The morning report: In the event of rain …
By Jon Lane
These Yankees have proven to be a victorious concoction. The psychology of winning has been contagious not only to the team’s young, homegrown prospects, but veterans who have yet to experience the postseason.
Everyone has risen to the occasion, especially Alex Rodriguez, which has Chris Shearn and Joe Auriemma feeling good about the Yankees’ chances in the ALCS. You can listen to their breakdown in an all-new Off the Wall Podcast. Known in the YES circle as “The Godfather of YESNetwork.com,” Joe offers more takes on the latest Pinstriped Podcast.
Joe Girardi is taking a chance starting CC Sabathia on three days’ rest in Game 4, but it’s the best option, writes Steven Goldman. Of course, Mother Nature rules all, even Goldman, Girardi, Sabathia, the Steinbrenners, mystique and aura. The forecast beginning today through the weekend stinks; heck today it’s 20 degrees below normal for this time of year.
If there’s a rainout Friday or Saturday, Chad Gaudin will likely get the call for Game 4. As far as logistics and scheduling, well ….
The teams lose the off day on Wednesday and would play straight through Thursday before a break on Friday if the series reaches six games. However, there’s a scheduled off day on Sunday for a couple of reasons. First, the Dodgers and Phillies play Game 3 of the NLCS Sunday night. The Yankees and Angels could play Sunday afternoon, but FOX is covering this series and there’s a conflict with the NFL. A game Sunday night would compete with Dodgers-Phillies and, worse, force the teams to take a red eye to California and play a 1 p.m. (PST) game the next day.
Another thought: Move the games up a day. Play Game 1 on Saturday (again, rain rules all) and Game 2 in New York Monday afternoon, and then fly west for Game 3 which would be bumped to Tuesday night at 5 p.m. California time. Games 4 and 5 (if necessary) are played Wednesday and Thursday, and you’re back on track. Of course, television will have a say in that.
Here’s a take from Mark Feinsand: Push Game 3 to Tuesday and make Monday an off day. Games 3-4-5 then eliminates Wednesday’s off day. Furthermore, Feinsand writes that if Game 1 is postponed, those tickets would be used for Saturday and the Game 2 tickets would be good for Game 2, whenever it is.
Moral of the story: I hate rain.
YES Blog 
Changes that the Boston Red Sox might make during this off season?
The Boston Red Sox are definitly going through changes from now until the next season. Besides losing Jason Bay to free agency, the Red Sox are left with a lot of choices to make. Chances are, they are not going to resign Jason Bay, because he is going to be looking for a long term contract worth a lot of money. Also, the Boston Red Sox have choices on what do do with Victor Martinez, and Billy Wagner. The Boston Red Sox will probably pick up the option on Victor Martinez’s contract, because he is their best hitter. Also, because their only other option would to stay with Jason Varitek, who probably won’t be on team next year due to his low numbers offensively and because of his age. There is definitly no chance of the Red Sox picking up Billy Wagner’s option on his contract, because Billy Wagner has rarely pitched within the last few years. As for Jonathon Papelbon, word has it that Theo Epstein, general manager of the Boston Red Sox, is looking to trade him. Jonathon Papelbon has only one year left on his contract until he hits free agency, and having Scott Boras as his free agent, who knows what kind of contract he is going to demand? Also, earlier this year the Boston Red Sox were considering trading Daisuke Matsuzaka because he just got back from an injury and he was fighting with the manager, Terry Francona. Tim Wakefield is planning to come back next year, but due to his age and his injury, is he really going to be able to come back and be effective? Only time will tell.