Rieber here from Shea Stadium. I'm posting this for Jim. If you read on you'll see why.
By Jim Baumbach
From Toronto
First let me update you on wretched computer - it has officially shut down, having given in to that nasty virus. It put up a good fight, but just like the Red Sox this season, it just couldn't make it to the finish line healthy.
But the Yankees don't stop playing just because I am laptopless. So here's what's happening today...
* Gary Sheffield took swings off pitching coach Ron Guidry five hours before the game, and then was activated from the DL. Expect Joe Torre to give him considerable time at first base once the Yankees clinch. Speaking of that, do you think we'll be seeing a lot of Sheffield at first in the playoffs? It's hard to answer that right now, but this certainly adds a lot of interest to the final two weeks.
* Chien-Ming Wang pitches Friday, Randy Johnson Saturday, Mike Mussina Sunday and Jaret Wright Monday. Torre said don't read into how he lined it up, but I think it's safe to say that's the most likely rotation for the ALDS.
* Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches off a mound in the bullpen - his second such session in four days - and he came away saying he felt good. He said he will play catch tomorrow and did not know the plan after that. But it seems likely he will get into a game this weekend. And at that point there will be one heck of a collective exhale by Yankees fans everywhere.
* For all you Brian Bruney fans who noticed his gun readings were down a little on Monday, you're right. Torre said they plan to back off him a little to keep from wearing him down. His postseason spot certainly looks all locked up.
Comments (9)
Jim should practice safe computing by wearing latex gloves next time he's using the laptop.
If Giambi is down with the wrist and Sheffield plays first as well as I am hearing he can. Then I would expect him to be there for sure.
Having won last night and the RS losing, I'm hearing the Yankees have clinched a tie for the division.
Haven't they already won the divison in that have won the season seris against the RS (same as last year)?
The Yankee lineup looks so potent. Now, with the possibilty of Sheffield coming back,all we need is some pitching.
ALL YOU EVER NEED IS PITCHING
MFN -
When two teams are tied for a playoff birth, season-series is only a factor in determining where the one game playoff for the playoff birth will be played. If both teams have already qualified for the playoffs, like last year, season-series determines which team is the division winner and which is the wild card. If the Yanks lose every game that they have left with Boston winning every game left, Boston would have a 1 game playoff for the AL East title played at Yankee Stadium, unless Minnesota and Chicago faded, and Boston or NY would qualify for the W/C.
Sheff may be the full-time DH in the playoffs, if Giambi and his wrist make him unavailable. I would rather have C. Wilson at 1st than the newbee\Sheff, and use Phillips as a late inning defensive replacement if we have the lead. The odd man out in all of this is Cabrera. It is unfortunate that he doesn't play 1st, as he has made a major contribution this year. He also appears to be a 4th outfielder next year, which means "good bye" Bernie Williams.
Roy,
First base will take care of itself based on Giambi. Melky as a fourth OF next year should produce 400 at bats if Mr. Torre uses his head. This will aid in his advancement. I'm sure with all starting OF 32+. This will be welcomed an injuries will occur, hopefully minor. Melky in the playoffs should be starting. It has not gone unnoticed the defensive play of Melky and Bobby with John in CF. Sheffield unless he gets 2 weeks of hitting is not ready for starting spot and stung up RF.
Thanks, Fred.
I thought there was another circumstance involved last year. Matters little now, however