pinstripes, but that was a tough blow he took Saturday and we hope he gets well soon. He's likely out 6-8 weeks with his fractured wrist.

The hits just keep on coming.

DeSalvo to Replace Clemens

The Journals News' Peter Abraham is reporting that Matt DeSalvo will be recalled to take Roger Clemens' start on Monday versus the White Sox. DeSalvo had been sent down prior to the weekend series with Boston, but can be recalled because he's replacing a DL'ed player, Doug Mientkiewicz. If tonight's game is rained out then DeSalvo will remain in the minors.

Speaking of Mientkiewicz, we've been real tough on him at My Pinstripes, but that was a tough blow he took Saturday and we hope he gets well soon. He's likely out 6-8 weeks with his fractured wrist.

The hits just keep on coming.

Watching Paint Dry

That's what the average Yankees game is like these days. The good feelings from a victory don't last very long as another lackluster loss follows. Today it was at the hands of the Chicago White Sox, 4-1. Matt DeSalvo (1-1), who had shined in 2 previous starts against the Mariners, didn't have command and Jermanie Dye drove in all 4 White Sox runs. DeSalvo lasted just 3 1-3 innings before giving way to Luis Vizcaino.

Meanwhile the Yankees offense was nearly non-existent. Again. John Garland (3-2) gave up 8 hits and issued 4 walks in his 7 innings of work, but the Yankees managed to push across just 1 run, an Doug Mientkiewicz RBI double in Garland's final inning.

The last 2 games of the series were literally like night and day. Hideki Matsui drove in 4 runs in Wednesday's night game, but hit into 2 inning ending, rally crushing double plays.

Alex Rodriguez snapped out of a 2-22 slide with a pair of hits, but Bobby Abreu, once again, hit for the collar. Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada both extended their hitting streaks to 12 games.

Ron Villone made his 1st appearance of the season and worked 2 scoreless innings. Scott Proctor made his 1st appearance since his 4 game suspension and worked a scoreless 9th.

The loss dropped the Yankees to 18-21, 9 games back of Boston, which defeated Detroit 2-1 in the 1st of two.

Watching Paint Dry

That's what the average Yankees game is like these days. The good feelings from a victory don't last very long as another lackluster loss follows. Today it was at the hands of the Chicago White Sox, 4-1. Matt DeSalvo (1-1), who had shined in 2 previous starts against the Mariners, didn't have command and Jermanie Dye drove in all 4 White Sox runs. DeSalvo lasted just 3 1-3 innings before giving way to Luis Vizcaino.

Meanwhile the Yankees offense was nearly non-existent. Again. John Garland (3-2) gave up 8 hits and issued 4 walks in his 7 innings of work, but the Yankees managed to push across just 1 run, an Doug Mientkiewicz RBI double in Garland's final inning.

The last 2 games of the series were literally like night and day. Hideki Matsui drove in 4 runs in Wednesday's night game, but hit into 2 inning ending, rally crushing double plays.

Alex Rodriguez snapped out of a 2-22 slide with a pair of hits, but Bobby Abreu, once again, hit for the collar. Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada both extended their hitting streaks to 12 games.

Ron Villone made his 1st appearance of the season and worked 2 scoreless innings. Scott Proctor made his 1st appearance since his 4 game suspension and worked a scoreless 9th.

The loss dropped the Yankees to 18-21, 9 games back of Boston, which defeated Detroit 2-1 in the 1st of two.

Pardon me, have you seen my swing?

After Friday night's Seattle slumber party, things looked much more promising after the Yankees solid win on Saturday. Then came Sunday, which practically looked like a mirror image of Friday night's loss. The 2007 season is one step forward and two steps back.

Saturday night was a feel good story. Matt DeSalvo, who had a miserable 2006 season, both on and off the field, picked up his 1st major league win with 6 2-3 solid innings. It remains to be seen how he'll handle the rest of the league, but DeSalvo owns the Mariners, having allowed 1 run in 13 2-3 innings over 2 starts. If not for the Yankee's leaky pen, he would be 2-0.

Even better than the game was his on-field interview with Kim Jones of the YES network. After he mentioned that he thought he had to hit in his next start (assumed he was facing the Mets), Jones informed him that in fact he was facing the White Sox on Thursday. His innocent response of "I am?" was the perfect example of a young player's love for the game.

Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, and Jorge Posada had 3 hits each as the Yankees pounded M's starter Miguel Batista en route to a 7-2 win. Then came Sunday.

Jarrod Washburn is a seasoned, World Series champion pitcher. So when he beats ya, it is at least somewhat respectable. But when Horacio Ramirez stomps ya, you need to start re-evaluating your season. Ramirez dominated the Yankees over 8 innings as a member of the Braves in 2006. This time he allowed just a run on 5 hits in 6 1-3 innings. Jeter, who seems to be the only guy hitting consistently with men in scoring position, drove in the only run.

Andy Pettitte allowed 2 runs in 7 plus innings, but must feel like he's got the weak hitting Astros lineup behind him. Pettitte's been a victim of no run support and a shoddy bullpen in most of his starts.

The Yankees had one last chance in the 9th when Hideki Matsui doubled off of M's closer J.J. Putz. But Putz, who had already struck out Jason Giambi to start the inning, K'ed Posada and Doug Mientkiewicz to preserve the win.

~~~

The Yankees finished the season 3-4 against the Mariners, who pulled a game over .500 with the win.

With the Red Sox rallying from a 5-0 deficit to beat Baltimore on Sunday, the Yankees dropped to 8 games back of 1st place.

Pardon me, have you seen my swing?

After Friday night's Seattle slumber party, things looked much more promising after the Yankees solid win on Saturday. Then came Sunday, which practically looked like a mirror image of Friday night's loss. The 2007 season is one step forward and two steps back.

Saturday night was a feel good story. Matt DeSalvo, who had a miserable 2006 season, both on and off the field, picked up his 1st major league win with 6 2-3 solid innings. It remains to be seen how he'll handle the rest of the league, but DeSalvo owns the Mariners, having allowed 1 run in 13 2-3 innings over 2 starts. If not for the Yankee's leaky pen, he would be 2-0.

Even better than the game was his on-field interview with Kim Jones of the YES network. After he mentioned that he thought he had to hit in his next start (assumed he was facing the Mets), Jones informed him that in fact he was facing the White Sox on Thursday. His innocent response of "I am?" was the perfect example of a young player's love for the game.

Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui, and Jorge Posada had 3 hits each as the Yankees pounded M's starter Miguel Batista en route to a 7-2 win. Then came Sunday.

Jarrod Washburn is a seasoned, World Series champion pitcher. So when he beats ya, it is at least somewhat respectable. But when Horacio Ramirez stomps ya, you need to start re-evaluating your season. Ramirez dominated the Yankees over 8 innings as a member of the Braves in 2006. This time he allowed just a run on 5 hits in 6 1-3 innings. Jeter, who seems to be the only guy hitting consistently with men in scoring position, drove in the only run.

Andy Pettitte allowed 2 runs in 7 plus innings, but must feel like he's got the weak hitting Astros lineup behind him. Pettitte's been a victim of no run support and a shoddy bullpen in most of his starts.

The Yankees had one last chance in the 9th when Hideki Matsui doubled off of M's closer J.J. Putz. But Putz, who had already struck out Jason Giambi to start the inning, K'ed Posada and Doug Mientkiewicz to preserve the win.

~~~

The Yankees finished the season 3-4 against the Mariners, who pulled a game over .500 with the win.

With the Red Sox rallying from a 5-0 deficit to beat Baltimore on Sunday, the Yankees dropped to 8 games back of 1st place.

Yankees vs. Mariners Preview

The Yankees and Mariners open a 4 game set at the Stadium tonight as the Yankees prepare to juggle their rotation once again.

Tonight it's the Far East match up with Korea's Cha Seung Baek vs. Japan's Kei Igawa. Igawa is trying to build off his marvelous 6 shutout inning outings against the Dead Sox.

Saturday has former Yankee Jeff Weaver, who has had a horrendous start in Seattle against Chien-Ming Wang (is this the UN?).

Sunday's match up will be lefty Jarrod Washburn against Darrell Rasner, who will be up from Scranton for the game, and then most likely sent back down to make room for Monday's starter, Matt DeSalvo.

Monday has the M's sending out Miguel Batista, while the Yankees counter with another rookie in DeSalvo. The left-hander was making his way up the Yankees system quite nicely, before a divorce and the surrounding off-field issues, lead to an awful 2006 performance. But he impressed the Yankees this spring and has a 1.50 ERA at Scranton this season. He'll probably get at least one more start after this one.

Yankees vs. Mariners Preview

The Yankees and Mariners open a 4 game set at the Stadium tonight as the Yankees prepare to juggle their rotation once again.

Tonight it's the Far East match up with Korea's Cha Seung Baek vs. Japan's Kei Igawa. Igawa is trying to build off his marvelous 6 shutout inning outings against the Dead Sox.

Saturday has former Yankee Jeff Weaver, who has had a horrendous start in Seattle against Chien-Ming Wang (is this the UN?).

Sunday's match up will be lefty Jarrod Washburn against Darrell Rasner, who will be up from Scranton for the game, and then most likely sent back down to make room for Monday's starter, Matt DeSalvo.

Monday has the M's sending out Miguel Batista, while the Yankees counter with another rookie in DeSalvo. The left-hander was making his way up the Yankees system quite nicely, before a divorce and the surrounding off-field issues, lead to an awful 2006 performance. But he impressed the Yankees this spring and has a 1.50 ERA at Scranton this season. He'll probably get at least one more start after this one.

Rasner and DeSalvo to Save the Day

Okay, maybe not, but...

Darrell Rasner and Matt DeSalvo will be called off from Scranton to face the Mariners on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

Rasner and DeSalvo to Save the Day

Okay, maybe not, but...

Darrell Rasner and Matt DeSalvo will be called off from Scranton to face the Mariners on Sunday and Monday, respectively.