Daily Archives: October 1, 2006

The Yanks lost their final game of the season 7-5 to the Jays (thank you very much, Kyle Farnsworth). They finish the year 97-65 tied for the best record in baseball with…the Mets. Go figure that. The Tigers lost today while the Twins won, meaning that Detroit will play the Bombers starting Tuesday night at the Stadium. This is a match-up that many Yankee fans wanted, especially with the Tigers limping into the post season. But careful what you wish for, right? They still have a lot of pop in their lineup and a nasty bullpen.

Derek Jeter went 1-5 and lost out on the batting title to Joe Mauer who had two hits today. Mauer .347, Jeter .343, Robbie Cano,.342. Congrats to Mauer, who becomes the first catcher to ever lead the American League in batting. A truly remarkable season for Mauer, who is one of three MVP candidates on his team (Santana and, the favorite, Justin Morneau, are the other two). What a wonderful year for out boy Jeter, the future Hall of Famer, who was a beast.

So, the match-ups are all set. Yanks vs. Tigers. A’s vs. Twins.

Let’s Go Baseball!

“I’ve pitched through pain and discomfort before,” he said. “I’m 43 years old. I’ve got an arthritic knee that I’ll probably need replaced. I’ve had one back surgery and another one, probably, that I may need. I’m not going to complain about my health. I’m here to pitch in the postseason, and I’ll do whatever I can.”
(Kepner, Times)

“I can win 17 games anywhere, but my better chances of going to the playoffs was here, with the Yankees, and that’s why I’m here,” Johnson said. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”
(McCarron, Daily News)

In spite of Johnson’s uncertain status–and I don’t think there is much doubt that he’ll be out there for Game 3, or Game 4 of the ALCS–there were smiles all around Yankee Stadium yesterday even though the Bombers fell to the Jays, 6-5. Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield hit back-to-back home runs and Derek Jeter went 3-3 to raise his average to .345. Jeter is just one point behind the Twins’ Joe Mauer, who did not play yesterday. It is foggy and raining this morning the Bronx (the Big Unit is scheduled to have a bullpen session this morning which will go a long way in determining how ready he’ll be for the ALCS). This is a game that could easily be called, seeing as how it doesn’t have any significance, or bearing on the playoffs. However, if the game is played, Jeter will start, you can count on that (it would be a shame if Mauer, who sat out yesterday, doesn’t play this afternoon).

Bernie Williams will serve as the Yankee manager today. Mike Mussina won a cern flip with Mariano Rivera and will act as pitching coach, while Lee Maz will be the bench coach. After the game yesterday, Joe Torre told reporters, “Bernie says the toughest part will be staying awake for nine innings.” Torre laughed and then said softly, “He’s so beautiful.” Not ten minutes later, Jeter told a group of writers, “I don’t think Bernie’s sat on the bench [for an entire game] in eleven years, so this’ll be a first.” Jeter added that Bernie might not sit there for the whole game today, and said, “I think the bench coach will play a big part in tomorrow’s game.”

Update Here comes the sun, folks. After raining all morning, the sun is out. Sure, there are lots of clouds but looks like they will get this one in. Go DJ.