YANKEES (1-1/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Andy Pettitte P

Pitching: Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16)

PHILLIES (1-1/93-69)
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Pedro Feliz 3B
Carlos Ruiz C
Cole Hamels P

Pitching: Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32)

By Jon Lane
The Yankees down a game after Cliff Lee turned out their lights, what did Joe Girardi tell them before Game 2?

Nothing. He didn't need to.

"Our club ha been resilient all year," Girardi said. "The one thing that we've been able to do is we've went through some tough losses and we've seemed to bounce back. It was just business as usual for us today."

The usual business came in the form of big hits from Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui. Ahead in the count, Pedro Martinez threw two curveballs. One was low and outside, and Matsui made the adjustment and put a good swing on it.

Two Matsui-related decisions, one immediate, the other in the offseason. Without the DH, the Yankees will have to determine if they want to put Matsui and his balky knees in the outfield, where Matsui said he's confident he can handle a full workload. After the season, the major question is whether the pending free agent will return for another year in the Bronx.

Matsui was asked if he stops to look around extra carefully and enjoy it a bit more, considering this may be his final opportunity to win a World Series as a Yankee.

He and his knees be ready for outfield if Girardi decides and to play as long as needed

"I'm not thinking about my contract, so I really don't have an answer for that," Matsui said. "Even with the atmosphere changes, how I feel and what I do to prepare and my approach at the plate, those things just don't change for me.

"I don't feel like I really look at it in terms of success or failure. Obviously every year my goal is to be a World Champion, but I don't look at it that way."

_______________________

Mariano Rivera's 21st World Series appearance moved him past Mike Stanton for second place on the Yankees' all-time list behind Whitey Ford's 22, Mariano Rivera threw 39 pitches in two innings, his World Series high, topping 35 in Game 3 against the Braves in 1996. He still extended his own record of 10 Fall Classic and 38 postseason saves. It was also his fourth two-inning save and lowered his career ERA to 1.09.

Despite the workload, Girardi is confident that with Friday's off day he'll be OK for Game 3 Saturday night.

_______________________

Was Derek Jeter bunting on his own in the seventh inning? With two strikes, yes, and then the sign was taken off.

"Derek Jeter is a very smart baseball man," Girardi said. "If he feels he can do the job in that situation, I'm not going to bark at him. He felt he could get it done and he didn't get it done."

So why bunt instead of hit-and-run?

"I don't really like to talk too much about strategy," Girardi said.

_______________________

Stop the presses: Alex Rodriguez is 0 for 8 with six strikeouts in his first World Series appearance. Lay off the haterade, Girardi isn't benching him.

"I know he'll bounce back," Girardi said. "We'll get it going with him in Philly."

_______________________

You knew Yankees fans would give Martinez a rude reception. Par for the course, but one fan stood out when Martinez exited the game after throwing six innings of three-run ball with eight strikeouts.

"It's a new Yankee Stadium, but the fans remain the fans," Martinez said. "I remember one guy sitting right in the front row with his daughter in one arm and a cup of beer in the other hand and saying all kinds of nasty stuff. I just told him, 'Your daughter is right beside you. It's a little girl. It's a shame you're saying all these things.' I'm a father myself. How can you be so dumb to do those kind of things in front of your child? What kind of example are you setting?"

Love Pedro or hate him, we continue to witness one of the greatest (if not the greatest) pitcher of this generation.

"I tell you what, he may not have 96 to 98 (MPH) he did back then when he was a little bit younger, but his command was every bit as good as it was back then," said Jerry Hairston, who started over the slumping Nick Swisher due in part to his .370 lifetime average against the right-hander. "He was painting pitches at my knees, inner half (of the plate) basically at will on a couple of guys."

Hairston, like A-Rod playing in his first World Series game, went 1-for-3.
 
"He's always been a great pitcher and for him to adjust and adjust to what he's got now, that's a credit to him," Hairston said. "He's really pitched well this postseason and it was a tough win for us.

By Jon Lane
Pedro Martinez is certainly a polarizing figure. One day after his entertaining rant, during which he recalled the altercation between he and then Yankees bench coach Don Zimmer during Game 3 of the 2003 ALCS, Zimmer told the St. Petersburg Times, "Pedro is full of crap. It's what, six years later? If Pedro wants to be a big man, I don't care what he says." He did, however, soften his stance during an interview with the New York Daily News. "I was definitely wrong and Pedro didn't do nothing," he said.

This was my favorite line from yesterday: "I might be at times the most influential player that ever stepped in Yankee Stadium." I recall sitting in the bleachers on September 14, 1998 when he squared off against Orlando Hernandez. Pedro and El Duque each struck out nine batters, except Pedro gave up three runs to Duque's none. Duque went the distance in a 3-0 win, but that didn't douse the enthusiasm of a large contingent from Pedro's native Dominican Republic who took over the front row, and proudly waved their country's flag. That was years before the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry was re-ignited and Martinez found himself on New York's most hated list.

Speaking of influential, Jay Z and Alicia Keys are performing on the field to a slew of flashbulbs.

Speaking of influential and inspiring, Derek Jeter was named the winner of the Roberto Clemente award for commitment to community service.

Chat with you right before first pitch.

7:51 p.m. Former Yankees outfielder and current YES Yankees analyst Paul O'Neill throws out the first pitch. Those familiar chants of "Paul Oh Neill!" echoed around the Stadium, along with loud boos for Philly's starting pitcher.

7:57 p.m. A.J. Burnett warming up to Marilyn Manson's "The Beautiful People." Awesome. First pitch 7:59 p.m. (strike). Game time temperature 52 degrees.

8:04 p.m. A clean 12-pitch first for Burnett. For Yankees fans' sake, Bad A.J. must stay away. For now they're getting a thrill taunting the heck out of Pedro Martinez.

8:14 p.m. Pedro in the first: Three up, three down, two strikeouts. He's come to play.

8:28 p.m. Ladies and Gents: Bad A.J. Throws 25 pitches, a few in the dirt, and follows up Raul Ibanez's ground-rule double that Johnny Damon could have caught by serving Matt Stairs' RBI single to left. Of course, Ibanez was immediately waved home to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.

8:42 p.m. Wow. Ibanez's great diving catch robs Robbie Cano and saves a run. The good news is the Yankees are making Pedro work (20 pitches in the second as of this writing).

9:02 p.m. Burnett at his best is electrifying. At his worst he puts 50,000-plus to sleep. There's never middle ground. As far as "rhythm" between Burnett & Molina, even if there was a DH in Philly, I think you're seeing the end of this experiment.

9:05 p.m. BIG strikeout of Ryan Howard with two on and two out; Burnett deserves credit there. Howard is 2-for-14 (.143) with eight strikeouts lifetime against the Yankees' right-hander.

9:29 p.m. Life for the Yankees and life in this once-quiet stadium thanks to Mark Teixeira's moonshot to right field. Walking the concourse, fans were going through the motions. Just like that, one swing from Texieira snapped out of it. The bomb also awakened the Pedro haterizers.

9:46 p.m. He drives you crazy, but Burnett somehow gets it done. He erases a one-out double by No. 9 hitter Carlos Ruiz by retiring two good hitters Jimmy Rollins (strikeout) and Shane Victorino (pop up to third). The latter was on the first pitch, which at 86 total pitches affords him at least the sixth inning.

9:54 p.m. Memo to Johnny Damon: Why swing at the first pitch with Derek Jeter on second, Pedro's pitch count in the 80s and the Phillies' pen warming up? Fans in front of me waved their hands in disgust after Damon's pop up landed in Ryan Howard's glove. Golden opportunity to forge ahead wasted.

10:08 p.m. A-Rod is 0-for-7 in the World Series. There are people planning to wait on hold for two hours for a one-minute platform telling their favorite host that he and not Nick Swisher should have been benched.

10:12 p.m. The Yankees needed another big hit. Leave it to Godzilla to deliver. The Yankees face a major decision on whether to bring him back for another season. Matsui may have to compromise if he wants to stay.

10:20 p.m. At 97 pitches I wondered if Burnett had enough for one more inning (last week in SoCal he did not). Needed 11 pitches to retire the Phillies in order, with two called strikeouts, this time he did. His night is done (108 pitches). Despite what Joe Girardi said before the game, expect Joba Chamberlain to be the bridge to Mariano Rivera.

I was wrong. Rivera is warming. He'll go for the six-out save.

10:31 p.m. Jorge Posada pinch-hitting for Molina with runners on first and second and no one out in the 7th. Pedro was lifted (107 pitches) and left, head down, to loud boos.The Yankees going for the kill.

10:36 p.m. 3-1 Yankees after Posada drives one home. Still nobody out with the top of the order coming up. Unless the Yankees blow it open, Rivera is locking this one down.

10:41 p.m. Still wondering why Jeter was bunting, especially with two strikes. Made no sense.

10:48 p.m. More controversy thanks to the clowns in blue. First base umpire Brian Gorman and the band of idiots failed to see that Damon's line drive was not caught by Howard. It bounced, which is why Howard threw to second in the first place. It was ruled a double play that ended the inning. Yet another terrible call, but the bad karma started with Jeter's decision to bunt. Remember that if the Phillies get to Rivera.

11 p.m. It's been discussed to exhaustion, but what Rivera did to escape the eighth inning, no other closer that participated in the 2009 postseason gets done.

YANKEES (0-1/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Jerry Hairston Jr. RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

PHILLIES (1-0/93-69)
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Matt Stairs DH
Pedro Feliz 3B
Carlos Ruiz C

Pitching: Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.63)

By Jon Lane
Nick Swisher is not in tonight's starting lineup. Jerry Hairston Jr. is starting in right field. Joe Girardi cited Hairston's .370 lifetime average against Phillies starter Pedro Martinez. It also hurt Swisher that he's batting .114 in the postseason.

"It was something that I kicked around in my head, and I talked to my staff when we got here, and we talked about it. We made the decision to go with Jerry," Girardi said. "Swish is a team guy. He understands, and I told him be ready because you never know when we might need you, and he said OK."

The last time Hairston faced Martinez was July 26, 2004 when his Orioles played Pedro's Red Sox. Hairston went 2-for-3 in that game, but despite his overall good numbers, he had just four hits in 19 at-bats in 2002 and '03.  It makes you wonder if Girardi would have gone this route if Swisher weren't batting .114. Then again, we've seen during this postseason that he's not afraid to open the binder and go the unconventional route.

"I can't tell you because we're in position where he is struggling, but Jerry has real good numbers off Pedro," Girardi said. "We also like the way they kind of match up against each other, and that kind of shows up in the numbers, so we thought we'd give Jerry [the start] tonight."

Johnny Damon lockers next to Swisher (we hope to get a comment from Swisher before or after batting practice). Damon senses that Swisher will find himself involved in the game at some point. Despite his poor performance, you can look at Swisher as a power threat from both sides of the plate now sitting in reserve.

"Obviously Nick wants to be the guy who helps carry us to a World Championship," Damon said. "At this time of year it's about team. Hairston has had some success off of Pedro before, and hopefully he has it tonight. Right now we're just trying to win as a team, and hopefully what we're doing tonight will work out for us."

Here are the lineups. Back with more later.

5:11 p.m. Panic in the Bronx? If you're a big chunk of the Yankees' fan base, maybe, depending on your point of view (there were those on watch after the Yankees lost Games 3 and 5 of the ALCS). Damon said during his press briefing that the mood in the clubhouse is "good" and it's business as usual.

"Every game in the postseason is a must-win," Damon said, "and we feel like we must win this one."

Girardi remembers the 1998 ALCS against the Indians, when the Tribe to a 2-1 lead over a Yankees team that won 114 games and when George Steinbrenner was still in full force. The Yankees won the next three -- two in Cleveland -- to win their 35th pennant.

"I remember butterflies in my stomach," Girardi said, "but besides that, I don't remember a lot. I remember having a good feeling about that club because we had won so many games and we knew the challenge ahead of us in Cleveland. Maybe I could draw from that experience and say, you know what, I felt good then. I feel good now.

"I can't necessarily think for my players and know what's going on in their gut, but as I've said all along, I believe this club is very resilient and has a confidence about them."

History is against the Yankees. Game 1 winners have won the World Series 64 of 104 times, including six straight and 11 of the last 12. In 2002, the Angels dropped Game 1 to the Giants before rallying to win in seven. YES' Yankees analyst Ken Singleton was on another one of those exceptions. In 1983, his Orioles lost Game 1 to the Phillies, but rebounded to win the next four and the championship.

6:57 p.m. Swisher's reaction to the benching. As expected, he handled it well:

"Jerry's got great numbers off him. Hey, let him go out there and do his thing," Swisher said. "Obviously it's frustrating and I'm upset, but it's a team game. It's about playing everybody we have.

"It's Skip's thing and I'm behind him, just like I'm behind everyone on this team."

Struggling right-hander Phil Hughes, unavailable after walking the first and only two batters he faced in Game 1, regretted baking at plate umpire Gerry Davis over balls and strikes, citing the emotion of the moment.

"I went back and looked at the pitches, and they weren't as close as I thought they were, so it falls on me," Hughes said.

"I didn't execute my pitches. Walks are killers. We can't afford to have those, especially when we're trying to keep the game 2-0 like it was. To let those four runs come across really hurt us. I feel like the weak link right now is our bullpen."

The pen, flammable the early portion of the season, became a major strength after Hughes took over the role as Mariano Rivera's primary set-up man, posting a 1.40 ERA in 44 appearances. In the playoffs, however, his ERA is 9.64 through 4 2/3 innings pitched in seven appearances. Girardi said he would continue to go to Hughes in the eighth, but don't be surprised to see Joba Chamberlain in that role if it's a tight game.

Rather than being being aggressive and attacking the zone like he's done all year, Hughes admitted he's relying too much on scouting reports.

"That's something I need to get back to," Hughes said.

Chris Shearn interviewed Hughes exclusively. Watch it here.

By Jon Lane
Not much you can say about tonight. Cliff Lee was that good. There was nothing the Yankees could do. The teams from 1927 and 1961 wouldn't touch the Phillies' lefty on this night. Think back to Sandy Koufax knocking the bats out of the hands of the '63 team.

"I kept it simple tonight," said Alex Rodriguez (0-for-4, 3 Ks). "He kept it even more simple. He threw the ball well. When a guy throws like that, you tip your cap and move on."

A-Rod is still batting a healthy .388 in the postseason. Mark Teixeira (.186), meanwhile, is back on the skids. After compiling five hits in the final three games of the ALCS, Teixeira went hitless in four at-bats. He evaded questions on what went wrong, deflecting all credit to Lee.

"I think Tex is going to be fine. You take tonight out of it. With the exception of [Derek} Jeter, we didn't have any good swings at all."

Any other night, CC Sabathia might have emerged victorious, but he admitted he wasn't at his sharpest (113 pitches/70 strikes). For the fifth time in his playoff career, Sabathia allowed a pair of homers in one game, the third time to one batter (Chase Utley).

"I felt pretty good," Sabathia said. "I had three walks but I was behind a lot of guys. It was just one of those days."

Phil Hughes' postseason troubles continue. He walked the first two batters he faced to begin the eighth before getting the hook Both came around to score. And while Lee put the game away a long time ago, those insurance runs essentially quashed any hopes for the patented Yankees comeback.

"He missed with his fastball a little bit tonight," said Joe Girardi. "We'll continue to talk to him. I mean, he's been great for us all year. He walked two guys and ended up hurting us tonight, but we still believe in him."

Hideki Matsui on facing Pedro Martinez:
"He's always had good command and throws a wide variety of pitches," Matsui said. "I don't know what to expect, but what's going to be important is to make sure we have a plan at the plate and make sure we execute that."

By Jon Lane
Slight exaggeration, but this measures the height of my view of the field. For the first time since I can recall, I'm closer to the blimp flying overhead.

The rain has let up, but there's that dreaded wind chill. I'm dressed in layers but wishing I was wearing a hat. Until tomorrow ....

Anyway, less than 10 minutes from baseball. Click here for documentation of my pregame activities. And Yogi Berra, escorted by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, met retired Army Captain Tony Odinero at the mound for his throwing of the ceremonial first pitch. A nice touch.

Enjoy the game.

8:14 p.m. After two quick outs the heart of the Phillies' order loaded the bases - Ryan Howard's double was sandwiched between two walks - but Sabathia escaped by getting Raul Ibanez to ground out to second. The big guy threw 24 pitches in the first, 12 for strikes.

Early fan behavior: Chants of "CC! CC!" and "Philly sucks!"

8:28 p.m. CC settles down in the second, needing only 10 pitches to retire the side in order.

8:54 p.m. Sorry for the lack of updates. To better protect my laptop, the mist circling above the outfield chased me from my post. Thus far it's been the pitchers' duel we've all expected, except the Phillies made Sabathia (58 pitches after three) work before Chase Utley homered with two out in the first to put Philadelphia on the board. That said, the ball hasn't carried here like it did during the regular season. Teams combined for 237 homers in 2009, but only seven to date in the playoffs. Furthermore, Utley's homer was the first by a Yankees' opponent in this building.

9:11 p.m. We've seen this often during the regular season. Sabathia has a bad inning or throws a bad pitch. Then he works with more anger, more of a scowl. After Utley's homer he retired the last four, including a clean fourth with two strikeouts.

9:21 p.m. Lee is dealing, striking out the Yankees' 3-4-5 hitters on nasty breaking pitches. Ruben Amaro Jr. made the trade of the season in my view. For all the hoopla over Roy Halladay, Amaro told J.P. Riccardi to shove it and made the better deal with the Indians. Halladay remains in Toronto, Riccardi is out of a job and Lee could be the final piece to a repeat World Series win for the Phillies.

By the way, it must stink to be a Cleveland sports fan. The Indians trade Sabathia, Lee and Victor Martinez, and the Cavaliers may lose LeBron James after this season. Then there's Eric Mangini's Browns. Whoa boy.

9:48 p.m. Utley goes yard - again. He's been the Phillies' entire offense, supplying both of their two runs. Seeing how Lee has been turning out the Yankees' lights, rare has a 2-0 lead been insurmountable. Lee has thrown just 69 pitches through five innings. Unless the Yankees can make him work and get to the Phils' bullpen, Lee could all the way and lead Philly to a 1-0 series lead.

Then again, the Yankees have rallied from worse.

9:58 p.m. Kudos to Yankees radio announcer Suzyn Waldman. The Yankees' media relations department paid homage to her being the first woman to call a World Series game.

Tonight's attendance: 50,207 - a new Yankee Stadium high.

10:09 p.m. Here's the Yankees offense in a nutshell: It has four hits, two from Derek Jeter. Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez are a combined 0-for-8 with four strikeouts, and the former two stranded Jeter on first base to end the sixth. Lee's been that good and at 86 pitches is showing no signs of letting up. If Sabathia and Co. keep it at 2-0, the only chance the Yankees have is against Brad Lidge in the ninth.

Lidge, incidentally, has pitched four scoreless innings with three saves this postseason.

10:18 p.m. A good stat passed on by Howie Karpin, one of the Yankees' official scorers: The Yankees have gone 15 straight World Series innings without scoring a run (Game 5 of the 2003 WS) and 19 at home (Alfonso Soriano's two-run homer in Game 2).

10:35 p.m. What has happened to Phil Hughes? Joe Girardi put him in to start the eighth in hopes of getting his confidence rebuilt. Instead, Hughes walked the first two batters and got the hook for Damaso Marte (I never thought I'd write that). Hughes has a 5.79 ERA (three runs in 4 2/3 IP) in six appearances. For someone who thrives on confidence, Hughes' body language did not look good.

10:50 p.m. Phils get a big third run with Ibanez's two-out single to right off David Robertson, after Damaso Marte recorded two outs in relief of Hughes. Down three against Lee and (perhaps) a rejuvenated Lidge. Not good odds.

11:24 p.m. If only the bullpen had done its job - the Phillies scored two in the eighth and two in the ninth - the Yankees would be in business. Alas, to quote Miracle Max, "It would take a miracle."

At least the Yankees snapped their postseason scoreless streak at 17 1/3 innings. Barring a big comeback, I'll check back in after postgame.

YANKEES (103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: CC Sabathia (19-8, 3.37)

PHILLIES (93-69)
Jimmy Rollins SS
Shane Victorino CF
Chase Utley 2B
Ryan Howard 1B
Jayson Werth RF
Raul Ibanez DH
Ben Francisco LF
Pedro Feliz 2B
Carlos Ruiz C

Pitching: Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39)

By Jon Lane
Well, not yet. It's raining and the media auxiliary press area is soaked at the moment. I'm told that not only will there be a Game 1, but the rain is expected to let up by around 5:30.

I love it how all of us make a simple attempt at meteorology.

Showers did not prevent a bevy of Yankees fans from attending a pep rally this afternoon at Times Square, where New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, Yankees legend Reggie Jackson and the YES Network's Michael Kay addressed Yankees Nation.

Joe Girardi is speaking at 3:45, followed by Game 2 starter A.J. Burnett. Later it'll be Charlie Manuel and your favorite, Pedro Martinez, addressing the media.

Once the rain (hopefully) let's up, I'll be watching Game 1 from a unique vantage point. Right field is where I camped out during postseason (and the All-Star) games across the street, though in the loge section. Yet there's something about being amongst the fans, as my colleague and friend Jerome Preisler can attest.

Oh, if you're reading this and have tickets for the game, shut the computer off and leave now. Gates open at 5 p.m. and on top of New York/New Jersey's prolific rush-hour traffic, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, wil be here and Major League Baseball is implementing additional security measures in select seating locations. The additional security screening will occur every time guests enter their location before the start of the game. If guests leave their seats, they will be screened again upon returning.

Additional security measures are in effect from the time gates open until the start of the game, so please allow yourself extra time to enjoy batting practice and the pregame ceremonies scheduled to begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Here's the latest hour-by-hour forecast, which calls for a 55 percent chance of "light rain" by first pitch.

Back with more later.

4 p.m. I cannot tell a lie ... the sun is out!

4:35 p.m. Joe Girardi said the expected when asked about the roster adjustments. Eric Hinske provides another pinch-hitter and Brian Bruney an extra arm that will be important in Philadelphia. The exclusion of a third catcher (Francisco Cervelli) also increases the likelihood of Jorge Posada catching A.J. Burnett if he gets the call for Game 5.

He's also not in any rush to name a starter for Game 4; the current great debate is whether he'll throw his top three arms on short rest. "The focus is Game 1 tonight, and that's what we'll worry about," he said.

You can watch the full presser here.

5:01 p.m. There was his first postseason start in the Division Series. Now A.J. Burnett is set to make his World Series debut in Game 2 tomorrow night. Burnett played for the 2003 champion Marlins but missed out while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

I"m looking forward to it, I'm excited," Burnett said. "I'm going to prepare, yeah, maybe, as another game, but deep down I know what it's about. I know how real it is and I don't want to change it. I want to go out there knowing it's my first World Series start."

Burnett, of course, said he's all for making a potential Game 5 start on short rest. First there's Game 2, when his opponent will be Pedro Martinez.

"He's come back and what he's accomplished this year is great," Burnett said. "As a fellow starting pitcher you can respect that. I'm looking forward to going up against him. I've seen him pitch and he's going to bring a lot of excitement here tomorrow night, and I think everybody in the world knows what he can do in the postseason this year or in the past, or whenever he takes the ball."

Burnett was also asked about facing Ryan Howard and his 45 home runs and 141 runs batted in. He kept the Phillies slugger hitless in three at-bats with a strikeout in a 7-3 loss at Yankee Stadium on May 22. In 12 career at-bats, Howard is 2-for-12 (.167) with six strikeouts lifetime against the Yankees' right-hander. Both hits have been homers.

"You try to get ahead and strike him out, I guess," Burnett said. "I think you've seen him do more this postseason than hit home runs. He's hit the ball pretty much everywhere. I'm going to probably pitch him the same as I pitch all lefties, pretty much the same. Just try to get ahead and put them away as quick as I can, and not leave anything over the plate or in his hot spot when the game is on the line."

Here's the Burnett conference in its entirety.

7 p.m. What's a Yankees game, especially a World Series game, without Freddy Sez (aka) Freddy Schuman, who since 1988 has encouraged fan interaction by walking around hitting a pot with a teaspoon while allowing fans to do the same? In the Great Hall, fans lined up to get their picture taking with Freddy.

"We're here to celebrate the Yankees winning," he said before two clanks of his famous pot.

The Hard Rock Cafe was already packed well before 6 p.m. The wait for a table was 2 1/2 hours and climbing.

All fans received a 2010 MLB calendar along with a protective cover to hold their World Series ticket.

Two hours before first pitch, Yankee Stadium was playing highlights of the 1950 World Series. The Yankees swept the Phillies in four games in what before tonight is the only time the teams met in the Fall Classic.

Charlie Manuel spoke in depth about Pedro. It's amazing the amount of attention he's receiving but given his history with the Yankees and his legacy of, from where I sit, being the greatest pitcher of this generation, that attention is justified.

"I looked at him in Dodger Stadium, I think he's a guy who's in good shape physically, and I think with the knowledge and knowing how to pitch, I think that definitely he's ready, and I think that he can handle the big setting," Manuel said. "He's been there before, and he likes being there, and he likes everything about it.

"I saw a guy who was cocky, which is fine. Sometimes to be good you've got to be cocky and you've got to be -- someone has to let you be who you are sometimes. Sometimes you don't want to take who somebody is and their identity and stuff or what they stand for and try to change it because who they are sometimes makes them -- that's why they're good. He had an arrogance about him, and you would think -- at times I thought he was kind of arrogant, but at the same time everything about him, I felt like -- I always thought he was a professional and that he loved to pitch.

And since I got to know him, not only does he love to pitch and the competitive part I already knew about, but the guy, he really studies the game and he loves baseball and he's a baseball guy. If you sit and listen to him talk and everything, he'll impress you with what he knows and how he kind of sees things. That's the part about it I've gotten to know him, and I'm very proud that he was able to sign and come on our team and pitch for us because that way I got to know who he is."

7:21 p.m. Pedro Martinez says he's "older and wiser," but he remains very entertaining. Check out these money quotes from his meeting with the media. Warning, he pulled no punches taking shots at the scribes.

"Because of you guys in some ways, I might be at times the most influential player that ever stepped in Yankee Stadium. I can honestly say that. I mean, I have been a big fan of baseball for a long time, since I was a kid. My first ball I ever got from a Big League player I actually got to purchase in Dodger Stadium in a silent auction, was Reggie Jackson. I was actually a big fan of the Yankees, too.

For some reason with all the hype and different players that have passed by, maybe because I played for the Red Sox, is probably why you guys made it such a big deal every time I came in, but you know, I have a good bond with the people. After playing in New York, I went to realize something: New York fans are very passionate and very aggressive. But after it all, after you take your uniform off and you deal with the people, they're real human beings. It's all just being fans.

I have all the respect in the world for the way they enjoy being fans. Sometimes they might be giving you the middle finger, just like they will be cursing you and telling you what color underwear you're wearing. All those things you can hear when you're a fan. But at the end of the day, they're just great fans that want to see the team win. I don't have any problem with that."

On his rumored meeting with George Steinbrenner :
"I remember quotes in the paper, 'Here comes the man that New York loves to hate.' Man? None of you have probably ever eaten steak with me or rice and beans with me to understand what the man is about. You might say the player, the competitor, but the man? You guys have abused my name. You guys have said so many things, have written so many things. There was one time I remember when I was a free agent, there was talk that I might meet with Steinbrenner. One of your colleagues had me in the papers with horns and a tail, red horns and a tail. That's a sign of the devil. I'm a Christian man.

"I don't like those things. I take those things very serious."

On hearing "Who's your daddy?"
"It really reminds me that God is my daddy. It gives me strength. It keeps me strong and healthy, and I believe I can do anything. And when you have -- I said it before, when you have 60,000 people chanting your name, waiting for you to throw the ball, you have to consider yourself someone special, someone that really has a purpose out there.

"Maybe when I said that quote out of frustration, I had the purpose of maybe hearing it now, hearing it the following few years that I played, because every time I hear it, it reminds me not to make the same mistake. And at the same time it reminds me that God is my real daddy, and he's the one that keeps me strong to compete, just like he does to Mariano [Rivera]. I've seen Mariano when I know his shoulder is barking, and he still succeeds. Men of faith. It's only God who can probably do that for him."

On his tangle with Don Zimmer during Game 3 of the 2003 ALCS:
"We are both, I consider, mature people, Zim more than I am, wiser than I am, and he acknowledged that it wasn't my fault; that it was his fault.

"I never wanted to apologize to you guys because why should I apologize to you guys or come to a press conference and say, I apologize for something I didn't intend to do? It's a normal human reaction to defend yourself when you feel threatened, and that's what happened to me at that point. I had to defend myself, and I know how. Don't let this small body fool you; I know how. I just don't put it into play.

"I mean, that Zim situation is over with. I didn't feel like I had to apologize at that time, give an apology because I didn't feel like I did anything to apologize. But it's something I'm not happy about. It's something I don't condone, and it's something that I don't want to see in baseball."

By Jon Lane
Here's something pretty cool passed to my attention: The Cupcake Stop, New York's first Mobile Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe, whipped up this collection of tasty treats featuring the Yankees' starting lineup.

To quote a wise man: "So much time, so little to do - strike that, reverse it." I'll be back with a lot more once I'm settled in for Game 1 of the World Series. Of course, it's been raining, but there's optimism that it will taper off by game time.

By Jon Lane
As expected, Eric Hinske and Brian Bruney are in, Francisco Cervelli and Freddy Guzman are out. The Yankees are carrying an extra pitcher with up to three games in a National League park and added pop off the bench.

Position players (13)
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Eric Hinske

Pitchers (12)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Damaso Marte
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain
Brian Bruney
Chad Gaudin

By Jon Lane
Joe Girardi told Mike Francesa this afternoon that he is not committed to a three-man rotation as first reported. It's CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte for Games 1-3. In the three-man scenario, Sabathia would start Game 4 on normal rest, but Burnett and Pettitte - Sabathia too if there's a Game 7 - would all come back on three days' rest.

Girardi said he may kick this around until at least Thursday, but Chad Gaudin was scheduled to throw a 70 to 80 pitch bullpen session today at Yankee Stadium, reports Chad Jennings.

On a side note, here's some fun stuff on the pre-Game 1 agenda:

WFAN's Boomer and Carton will be hosting a Yankees Pep Rally at Modell's in Times Square Wednesday morning from 6-10, broadcasting live while giving away prizes and getting fans ready for the opening night of the 2009 World Series.

At 12:30 Wednesday afternoon in Times Square, Mayor Michael Bloomberg will host a rally in Times Square with YES' Yankees play-by-play man Michael Kay.

By Jon Lane
Yankees vs. Phillies. Phillies vs. Yankees. Not baseball's two best teams record-wise, but unquestionably the game's finest. The 2009 World Series pits baseball's most storied franchise against the defending champions, a team looking to be the first to repeat since the Yankees from 1998-2000 and the first National League team to do so since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-76.

Johnny Damon will face his old teammate and friend, Pedro Martinez. Martinez will battle the team he tormented while he worked in Boston - and vice versa. CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee, the two pitchers who competed in the first regular-season game at the new Yankee Stadium when the latter threw for the Indians, will match wits in Game 1 Wednesday night - and both southpaws are at the top of their games.

While it's not New York vs. Boston, there is no love lost between The Big Apple and The City of Brotherly Love. Giants and Eagles fans hate each other; ditto loyal followers of the Rangers and Flyers. The cities are separated by an hour-plus drive up and down the New Jersey Turnpike.

For many reasons, this World Series is wholly appropriate.

"The fact that we have to go through the world champs to become champs, and they have their chance to defend it. Not too many teams get that opportunity," Damon said.

Fans, talk-show hosts and scribes from each city aren't as civil. Celebrity bets have already been wagered, writes Sam Borden. The trash talk has started and will continue until one team is declared World Champions in seven games or less.

To quote Jim Kaat, this is East Coast passion. The teams stand toe-to-toe in terms of firepower, so look for this series to go deep and come down to pitching, where you can make the case the Yankees have the edge in the rotation and especially the bullpen, though it became clear down the stretch and in the NLCS that Martinez still has plenty of magic left.

A snapshot look at the regular season matchup and respective team leaders:

Records
Yankees: 103-59
Phillies: 93-69

Season Series: Phillies took two of three Memorial Day weekend at Yankee Stadium.

Memorable Game
May 23: Melky Cabrera's walk-off single off Brad Lidge in the ninth won Game 2 for the Yankees, capping a three-run rally that started with Alex Rodriguez's two-run home run.
 
"Right now, I'm probably the happiest .200 hitter in baseball," said Rodriguez, who was batting .204 at the time.

Old Friends
Miguel Cairo (played for the Yankees 2004 and 2006-07)
Pedro Martinez (Who's your daddy?)

Team leaders
Batting
Yankees: Derek Jeter (.334)
Phillies: Shane Victorino (.292)

Home Runs
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (39)
Phillies: Ryan Howard (45)

Runs Batted In
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (122)
Phillies: Ryan Howard (141)

Wins
Yankees: CC Sabathia (19)
Phillies: J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton, Jamie Moyer (12)

ERA
Yankees: CC Sabathia (3.37)
Phillies: J.A. Happ (2.93)

Strikeouts
Yankees: CC Sabathia (197)
Phillies: Cole Hamels (168)

Saves
Yankees: Mariano Rivera (44)
Phillies: Brad Lidge (31)

Projected Pitching Matchups
Game 1 (Wednesday, 7:57 p.m.): Cliff Lee (7-4, 3.39) vs. CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)
Game 2 (Thursday, 7:57 p.m.): Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.63) vs. A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.10)
Game 3 (Saturday, 7:57): Andy Pettitte (14-7, 4.11) vs. Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32)
Game 4 (Sunday, 8:20): Chad Gaudin (6-2, 3.43) vs. Joe Blanton (12-8, 4.05)

"The Yankees' enormous will to win, tremendous professionalism and great team spirit, backed by the best, most vocal and supportive fans have propelled us into the World Series. We're looking forward to our 27th ring."

By Jon Lane
As you can imagine, it was bedlam in the clubhouse. Beginning with Hal Steinbrenner, the theme was not only the fact that the Yankees are winners of 110 games, but about how they won them. The character of this team has been remarkable, yet the mighty Phillies, the champs, are their lone roadblock.

The final journey begins Wednesday night, with George Steinbrenner likely to be in the house.

"We're doing this for him," Hal Steinbrenner said. "We want to win this whole thing for him. I feel like he's here. He's a big part of it."

It's a fitting conclusion to the 2009 season: The two best teams fighting for the right to be called champion, or in the Phillies' case, a repeat champion.

"The fact that we have to go through the world champs to become champs, and they have their chance to defend it. Not too many teams get that opportunity," said Johnny Damon.

CC Sabathia is ALCS MVP. You can't argue with that selection, though. The big guy went 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA, allowing nine hits and two runs with 12 strikeouts in 16 innings pitched. Lest we forget that eight-inning masterpiece on three days' rest in Game 4 that squashed the Angels' momentum from the night before.

Being the character guy he is, Sabathia deflected credit to Alex Rodriguez and the team's ability to remain loose through good times and bad. That had him believing from Day 1 that the Yankees were destined to play in the Fall Classic.

"When Al went down, it was going to to make it tough," he said. "We held it together for awhile until he got back. He made our lineup just that much better, our team that much better. It gave us a lot of confidence.

"It is really not a surprise that we are here. I hate to sound like that, but this is a really good team. Like I said, we get along, we have fun. This is what you get."

_______________________

Like Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and a few others, A-Rod will play in his first World Series. Too many Hall of Famers never won a World Series ring, and never had a shot at one.

"I was just in the back with Mark Teixeira talking and a lot of great players have never had the honor to play in the World Series," Rodriguez said. "So I thank the good Lord for putting me with the greatest organization and 24 great teammates and it feels really good.

"It gets tougher. Honestly, you think about this era with all these divisions and all these championship series and World Series, it's pretty much more challenging now and it feels good to get in."

Eight months ago, Rodriguez was a scorned public figure, exposed by his admittance of using performance-enhancing drugs while he played for the Texas Rangers, the tension-filled reaction press conference and the shady company he kept. Then he had a torn labrum in his hip, which threatened to sideline him for the rest of the season.

That actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He went to Vail, Colorado, and had surgery, and spent the next few weeks rehabbing in seclusion. Once he returned on May 8, he homered on the first pitch he saw and hasn't looked back. Despite playing in only 124 games, he still slugged 30 homers and drove in 100 runs, the last three coming on his final swing of the regular season -- a home run.

"I wasn't around for the first month and a half, but I knew that the guys we brought in this year, they were special talents and special people and all of them did a phenomenal job of playing in New York the first year," Rodriguez said. "That's something that a lot of people can't do, including myself."

Yet there were times he lifted the Yankees from life support this postseason. There were the home runs off Joe Nathan and Brian Fuentes. There's the 11-game postseason hitting streak, pretty darn good for someone once labeled the ultimate choker. His postseason tally to date: .438 with five home runs and 12 RBIs.

"Alex is an unbelievable guy," Steinbrenner said. "It was just a matter of time before his ability would break out in the postseason. Nobody works harder than him in the offseason, nobody works harder than him in training and nobody, you'll find, has more ability than him. It was just a matter of time."

_______________________

Joe Girardi made some strange decisions, but he's the 10th manager to lead the Yankees to a World Series and the 42nd person to play and manage in the Fall Classic (and the first since Ozzie Guillen in 2005).

Keep in mind how all season he had to work through an unsaid win-or-else edict. He knew that's what he signed up for, and never hid or lost his composure through all the second-guessing. Now he's four wins from escaping Joe Torre's shadow once and for all.

"It's very special," Girardi said. "I'm extremely blessed to have this opportunity. I feel my life has been one big blessing. The things that I've gotten to do, God has really blessed me. But being here as a player and going through that, and the excitement and the anticipation, and then getting a chance to do it as a manager, I'm extremely happy for the guys in that room, for the Boss, his children, all the people that put all this hard work in to put this team together.

"I have that same feeling of excitement. 1996 was the first time for me. You think about all the work that all the people put in to have this opportunity, as a player all the work you put in in the offseason to get an opportunity. It's much the same feeling."

By Jon Lane
It's definitely not a stretch to say that the weather is a tad better than it was 25 hours ago. At that time the game was postponed, we were scurrying to piece together information, and I ended driving home on the Northern State River.

A different story this evening one hour before Andy Pettitte throws the first pitch of what could be an American League-pennant clinching game, which would be the 40th in Yankees history. Two things I noted yesterday was Pettitte being one win from becoming baseball's all-time leader in series-clinching wins (his four is tied with Roger Clemens, Catfish Hunter and Dave Stewart). Yesterday was also 13 years to the night when Pettitte out-dueled John Smoltz in a 1-0 victory in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series, a win that gave New York a 3-2 win and set the table for its first World Championship in 18 years.

What more historical karma? Twenty-three years ago tonight, Mookie Wilson's grounder ate Bill Buckner and gave the Mets an improbable 6-5 win that tied the 1986 Fall Classic at 3-3. Watching batting practice earlier, these Yankees had that all-business aura about them, yet kept each other loose. Robinson Cano was at the dugout steps exchanging small talk when Derek Jeter tapped him on the helmet with his bat.

The Angels are taking BP now. As I've written previously, there is no quit in Mike Scioscia's team. If the Yankees can pound Joe Saunders earlier, it would certainly give everyone a chance to catch their breath. But don't count in it. Three out of the five games played in this ALCS have been decided by one run - with Games 2 and 3 needing extra innings. I'm anticipating another pitcher's duel. Saunders is a 16-game winner who gave up two runs in seven frames in Game 2. Pettitte is 6-2 with a 4.14 ERA in 12 LCS starts and 6-1, 3.95 in 10 starts as a Yankee.

Given how the 2009 season has played out, a close game benefits the New Yorkers. Besides their league-high 57 wins at Yankee Stadium (4-0 in the playoffs), they own 22 postseason walk-off wins. After winning 15 of the walk-off variety in the regular season, the Yankees have two in the playoffs, one coming on a home run.

Of course, all this means nothing; the game has to be played. But I'm one of many who has played the mystique and aura cards while telling stories (my colleague Chris Shearn is a firm believer in karma.) When you think you've seen enough, Alex Rodriguez takes Joe Nathan and Brian Fuentes deep to rescue the Yankees from certain defeat.

Let's see what develops tonight. Back with much more, starting with Bernie Williams throwing out the first pitch.

7:50 p.m. Playing on the Stadium jukebox during a montage of Yankees highlights: The Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight," The Black Eyed Peas' "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night." Think Stadium Ops want the Yankees to get it done this evening?
 
8:10 p.m. Chuck Mangione with a beautiful rendition of our national anthem. Mangione also played the anthem the day Dave Righetti threw his no-hitter on July 4, 1983. Thanks to Bill Stimers (aka "Bill the Baker" and longtime friend of George Steinbrenner) for that nugget. (There's that karma thing again.)

Meanwhile, Bernie Williams walked to the mound to an incredible ovation to throw out the first pitch.

8:19 p.m. Andy Pettitte warming up to "Welcome to the Jungle." The new house is stoked.

8:21 p.m. First pitch a called strike to Chone Figgins. Game time temperature 58 degrees.

8:26 p.m. Man on a mission: Pettitte pitches a clean first throwing 12 pitches, nine for strikes.

8:37 p.m. An eventful bottom of the first ends with a thud. Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez stroke back-to-back two-out singles (the latter extended his postseason hitting streak to 11 games). Jorge Posada, however, ended the threat with a fly out to right field. The Yankees are batting .216 (16-for-74) with runners in scoring position in the playoffs.

8:41 p.m. Swishlicious! Nick Swisher executes a 9-9-3 double play, capitalizing on yet another Angels baserunning blunder, this time when Vladimir Guerrero got caught too far off first. Now Nick Swisher has to start hitting.

8:46 p.m. 0-0 after 1 1/2. For fun facts and figures, meet Joe Auriemma At the Bat.

8:55 p.m. Swisher just gets under a Saunders 3-2 pitch and flies out to left. He's now 3-for-30 (.100) in the postseason.

8:59 p.m. Big spot for Johnny Damon: Bases loaded, Saunders needing a breather and that galling RISP postseason stat.

9:03 p.m. Unreal. A ground out to first on the second pitch Damon sees. Saunders has thrown 38 pitches, yet the Yankees have stranded five through two innings and there's no score. That RISP average? It's now .213. The Yankees may be the cardiac crew, but they cannot continue to blow these golden opportunities.

9:05 p.m. The Jeff Mathis now has eight hits (five doubles) this postseason. The Yankees might rue the day they failed with runners on base.

9:15 p.m. 1-0 Angels on Bobby Abreu's run-scoring single. Pettitte is pitching well outside of the Mathis double. He needs help from his offense.

9:23 p.m. Hmmm .... A fly ball to deep right that did NOT carry out of this ballpark?

9:33 p.m. Pettitte razor-sharp in the fourth with two called strikeouts (with help from plate umpire Dale Scott on a low-and-outside Strike 3 to Guerrero). It'd be a good time for the offense to break through. Swisher is due up second.

9:38 p.m. Swisher with a base hit to left. First and second with nobody out. Now or never.

9:48 p.m. Breakthrough and redemption. Damon strokes a two-run single to center field.

10:00 p.m. The good news: Yankees chase Saunders, put up three runs and Posada faces Darren Oliver with the bases loaded. The bad news: A double-play grounder ends the inning. You can't squander chances to break the game open in the postseason, folks. Think of it like a football team stalling in the red zone and settling for field goals.

At this rate you're getting Pettitte for seven and Mariano Rivera for two.

10:13 p.m. Game 6 attendance: 50,173, the largest ever at the new Yankee Stadium.

10:25 p.m. Big spot for Guerrero, who went yard of Pettitte in Game 3.

10:27 p.m. Guerrero has something left, lofting a pitch about four inches from the ground into right for a double. It's second and third with two out for Pettitte with Joba Chamberlain warming up.

10:32 p.m. Pettitte squeaks out of the sixth after deflecting Kendry Morales' comebacker and throwing the first for the final out to put the Yankees nine outs away from their 40th AL pennant. He's thrown 91 pitches through six innings and could be done for the night. Cabrera, Jeter and Damon are due up. An insurance run or three won't hurt, especially the way Chamberlain and Phil Hughes have looked in the postseason.

10:43 p.m. Here's why this game is far from over: The Yankees have left nine men on base and ended the sixth when Mark Teixeira grounded into a double play. Failing to break it open against Darren Oliver is cause for concern.

Pettitte's out to start the seventh, BTW.

10:49 p.m. Pettitte leaves to a well-deserved standing ovation with a runner on and one out, and tips his cap, after throwing 99 pitchers in 6 1/3 innings. Chamberlain in relief. Two years ago this is a security blanket. Not so this year (seven hits, 2 2/3 innings).

11:02 p.m. Yankees are six outs away thanks to a Joba well done. A-Rod leads off the seventh with a single. He's my choice for ALCS MVP if the Yankees get those last six outs.

11:08 p.m. Rivera warming up to work two innings. Good move. Meanwhile, Posada grounds into his second double play.

11:11 p.m. Make that the Yankees are six Mariano Rivera outs from their 40th AL pennant and a date with Cliff Lee and the Phillies here Wednesday night.

11:24 p.m. Inopportune time for Rivera to allow his first earned run in a postseason home game since October 22, 2000 (Game 2 of the World Series against the Mets). It sliced the Yankees' lead to 3-2 before Rivera recovered to retire Kendry Morales. Three outs to go.

Give credit to these Angels. They don't quit. Ever.

11:36 p.m. The Angels have heart, but they are careless and probably threw away their season. First, Howie Kendrick dropped Morales' throw after he fielded Swisher's sacrifice bunt. Melky Cabrera put down a sacrifice that was to move runners to second and third, except Scott Kazmir threw it 10 feet over Kendrick's head, allowing a valuable insurance run to come home.

11:44 p.m. Well, Teixeira made one loud out, but it got another run home to give Rivera a three-run lead. Is the game over? No. But I like those odds.

11:55 p.m. Rivera working the ninth needing those last three outs. Yankees fans are ready to party. And as I write, Kenrick grounds out to first. Two to go.

12:01 a.m. Gary Matthews Jr., pinch-hitting for Mike Napoli, strikes out and the Yankees win their 40th American League pennant. They begin their first World Series since 2003 Wednesday night when CC Sabathia opposes Cliff Lee in this building. More from the clubhouse coming later.

YANKEES (3-2/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16)

ANGELS (2-3/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Kendry Morales 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Juan Rivera LF
Jeff Mathis C
Erick Aybar SS

Pitching: Joe Saunders (16-7, 4.60)

By Jon Lane
Since the Yankees opened the Division Series battle against the Twins on October 7, they've had eight days off over the past 17 days - 20 if you include the time between their regular-season finale and Game 1 of the ALDS.

Thanks to Mother Nature, make that nine. For one of the rare times this month, the forecast for rain was correct, baseball's luck with the weather ran out and Game 6 of the ALCS was postponed until 8:20 Sunday night at Yankee Stadium.

Andy Pettitte will remain Joe Girardi's starter; the manager resisted the temptation to go for the kill and start CC Sabathia on normal rest to have him ready if there's a Game 7.

"Who else would you want for a Game 7 if there is a Game 7?" Pettitte said. "I never thought they would not throw me tomorrow."

Physically, Pettitte admitted that his body has appreciated the extra rest. Since the Yankees skipped one of his starts in mid-September due to shoulder fatigue, he's been allotted an extra day's rest between starts. As an younger player, Pettitte said that would set him back, but because he's 37 years old, he admitted it's "probably great for me."

That didn't mean he was happy with the rainout, however,

"The worst part of it is just the wait," Pettitte said. "This was the longest day ever. You realize it's a rainout - get ready to do it tomorrow - but it's just frustrating from the standpoint it's just such a long day, when you're so ready and so anxious to get the game going."

As I noted earlier, minutes before the game was called, MLB officials were conferring with Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland. The look on his face essentially said there was no way he was having Pettitte warm up. Furthermore, last thing the manager or pitching coach on both sides wanted was their starters to have to start the game, stop due to a delay and fire it up again if the game were to be resumed.

"I don't think any of us are exactly sure when the rain is going to get out of here, how late it's going to be, so I respect the decision that they made," Girardi said. "I'm sure both clubs would have loved to have played. The weather is not permitting."

"If it's good enough to play a game, I think any ball team wants to -- if you're going to start a game, just have a fair amount of confidence you're going to be able to finish it, and not have it be so disjointed and segmented because of weather," agreed Angels skipper Mike Scioscia.

Besides the pitchers, everyone is affected playing in the slop and mud, no matter how state-of-the-art Yankee Stadium's drainage system is compared to the building across the street.

"You don't want anybody to get hurt," said Mariano Rivera. "It's bad weather out there. Waiting another day isn't going to kill us."



Good line from Jerry Hairston: He and Mark Teixeira were discussing the inordinate amount of off days while in the indoor batting cages when, according to Hairston, Teixeira told him, "I have a new respect for utility players."

"I just started laughing," Hairston said. "I said why don't you give me part of that [pay check] you got there."

Teixeira is in the first year of an eight-year contract that's paying him $180 million. Hairston re-signed with the Reds for one year and $2 million in January and was acquired by the Yankees at the non-waiver trade deadline. Mother Nature, though, doesn't discriminate between the rich and the filthy, dirty rich.

"That's the life of a baseball player," Hairston said. "You're going to have your rain outs, but we don't make excuses. You have to go out and play."

_______________________

Game 7 is "if necessary," but the media could not help asking about a potential Game 7. This was supposed to be A.J. Burnett's day to throw a side session, but he did not. The thinking was to ensure he'd be available for long relief or if it's all hands on deck in an elimination game. Burnett said he'd be ready in an emergency for both Games 6 and 7.

"If I need to come out and help, I'll be ready," Burnett said. "I'll be ready for anything."

Scioscia was asked about it, but did not confirm yet another one of those worst-kept secrets. If the Angels win Game 6, John Lackey is starting Game 7. Bet on it.

"If there was a seven, Lackey's going to pitch," Hairston said, mockingly. "They can say no, no ... if you look at John's reaction getting taken out of [Game 5], you think he's a man that he's not going to pitch a Game 7. They can sugarcoat it, but we're concerned about Game 6 and we're trying to win that game."

_______________________

Scioscia was asked if he's in favor of the added off day built in this week. In a word, no.

"Taking us almost 20 days to play eight games, I think that's the wrong template for baseball," Scioscia said.

One person not complaining is Nick Swisher, 3-for-29 with 10 strikeouts in the postseason and who popped up Brian Fuentes' 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded to end Game 5.

"You hear a lot of guys who say, 'Man I wish we didn't have all these off days,' but then again if you have bangs and bumps, and this and that, it's nice to have another day off," Swisher said.

Swisher remained Girardi's starter in right field and the manager doesn't anticipate any changes tomorrow night. Swisher has taken advantage of the down time by working extra hard with hitting coach Kevin Long. A player fueled by emotion, Swisher was texted something once said by Babe Ruth:

"It's hard to beat up a guy who never quits. It's going to turn, it's got to. You have to have a positive attitude about it."

Girardi stuck with Johnny Damon after a 1-for-12 Division Series. He's doing the same with Swisher despite considering inserting Brett Gardner in center field and shifting Melky Cabrera over to right.

"It's amazing," Swisher said. "Skip's such a great guy. He's the best manager I've ever played for, no doubt. You have to keep battling and keep grinding.

"I never lost any confidence. I'm frustrated, but Skip has faith in me and my teammates do. I just turn it up, strap it on a little tighter. I had a run like this during the regular season and no one seemed to care. But it's at that point now when it's on the biggest stage. You want to go out there and do sooo well. Maybe I'm just pressing a bit too much.

"Skip told me the other day, 'Be yourself. You had a great year, just keep doing the things you're normally used to doing.' I'll be ready to go tonight when I go to sleep. I'll be ready to go tomorrow when I wake up and it's going to be a lot of fun."

_______________________

As I wrap up blogging for the evening, it's 8:02, five minutes after what would have been first pitch. It's raining and raining hard. Unless Major League Baseball wanted to wait and play at midnight, there was no way this game was being played. MLB made the right decision to benefit both the players and the fans.

Talk to y'all tomorrow.

By Jon Lane
I was in the clubhouse when Major League Baseball announced that tonight's game was postponed. The meteorologists were correct. It's gotten worse since I got back upstairs.

Minutes before the game was called, MLB officials were conferring with Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland. The look on his face essentially said there was no way he was having Andy Pettitte warm up. Furthermore, it was the smart move instead of having everyone sit around waiting for that supposed "window." Tomorrow and Monday will present nice weather, so we'll be back with you then.

It remains Andy Pettitte against Joe Saunders in Game 6. If there's a Game 7, it'll be CC Sabathia against probably John Lackey, though Mike Scioscia did not formally commit to it.

I'll have a full report later with reaction and how positive thinking has helped Nick Swisher endure a terrible slump at the most inopportune time.

By Jon Lane
Why didn't Joe Girardi go to the bullpen to start the seventh inning?
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Girardi's been an easy target whenever things have gone wrong, but I didn't kill him for sending A.J. Burnett back in despite sitting for about a half hour. After all, he kept the Yankees in the game and had thrown just 80 pitches. That said, I would have gave him the hook after that leadoff walk. You have a rested bullpen that you've maximized to the fullest this whole postseason. That was the ideal time to use it. Furthermore, certain guys are better served by starting innings (read: Phil Hughes).

What has happened to Nick Swisher? Will he be in Saturday's starting lineup?
Three hits in 29 at-bats with 10 strikeouts, making two outs in that sixth inning and popping up a game-deciding 3-2 pitch. Logic says bench him, but I doubt Girardi will do that with the Angels throwing left-hander Joe Saunders and the alternative, Brett Gardner, a lefty hitter. But memo to a manager who manages by the numbers: Swisher is 1-for-6 with two RBIs against Saunders this year and 5-21, 6 RBIs lifetime. Right now, when it matters, he's lost. Saunders has never faced Gardner and the element of surprise works in the latter's favor. Furthermore, batting Gardner ninth with Derek Jeter leading off gives you a nice look and tightens the outfield defense. I'd do it.

Why doesn't David Robertson have a bigger role out of the bullpen?
I have no idea. Robertson's pitched three scoreless innings in the postseason, none bigger than Game 2 in the Division Series. This is where Girardi has to put the binder away and go with his gut. If Robertson has his best stuff, nobody is hitting him, not Jeff Mathis, Vlad Guerrerro, Kendry Morales, nobody.

If Saturday brings a rainout and the Angels win Game 6, will John Lackey start Game 7 on three days' rest?
Duh.

Will it actually rain Saturday night?
Here's the forecast, but don't cancel your plans yet. Thursday's YES Network Toyota Text Poll presented a great question on who has had the worst performance this postseason: Baserunners, closers, umpires or meteorologists. Maybe Mother Nature will provide one more reprieve. If not, Game 6 and (if necessary) Game 7 will be played Sunday and Monday, respectively.

P.S. I hate rain.

Fire Girardi if the Yankees lose the series?
Jesse Spector of The New York Daily News got ahead of himself with this column, but prefaced it so it's not a reactionary thing. There's no doubt Girardi has made some really strange decisions this postseason, but he's not managing in the crazy 1970s and '80s either. Unless the Yankees completely spit the bit these next two games, he comes back next season win or lose.

Do the Yankees need an answer to the Rally Monkey?
Steven Goldman thinks so: King Kong. They do have that Rocky II montage, yet a team with 15 walk-off wins finds a way to get it done without any gimmicks. Swisher has said it many times: The Yankees feed off the energy of their fans and that energy has done wonders.

Who will win Game 6?
Yankees. I had Yankees in six from the get-go. Andy Pettitte, for the umpteenth time, proves his mettle and the Yankees go ahead for good in the seventh ... on a clutch pinch-hit by Swishlicious.

5:00 p.m. Gates Open to the public

5:20 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Yankees hit

6:30 p.m.-7:10 p.m. Angels hit

7:42 p.m. Presentation of Colors: Yonkers Fire Department Color Guard

7:43 p.m. Moment of Silence: Yonkers Firefighter Patrick Joyce from Rescue 1

7:44 p.m. National Anthem: Chuck Mangione

7:48 p.m. Ceremonial First Pitch

7:55 p.m. Yankees Take the Field

7:57 p.m. First Pitch

By Jon Lane
The inevitable comparisons are in full force. One victory from a World Series the Yankees drop a winnable Game 5 and are back home with two chances to grab that elusive 'W' with both hands and hold tight.

In the event you lived on Mars five years ago and are back on Earth: The Yankees blew a 3-0 ALCS lead to the Boston Red Sox in 2004, starting when they were three Mariano Rivera outs from a four-game sweep and the right to play the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic.

Watching Game 5 of Yankees-Angels, my colleague and friend Jerome Preisler couldn't help but compare Phil Hughes to Tom Gordon, the latter one symbol of that epic collapse. I covered the 2004 ALCS from start to finish and sure there are similarities. Like these Angels, those Red Sox never quit. They had heart, soul, pop, clutch hitting and pitching, and some good luck. I remember specifically Game 5. The Yankees took a 4-2 sixth-inning lead on Derek Jeter's three-run double off Pedro Martinez and had the bases loaded with two out. Hideki Matsui laced a liner to right field. If it drops, the game is broken open and we're not talking about the 2004 ALCS.

Alas, Trot Nixon made a sliding catch to end the inning. Looking back at the series, Joe Torre called that the turning point, the first time when he told himself, "Uh oh." David Ortiz homered off Gordon to begin the bottom of the eighth and Jason Varitek's sacrifice fly off Rivera tied the game at four. Fate, by the way, also smiled on the Red Sox in the ninth when Tony Clark doubled off Keith Foulke, If the ball doesn't bounce over Fenway Park's short right-field fence, Ruben Sierra scores from first. Instead, Clark and Sierra had to stay on second and third. Miguel Cairo popped out and David Ortiz finally won the game in the 14th.

The moral of the history lesson: 2009 is a different time with a different team. These Yankees had it within them to pull out 15 walk-off wins and two in the postseason. Andy Pettitte and not Jon Lieber (to be fair, Lieber pitched very effectively in the '04 postseason) is starting Game 6 Saturday night. And if there's a Game 7, the season will be on CC Sabathia's back, not our old friend Kevin Brown.

Furthermore, there are glaring differences between Joe Girardi's lineup to what Torre had to send out for Games 6 and 7 five years ago:

DH
2004 - Kenny Lofton/Sierra
2009 - Matsui

2B
2004 - Cairo
2009 - Robinson Cano

1B
2004 - Tony Clark (John Olerud's bruised instep kept him from starting Games 5-7)
2009 - Mark Teixeira

Cano instead of Cairo; Teixeira instead of Clark (who struck out to end Game 6 as the winning run at the plate). Here's hoping you're reassured. Now all this lineup has to do is score runs off two very good pitchers, Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver.

By Jon Lane
Blame A.J. Burnett for a horrendous start and a miserable finish, if you want.

Blame Joe Girardi for allowing Burnett to start the seventh inning - three days after you killed him for his bullpen obsession, if that's your poison.

Blame Nick Swisher, the one who made two outs in the Yankees' six-run sixth inning, the one hitless in five Game 5 at-bats including the one when he popped up a bases-loaded, two-out, 3-2 pitch to shortstop to conclude a gut-ripping affair, the one with three hits in 29 postseason at-bats, until the roosters cluck and the cows retire.

Rant and rave at your choosing, it's your right, but also heed Morris Buttermaker's famous words, the ones in response to Tanner Boyle's outburst over Timmy Lupus' inability to throw the ball back to the infield, costing the Bad News Bears their first win: "When we win, it's a team win. When we lose, it's a team loss."

Plenty of individuals were guilty, but the Yankees lost Game 5 as a team. I'll isolate my personal turning point in a bit, but it was one of those games where you're simply obligated to give a tremendous amount of credit to the opponent, to admire and respect how the Angels, neck-and-neck with the Yankees as baseball's most resilient team, did not fold and found a way to force a Game 6. A lesser team would have decided it wasn't meant to be and began dreaming about a winter's vacation.

Not these Angels, who since the tragic and senseless death of Nick Adenhart have endured an emotionally-challenging season beyond anyone's comprehension.

"When they got the six runs, I was out there deflated and [ticked] off," said Torii Hunter. "I came in the dugout and threw my glove, but after all of that, I settled down. We all settled down and we saw we still had some innings left."

The game, from my point of view, turned on one pitch: Phil Hughes' fastball to Vladimir Guerrero in the fateful seventh. After walking Hunter, Hughes used a sharp curveball to move ahead 1-2. These days, breaking pitches make Guerrero look more like Pedro Cerrano than Vlad Guerrero.  Ahead in the count, you can afford to waste a pitch, and even if it's do-or-die, it's kill or be killed with your best pitch.

Inexplicably, Hughes, shaking off Jorge Posada multiple times, threw a fastball. Guerrero, who even with his best days behind him eats fastballs for breakfast, smoked a belt-high pitch up the middle to tie the game. Kendry Morales' RBI single followed and the Angels were ahead for good.

"Trying to be a little too fine to Hunter," Hughes said. "Then got ahead of Guerrero and tried to come up and in on him and left the ball pretty much in the middle. He didn't get it good, but he got it just enough and in the right spot."

Hughes, who is going to be a great starting pitcher, received an education. As fans and journalists, we saw that not every baseball diaper dandy (© Dick Vitale) is Mariano Rivera or Francisco Rodriguez. Because Hughes has a different learning curve, and because Swisher is completely lost at the plate, the 20 cases of champagne outside the Yankees' clubhouse remained sealed and were packed for the flight to New York. Of course, there are those out there who are panicking, fretting about 2004, quaking because now the Angels have the momentum and nothing to lose.

Allow me to remind you (again) that momentum is only as good as the next day's starting pitcher. All you had to do, writes Mark Feinsand, was "watch Game 5 to change your mind."

Thus, it's back to the Bronx Saturday night for Game 6. Of course, the forecast projects the heavens opening, but we've heard that before too. Those '04 echoes are louder, but the games are played for a reason.

Now playing on Sirius 71: Bernie Williams' "Go for It." Appropriate.

YANKEES (3-1/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

ANGELS (1-3/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Kendry Morales 1B
Maicer Izturis 2B
Juan Rivera LF
Jeff Mathis C
Erik Aybar SS

Pitching: John Lackey (11-8, 3.83)

By Jon Lane
If the Yankees can defeat the Angels one more time, they will have the ultimate challenge ahead of them. The Philadelphia Phillies pounded and blasted Joe Torre's Dodgers into submission Wednesday night to become the first team to reach consecutive World Series since Torre's Yankees in 2000-01 and the first to capture back-to-back pennants since the Atlanta Braves in 1995-96. The last team to repeat as World Champions were also Torre's Yankees when they won three straight from 1998-2000. The Phillies have a shot at becoming the first National League team to repeat since the Cincinnati Reds in 1975-76.

The Phils smacked four homers off Dodgers pitching, two from Jayson Werth. Bottom line, this team can bash and Yankees pitching will have to raise it to the highest of levels to get past Werth, Ryan Howard and that lineup.

But first things first. The Yankees have to win one more game; it takes four games to win the pennant, the Yankees have won three. A.J. Burnett gets the ball tonight (pregame on YES at 6:30, first pitch on FOX at 7:57 p.m. and YES will have an hour-long postgame show immediately after the last pitch) and the right-hander looked relaxed and confident during Wednesday's media session. He has a firm grasp on what he has to do, and the Yankees are cognizant about the need to step on the Angels' throats and make them tap out. Too many teams have rallied from down 3-1. One blew a 3-0 LCS lead. Guess which one?

Benjamin Kabak from River Ave. Blues wrote something I've been thinking about since yesterday: Joe Girardi refused to confirm it, but you know Jose Molina is catching Burnett tonight. In Burnett's prior two postseason starts Girardi has left Jorge Posada on the bench while going with Hideki Matsui as the designated hitter.

That needs to change. To echo Kabak's take, Posada is batting .308 with a .471 on-base percentage and .615 slugging percentage, compared to Matsui's .286/.412/.357. The former not only looks more comfortable at the plate - his eighth-inning homer tied Game 3 before the Angels won it in the 11th - he owns better numbers against Halos starter John Lackey. Posada is 12-for-29 (.414) with three walks, a homer, and three RBIs against the big Texan, compared to Matsui's .286 average, though he does have seven RBIs versus the Angels right-hander. 

How Girardi will handle pinch-hitting/pinch-running duties with regards to Posada and the risk of losing the DH, we'll find out if the game is close and late. The Yankees don't want it to get that far. It won't be easy, but they'll have to get to Lackey early and cash in on the opportunities they missed against him in Game 1. Batting Posada behind A-Rod gives them their best shot.

By Jon Lane
Disclaimer: The ALCS is not over. Someone this morning asked me if I'm feeling good with the Yankees ahead three games to one. My answer: "No."

It takes four games to win the LCS, the Yankees have won three. The last two ALCS have had teams with 3-1 leads and both went to Game 7. Two years ago, the Red Sox rallied to defeat the Indians en route to winning the World Series. Last year, Boston came back again, but fell short in Game 7 against the Rays.

Furthermore, Suzyn Waldman had a good line during Tuesday night's broadcast on the Yankees Radio Network: "We've seen plenty of (Angels) rallies here. We saw rallies before the Rally Monkey existed." I also don't need to remind you what happened in 2004.

That said, the Yankees bashed the Angels, 10-1, and kept the monkey grounded in Game 4 led by outrageous performances by both Alex Rodriguez and CC Sabathia. If the series had ended last night, writers would have had to make a snap decision on an ALCS MVP. It's very close between A-Rod and Sabathia. Here's the breakdown:

A-Rod's five home runs have him tied with Reggie Jackson (1977, all in the World Series) for the second-most by a Yankee in a single postseason (Bernie Williams clubbed six in 1996). He's batting .375 with three homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in the ALCS, and .407-5-11, nine runs scored in the postseason. His slugging percentage in the DS and CS, respectively are both 1.000. Absolutely remarkable.

Sabathia, pitching on three days' rest, neutralized a good Angels lineup over eight innings for the second time in the series, this time allowing only a run on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts. He's 3-0 with a 1.19 ERA and took another big step towards completely erasing his prior October track record (4-3, 5.45).

It's a tough call, but Mike Lupica makes his case for Sabathia, of whom he writes "continued to be the kind of star ace pitcher in games such as these that he was hired to be, that he was paid a fortune to be. And clearly relishes being."

In addition, Sabathia has matured to where he is now a polished pitcher, says John Flaherty during a Podcast after Game 4.

If the Phillies close out the Dodgers tonight, and the Yankees eliminate the Angels tomorrow or Saturday, it'll likely be Sabathia against Cliff Lee in Game 1 of the World Series. How's that for a pitching matchup? But until then, there's a lot more work to do for the Yankees to win their 40th pennant. Figure on the choice for MVP to be either Sabathia or A-Rod. Who's yours?

YANKEES (2-1/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jorge Posada C
Hideki Matsui DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: CC Sabathia (2-0, 1.23)

ANGELS (1-2/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Juan Rivera LF
Howie Kendrick 2B
Kendry Morales 1B
Mike Napoli C
Erick Aybar SS

Pitching: Scott Kazmir (0-0, 7.50)

By Jon Lane
I, like many, am still trying to comprehend Joe Girardi's decision to pull David Robertson after he used 11 pitches to get two clean outs in the 11th inning.

Alfredo Aceves was the eighth pitcher used in Game 3. Girardi also employed eight men, including the starting pitcher in Game 2 as well as Game 2 of the ALDS. All that amounted to was playing with fire and getting away with it, because until Monday the Yankees were unbeaten in postseason play. But on Monday, Girardi finally got burnt, and at the worst possible time. His whole bullpen except for Chad Gaudin was burned with CC Sabathia today going on three days' rest.

Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland cited matchups and declined to elaborate further when presented with the fact that Howie Kendrick, who greeted Aceves with a single to set up Jeff Mathis' walk-off double, was 1-for-2 lifetime against Robertson and had never faced Aceves. (And in case you wondering, Mathis had never faced Robertson and was 0-for-2 with a strikeout against Aceves.)

"We have all the matchups and all the scouting reports," Girardi said. "And we felt that, you know, it was a better matchup for us."

Three at-bats to me doesn't seem like a concrete body of work to make such a critical decision. These numbers would have worked out a lot better. In the second half, Robertson was 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. Aceves was 5-0, but with a 4.65 ERA and 33 Ks in 40 2/3 IP. Robertson's ERA in the first half was 3.57, while Aceves' was 2.49. I also don't need to explain how big Robertson has been since the start of the playoffs.

Oh, Aceves also allowed a run on a hit with two walks in 1 1/3 innings in Game 2.

Aceves made a serious impact as a swingman when he was promoted to the Majors in May, but hasn't been the same pitcher since another one of Girardi's strange decisions: when he made a spot start against the Twins on July 9 after Chien-Ming Wang was lost for the season due to injury rather than call up a stretched-out Sergio Mitre to fill the void.

Of course, people are calling for Girardi to be fired immediately. Chill. Girardi's Yankees won 103 games and own a 2-1 lead in this series, and  you know what they say about momentum being as good as the next day's starting pitcher. Girardi is also not to blame for the Yankees leaving 10 men on base and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

A team that scored a league-high 915 runs are 0-for-16 with RISP with 22 stranded in its last two games. The Yankees need to get it going against Scott Kazmir, who has pitched well against them, or another loss evens the series with A.J. Burnett opposing John Lackey on the road in a swing game. I'm not crazy about those odds.

By Jon Lane
CC Sabathia, officially named the Yankees' Game 4 starter on Sunday, met the media before Game 3 in Anaheim. The big lefty is going on three days' rest, which he made a habit of last season. This year though, with the Yankees affording the luxury of providing him extra rest down the stretch, there's a lot more in the tank.

The plan has worked to perfection. Sabathia is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA in his two postseason starts. While he admitted that when working on shorter rest you may not have your best fastball, it's about how you approach the game mentally, and Sabathia has said more than once that the extra rest last month left him energized and recharged.

"You know that going on certain rest that you're not going to have like your best fastball," Sabathia said. "So you've just got to stay under control and make sure your my delivery is good, and make sure I go out there and throw strikes."

Someone asked on whether Sabathia feels any different the day after pitching in cold weather. He doesn't citing all those years pitching in Cleveland.

Other comments from the press briefings:

Joe Girardi on Chad Gaudin's role going forward:

"He's more of a long guy for us," Girardi said. "We had him up in Saturday's game. [David] Robertson was done, and Gaudin was warmed up, so by having Chad down there it allows us to mix and match more in our bullpen, being able to use maybe a couple guys in an inning and not worry if you go extra innings or a long game."

You can watch Girardi's full conference here.

Angels Game 4 starter Scott Kazmir was asked about opposing Sabathia, he summed it up by saying he knows he has to be very good, and facing Alex Rodiguez the way he's been hitting.

"Anyone that's seeing the ball as good as he is, it's tough," Kazmir said. "You know, you can just tell when hitters are comfortable out there. When they start hitting the ball hard to the opposite field, they're really seeing the ball good and really feeling comfortable out there. So like I said, you've got to attack the strike zone and just get them in defense mode. If you get behind hitters like that, especially how good he's seeing the ball, he's going to hurt you."

YANKEES (2-0/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: Andy Pettitte (14-7, 4.11)

ANGELS (0-2/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Juan Rivera LF
Kendry Morales 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Mike Napoli C
Erik Aybar SS

Pitching: Jered Weaver (16-8, 3.75)

By Jon Lane
Here's something pretty cool: Yankee Stadium's field level and Great Hall are open to the public to watch Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on the facility's colossal hi-def televisions. Turnstiles between Gates 4 and 6 will open at 3:30 p.m. for the 4:13 p.m. first pitch.

Food and concession stands will be open and available, as will NYY Steak and Hard Rock Cafe will also be open.

By Jon Lane
Two crazy, sleep-deprived days defined my Friday and Saturday. I'm not in California, so most of my Sunday was spent playing catch-up.

The Yankees resume their series against the Angels ahead two games to none. CC Sabathia took over the game, and the town, Friday night, while Jerry Hairston Jr. made his first postseason game a memorable one to end Saturday's marathon. And with Sabathia named the Yankees' official starter for Game 4, the team will be in position for a shocking sweep if Andy Pettitte outduels Jered Weaver this afternoon.

If what Sabathia didn't pitch one of the best postseason games in history, it's pretty close, writes Steven Goldman.

Studs and Duds were aplenty in Game 1 and in Game 2. Thanks to Jonathan Tayler and Adam Spunberg, respectively, for their takes. And thanks to our friends at River Ave. Blues for their hard work and contributions to YESNetwork.com. Ben, Joe or Mike will have a Game 3 recap after the game along with complete coverage from our crew out west.

By Jon Lane
It's cold (again) and rain - lots of it - is threatening the New York metropolitan area (again), but the Yankees are taking batting practice in preparations for Game 2 of the ALCS.

Courtesy of STATS Inc., the Yankees, Angels and MLB, here are a few nuggets to know and what to watch for.

First and foremost, the weather report: Weather.com's hour-by-hour forecast pegs a 40 percent chance of showers at 8 p.m. and 55 percent by 9. We were supposed to get soaked last night, but it held off and CC Sabathia was awesome. In the event of a rainout, the current speculation has the teams playing here tomorrow at 4:30 and flying to Anaheim afterwards to play Game 3 Monday at 1 p.m. California time.

Starting lineups: As expected, Jose Molina is catching A.J. Burnett and batting ninth. For the Angels Maicer Izturis (2B) and Mike Napoli (C) are in for Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis, respectively.

Pitching matchup: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04) vs. Joe Saunders (16-7, 4.60)

Burnett finished his first season in pinstripes very strong. Since September 18 he has 34 strikeouts and a 1.80 ERA. Joe Girardi this afternoon reiterated why Molina is in and Jorge Posada is back on the bench. "Molina caught A.J. in the last round," Girardi said. "Sometimes you have to make sacrifices and our players have done that all year long." Throwing to Molina, Burnett gave up a run in six innings in Game 2 of the ALDS and was 5-2, 3.28 in 11 starts as one-half of this battery. His final six starts of the season were all caught by Molina (3-1, 2.92).

And still wondering why Burnett and not Andy Pettitte is Girardi's Game 2 starter? He was 5-3, 3.51 at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees were 12-4 in those starts.

Saunders went undefeated over his final eight starts (7-0, 2.55) and the Angels are 42-19 in his last 61 regular season starts, but hasn't pitched since October 4 (five innings in a season-ending 5-3 win).

Historical precedents: Game 1 winners have won the ALCS 23 out of 39 times (59 percent). Since 1985 and the advent of the seven-game series, 12 of 23 (52 percent) have advanced to the World Series. However, the team losing Game 1 in six out of the last nine ALCS have rallied to win the league pennant. Since 1999, the Bombers have not lost Game 2 of an LCS, going 5-0 in that span. Their last LCS Game 2 loss came to Cleveland in a 12-inning game in 1998.

Stalled: A big storyline coming into the ALCS was the Yankees controlling the Angels' feared baserunning. The best way to do that is keep the top of their order off the bases. Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu are two of the Angels' best players. However, their one-two punch combined to go 0-for-8 in Game 1 with three strikeouts. Figgins is 0-for-16 in the postseason. Somehow the Angels swept the Red Sox in three games, but it's imperative they get their sparkplug re-ignited.

Throwing out the first pitch: Tino Martinez.

On the Stadium jukebox: Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean," Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," Metallica's "Wherever I May Roam," Jacko's "The Way You Make Me Feel."

Highlights from Girardi's press briefing: Look for roughly a 45-minute time limit for Burnett to sit around in the event of an in-game rain delay. If it gets past that, Girardi will go to the bullpen early. "You have to be smart about it," he said.

On having any advantage over a warm-weather team at this time of year: "I don't think it's such a huge advantage because they do play in cold weather cities in April. And we were fortunate -- two of the teams in our division (Blue Jays, Rays) that you play early have domes, and one of them is actually in a warm place. And when we went to Boston earlier it was 80 degrees. It was one of our hottest days, so I really don't think it's much of an advantage."

Game 3 starter Andy Pettitte is still with the club. The team had not yet decided to fly him west ahead of time.

Back with a lot more later. On the field working pregame, Chris Shearn chatted with Kevin Long, Phil Hughes and Michael Kay.

7:21 p.m. So far, so good for an on-time first pitch. The grounds crew is prepping the field while fans slowly file in. Some reading material while you wait: Chris Shearn does his best Joe (9=8) Maddon.

7:41 p.m. Weather update: Chance of rain downgraded to 10 percent at 8 p.m., 20 at 9 and 30 at 10.

7:45 p.m. Beautiful rendition of our national anthem by NYC firefighter Regina Wilson.

7:49 p.m. Tino Martinez throws the ceremonial first pitch to Jorge Posada.A minute later the Bleacher Creatures applauded A.J. Burnett as he left the bullpen flanked by Jose Molina and Dave Eiland.

7:57 p.m. Nick Swisher salutes the Creatures with a fist pump. Burnett's first pitch is a strike to Chone Figgins. Game time temperature is 47 degrees.

8:05 p.m. Torii Hunter earned himself a cheap two-out double when he fisted a blooper that landed just inside the right field foul line, but on his next pitch Burnett got Vladimir Guerrero to ground out to short. Nice start for A.J. Sixteen pitches, 13 for strikes.

8:19 p.m. Take away a couple a pitches low and a tad outside, Burnett looks sharp. He froze Kendry Morales on a breaking ball to open the second and needed only nine pitches total to work a clean frame.

8:30 p.m. 1-0 Yankees on Robinson Cano's triple. Those two-out walks (this to Nick Swisher) kill you every time.

8:46 p.m. The natives were getting restless, but Burnett survived a two-out walk to Chone Figgins to retire Bobby Abreu on a fly ball to center.

8:52 p.m. Derek Jeter - again. HR to right field, the first of the ALCS. 2-0, Yankees. Jeter's second of this postseason and the 19th of his career. He passes Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle for sole possession of third place on the baseball's all-time list.

9:04 p.m. Teixeira is having an amazing defensive game. First he does his best Henrik Lundqvist impersonation, saving A-Rod from a throwing error. Then he stretches to his left to catch Jose Molina's throw to first after Guerrero's swing and miss hit dirt and ricocheted off his leg.

9:07 p.m. Burnett in four scoreless IP: 12 of 15 first-pitch strikes.

9:41 p.m. Good A.J. electrifies an audience. Bad A.J. sucks the life out of it. A bases-loaded wild pitch just tied the game. David Robertson is getting warm. Guerrero's ground out mercifully ends the top of the fifth, but Burnett threw 33 pitches and started every batter except one with a ball. He's thrown 90 in the game and Molina is due up second. If we see Posada, that's the cue Burnett's night is over.

9:45 p.m. Nope, Molina is batting. Watch Good A.J. return to retire the side in the sixth.

9:52 p.m. Replays show Jeter was safe on his double-play grounder. Another impeccable job by the umpires this postseason.

10:01 p.m. What did I tell you? Three up, three down in the sixth. That's 105 pitches for Burnett. It's looking like Joba Time in the seventh.

10:08 p.m. Not a good past two innings for the Yankees. There was the never-ending fifth, and in the sixth Teixeira reached first on a throwing error, but A-Rod flied out and Hideki Matsui grounded into an double play.

10:12 p.m. Burnett is starting the seventh. Hang on a second. Andy Pettitte is yanked from Game 3 of the DS with 81 pitches in 6 1/3 superlative innings and Burnett is still in this game - AND he's facing a lefty hitter after retiring the righty Napoli. Someone please explain.

10:14 p.m. Phil Coke now coming in to face Figgins. To give Burnett credit, there would have been two out if not for Cano's error. Burnett gets a nice ovation and responds with a tip of the cap.

10:26 p.m. Joba Time: Loud applause as Joba enters to "Shout at the Devil." Nice job by Coke rebounding from his walk to Figgins to strike out Abreu, a professional hitter. Joba Chamberlain to face Torii Hunter with two on and two out in the biggest confrontation of the game.

10:37 p.m. Save the Joba to the bullpen debate for the offseason. That was a great job whiffing Guerrero with a nasty slider to leave the bases loaded and the game tied at two. It has been a nail biter, just ask Kate Hudson.

10:53 p.m. The Yankees are morphing into the Twins. A sure inning-ending double play ball is booted by - of all people - Derek Jeter. That would have restored faith in Phil Hughes, whose ALDS ERA was 9.00.

10:59 p.m. Faith restored. Hughes fans pinch-hitter Gary Matthews Jr., but Girardi isn't fooling around. Mariano Rivera is in the game with two out in the eighth to face Erick Aybar with runners on first and second.

11:01 p.m. Mariano the Magnificent. The Angels have stranded 10 runners and are 2-for-10 with RISP.

11:11 p.m. Figgins can't buy a hit. Johnny Damon robs him with a stumbling catch to open the ninth.

11:16 p.m. Hey Yankees fans: Your team led the Majors with 15 walk-off wins and had one in Game 2 of the ALDS. Teixeira, A-Rod & Matsui in the ninth.

11:45 p.m. Amazing. What was supposed to be a double-play is instead one out and the winning run at second because Aybar straddled the bag and failed to step on it. The Angels are putting Jeter on intentionally for lefty Darren Oliver to face Johnny Damon. Fans are already chanting Damon's name.

11:53 p.m. Does anyone want to win this game? The teams are a combined 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position and have left 17 men on base (11 by the Angels). Teixeira is 0-for-5 and hasn't hit a ball out of the infield.

12:01 a.m. From the impeccable timing department: It begins to rain four hours after first pitch and Chone Figgins snaps a hitless streak of 19 at-bats with an RBI single off Alfredo Aceves to put L.A. ahead 3-1. Damon has no arm in left and Aybar can fly, but the throw was closer than you'd expect. Still, this is shaping up to be another galling loss to Scioscia's Angels unless the Yankees can summon that walk-off magic one more time.

12:11 a.m. Unbelievable.

12:17 a.m. Onto the 12th of an endless game and it's raining a bit harder. Bellow all the A-Rod superlatives you want, but Aceves and to make it stand and someone has to make it count.

12:22 a.m. Memo to Marte: You have one job. Get it done.

12:25 a.m. He got it done. David Robertson coming in. Chad Gaudin the last man in the pen, just like last Friday.

YANKEES (4-0/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

ANGELS (3-1/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Kendry Morales 1B
Juan Rivera LF
Maicer Izturis 2B
Mike Napoli C
Erik Aybar SS

Pitching: Joe Saunders (16-7, 4.60)

By Jon Lane
In my postgame feature I wrote about how CC Sabathia is the atypical starting pitcher. I covered the team when David Wells was here and before each of his starts he blasted his stereo loud enough to be heard outside of the closed clubhouse door.

Wells, like many, believe they have to journey deep into the zone and get jacked up to get that extra edge. Sabathia? He'll mingle and play a few games of RBI Baseball on the old-school Nintendo. Simply chilling out is something Andy Pettitte can relate to.

"There's no sense in grinding all day long and in here," Pettitte said. "If you can get locked in 30 minutes or so before your start, it's usually, for me, it's the easiest way to do it. And I think that's kind of how 'C' is."

'C' is also a guy who leads a power pitching staff that's dominated opponents via the strikeout. Last season, Yankees starting pitchers ranked 19th with 618 strikeouts. In 2009, they were sixth with 777. Following Sabathia in Game 2 is Burnett. While he many not keep you at ease like the big lefty, when he's on, Burnett is electric. And if he's on, he has the stuff to turn out anyone's lights.

Sabathia is the perfect guy for Burnett to follow, yet another definition of a staff ace.

"He's had a huge impact on me," Burnett said. "I've had the pleasure of following him often this year. There ain't nothing like going after him. He sets the tone, he comes out and he attacks. He has that confidence, too. He's prepared every fifth day. He works hard in between every fifth day. That's what you want to see from your fellow starters. You want to see commitment and effort. He's non stop through the whole season. To be able to throw that many innings and do what he does year in and year out, he's definitely an ace, number one."

Again, Burnett can drive you crazy, but he hasn't melted in "big games" and will be presented with a golden opportunity to give the Yankees a 2-0 series lead before heading west.

Until later today, a day in which the forecast is again ominous, thanks for reading.

By Jon Lane
Not raining (yet), but it's windy and cold; I feel like I'm Canada. But the bunting is draped, and a couple of Yankees are playing catch on the infield. One of them is Alex Rodriguez, who is now taking fungo grounders at third base.

Joe Girardi just met the media and A.J. Burnett is chatting about the Angels and his Game 2 start. I'll have briefs from Girardi and Burnett, as well as Angels manager Mike Scioscia and Saturday's Halos starter, Joe Saunders, before first pitch.

There's already a buzz and the gates are opening in mere minutes. Memo to rain: You're not invited. Go away and stay away until Sunday.

No surprises in the Yankees' lineup. Johnny Damon is in left field with Melky Cabrera in center. Damon comes off a 1-for-12 performance in the Division Series. You wonder if he can't get it going, or especially the Yankees are on the losing end tonight, whether Girardi will replace Damon for Brett Gardner in Game 2.

Stick around for much more from yours truly, and our multimedia team of Chris Shearn and Joe Auriemma. I have a hunch there will be baseball tonight, the first of many wars of attrition between these two clubs that both can make the "team of destiny" claim.

5:20 p.m. Joe and Chris are on the field working pregame. Chris did an interview with Brett Gardner for a Stadium Spotlight that will be posted later. Gardner, like everyone, was asked about this December weather. In essence he said this is New York weather and this is what you have to deal with at this time of year if you want to still be playing baseball.

Tony Pena had to attend to business, but spent a few minutes talking off camera. He lamented that it was 97 degrees today in his native Dominican Republic, but added "When you play this time of year, you have to play in this."

Before I headed back inside I felt the slightest of raindrops. No steady showers yet. Here's hoping the rain received my you're-not-invited memo.

From there I stopped by the Hard Rock Cafe. Three hours before first pitch and you could barely get around the circle bar. Yankees fan Greg Parker was seated in a tableless chair in the back of the restaurant. I asked him who do have winning and why. "Yankees in 6 - because this is New York and they've won 26 World Championships." Sometimes "expert" analysis isn't necessary. The simplest explanations are the best.

5:42 p.m. Highlights from A.J. Burnett's and Joe Girardi's pregame breifing with the media:

Burnett
On fitting in this season whereas past newcomers have struggled to get acclimated early:
"The pies aside, I'm a pretty quiet individual during the game and stuff, aoft spoken guy. I don't know, it just didn't matter really who I met or who I ran into. I just joked with them from the get go and getting on them from the get go. It's not hard to blend in with guys like this. It's a good group. The main thing is you can be yourself there in that clubhouse. I think that's what a lot of people have learned this year is that they can be themselves."

On having more of a comfort level pitching in the postseason after his debut last Friday:
"I know a little what to expect, crowd-wise and everything. It's still going to be a crazy and exciting and emotional game. By all means I know how important my start is. I have the least amount of postseason experience, but I'm looking forward to it. We're going to hopefully get this win in tonight and follow CC. He's going to come out with a bang."

Girardi
On why Nick Swisher [5-for-43 lifetime against John Lackey and 1-for-12 in the ALDS] is in the lineup:
"We watched his at bats. Sometimes when you give a guy a day off, you look to give him a day off against a guy that maybe he struggled against a little bit. But we watched his at bats the last couple of years, and he's hit some balls really hard. He does see pitches on John Lackey, which is extremely important. And that's why he's in there."

On whether it'd be better if the regular season is shortened and if off days added into the postseason are unnecessary:
"It's interesting. Every year that I had a chance to play in the playoffs here, the weather was great. So I don't remember having a day like this. I mean, this is what baseball is. It's a 162-game schedule. It's a grind, you know, if you shorten it by six games, the way it used to be, well then you fall into this is the World Series week, and the weather is not so good right now. It wasn't great in Colorado. You know, I don't know what you do. You pray that Mother Nature blesses you this time of the year and sometimes it doesn't."

5:48 p.m. Latest from Weather.com - 10 percent chance of rain by 8 p.m. and 20 percent by 9. This is down from 60 percent this morning.

7:13 p.m. Some tidbits gathered while killing time:

The elevator to the press box has been down for the last couple of hours. The long and frequent hikes make for good exercise.

Thinking about stopping by the Hard Rock? Prepare to wait. There are lines to get in and for a table, at least a couple of hours from what I was told.

Pedro Martinez allowed two hits over seven shutout innings during Game 2 in Los Angeles, but was stuck with a no-decision. Many here watching, including yours truly and Yahoo! Sports' Gordon Edes, who covered Pedro in Boston for years, believe he's the best pitcher of this generation. The Dodgers took a 2-1 lead on Andre Ethier's bases-loaded walk in the eighth and Jonathan Broxton closed the deal to even the NLCS at 1-1.

7:49 p.m. The national anthem was just played and I see sprinkles. So much for a future as an amateur weatherman.

Meanwhile, props to readers checking in from Hawaii and Regina, Saskatchewan. (Yes, I know of the area. Years ago in Las Vegas I played blackjack with two guys from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Once I brought up Bret "Hitman" Hart winning his first WWF Heavyweight Championship there I was in.)

Nice ovation for former Yankee and current YES analyst David Cone, who threw out tonight's first pitch. It was low, but whatever.

Right now blaring over the Stadium sound system: AC/DC's "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).

7:55 p.m. Facts & figures with a creative twist from Chris Shearn.

7:58 p.m. First pitch 7:58 (strike). Game time temperature is 45 degrees.

8:06 p.m. Sabathia gets through the first allowing only a two-out single to Torii Hunter, though he got a break from plate umpire and crew chief Tim McClelland, who punched out Bobby Abreu on a backdoor curveball that from the view of many here was way inside.

8:16 p.m. Johnny Damon, 1-for-12 in the DS, singles to left field and advances to second on the throw. Derek Jeter at third with Alex Rodriguez at the plate after Mark Teixeira flied out to shallow left swinging at a 3-0 pitch. Lackey's in trouble early, you can afford to be selective and wait for something to drive.

8:21 p.m. These Yankees have been good and darn lucky. Hideki Matsui popped up between short and third, except Erick Aybar and Chone Figgins, who called for it, looked at each other and said, "Do you want it?" Instead of an inning-ending out, the ball dropped in front of Aybar and Damon scored the Yankees' second run. Good line from a writer seated to my right: "When did the Angels become the Twins?"

A-Rod's sacrifice fly gives him seven postseason RBIs, one shy of his career-high eight set in 2004.

8:57 p.m. The Amazing A-Rod now batting .462 in the postseason, but it was up to Matsui to make it count. Alas, a ground out to first ends the third. Matsui's average has dipped to .182 (2-for-11).

9:24 p.m. 2-1 Yankees entering the fifth after Lackey whiffs Jeter with two on and two out. Both Lackey - incidentally wearing short sleeves - and Sabathia are showing why they're not only good, but tough.

9:35 p.m. Damon is 2-for-3 tonight with a double. Now the Yankees have to cash in.

9:45 p.m. Cha-ching! Matsui breaks his drought with an RBI double, but A-Rod is thrown out at home as he got aggressive upon seeing Juan Rivera lose his footing in left. Nice job by Jeff Mathis to survive the collision, but a 3-1 lead is pretty good the way Sabathia is working.

Lackey has thrown 96 pitches.

9:54 p.m. Nice sliding grab by Damon to rob Abreu of a leadoff single. The next pitch Hunter tried bunting his way on but Teixeira stretched to snare Sabathia's throw at first base. Scioscia is arguing passionately with Laz Diaz, claiming Texieira's toe came off the bag when the ball met his glove. Even if there was instant replay in baseball, that would be one of those inconclusive plays wouldn't be overturned.

Sabathia, who has taken over this game, fans Guerrero to end the top of the sixth. He's retired seven in a row and has thrown 80 pitches.

Metro NY's Larry Fleischer with a good observation: For the first time in a long time, the Yankees are winning a playoff game with pitching and defense.

10:05 p.m. The Los Angeles Twins of Anaheim give away another run. After Cabrera moved to second on Lackey's throwing error, Jeter singled him home and advanced to second on Hunter's error. Lackey's night is done. He battled, but I'm very surprised on what I'm seeing from what's normally one of the most fundamentally sound teams in baseball.

From Larry the stat guru: Tonight is the first time the Angels were charged with three errors in a postseason game since Game 2 of the 2005 ALCS, also the only time this has happened in the Scioscia Era.

10:16 p.m. Robinson Cano, ski mask and all, robs Howie Kendrick of a hit that would have put Angels on first and third with one out. Pitching + defense = playoff victories.

10:21 p.m. Sabathia has worked seven, breaking his postseason high set just last Wednesday (6 2/3 IP). His seven strikeouts are one short of his high also set last Wednesday.

10:45 p.m. Sabathia (98 pitches) out to start the eighth and nobody warming in the bullpen. Could he go the distance? *Alas, soon as I hit save Phil Hughes started throwing.

10:54 p.m. Sabathia works a clean eighth and at 113 pitches it looks like Girardi will go to Mo in the ninth. Tremendous performance by the big lefty; 49,688 people were chanting "CC! CC!" And this comment from Girardi before the game was appropriate:

"CC is one of those guys that's relaxed on the day he pitches. And I admire that."

11:08 p.m. Exit Sabathia. Enter Sandman. A perfect blueprint.And FYI, Brett Gardner in center and Cabrera moves to left. Assuming Rivera is Rivera, I'll check back with you after working the clubhouse.

YANKEES (3-0/103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)

ANGELS (3-0/97-65)
Chone Figgins 3B
Bobby Abreu RF
Torii Hunter CF
Vladimir Guerrero DH
Juan Rivera LF
Kendry Morales 1B
Howie Kendrick 2B
Jeff Mathis C
Erik Aybar SS

Pitching: John Lackey (11-8, 3.83)

By Jon Lane
Here's tonight's forecast as of this writing, a little past 10:20 a.m.: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low near 40F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

If you're going to the game, you can follow weather updates and the status of the game on Twitter at @YankeesWeather.

There is hope. Last week bad weather, albeit not winter-like, was expected before Game 1 of the ALDS and that went off without a hitch.

4:30 p.m. Gates Open to the Public
5:00 p.m.-6:10 p.m. Yankees Hit
6:10 p.m.-6:50 p.m. Angels Hit
7:32 p.m.-7:42 p.m. Baseline Introductions
7:42 p.m. Giant Flag Introduction: West Point Cadets
7:43 p.m. Presentation of Colors: West Point Honor Guard
7:44 p.m. National Anthem: West Point Band
7:48 p.m. Ceremonial First Pitch
7:52 p.m. Umpires and Managers to Home Plate
7:55 p.m. Yankees Take the Field
7:57 p.m. First Pitch

By Jon Lane
Freddy Guzman in for Eric Hinske. Francisco Cervelli and Damaso Marte stick around.

"If Gardy [Brett Gardner] gets a start, then you don't have a pinch runner (without Guzman)," said Joe Girardi. "It just frees us up to do some more things."

Could Girardi start Gardner in Game 2 if Johnny Damon continues to struggle?

Position players (14)
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Freddy Guzman
Francisco Cervelli

Pitchers (11)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Damaso Marte
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain
Chad Gaudin

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.

Game 1 (Friday, 7:37 p.m.): John Lackey (11-8, 3.83) vs. CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)
Game 2 (Saturday, 7:37 p.m.): Joe Saunders  (16-7, 4.60) vs. A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.10)
Game 3 (Monday, 4:13 p.m.): Andy Pettitte (14-7, 4.11) vs. Jered Weaver (16-8, 3.75)
Game 4 (Tuesday, 7:57 p.m.): Sabathia vs. Scott Kazmir (10-9, 4.89)

By Jon Lane
A picturesque day here at Yankee Stadium for the first of two workouts as the Yankees prepare for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series Friday night against the Angels. Of course, as timing has it, rain is in the forecast for Friday and Saturday night, the scheduled dates for Games 1 and 2, which means the best-laid plans of Joe Girardi and his crew will be altered if there's a rainout.

Judging from yesterday's comments, Girardi is seriously considering going with a three-man rotation in the LCS, which lines up CC Sabathia to start Games 1 and 4 and if needed Game 7. But if there's a rainout the teams lose an off day, and Girardi will have to decide on starting Chad Gaudin in Game 4 in Southern California or pulling Joba Chamberlain out of the bullpen.

Chamberlain and Gaudin provided their takes on the potential situation, and how each are staying prepared. Chamberlain said "As of 12:42 on Wednesday, that's where I'm at. We'll just approach it from there."

Gaudin added, "The only thing I know right now is be ready Friday. That's what I'm going to do. I'll get ready to pitch on Friday. When they tell me otherwise, I'll be ready to go. I can't control it, can't change it. I have to keep it simple as I can.

"I don't in go pitching as a starter or reliever, I go in pitching trying to get outs each time. If it happens to be seven innings, it's seven innings. If it's two innings, it's two innings."

Jose Molina and Mark Teixeira shared their experiences from playing with an Angels team that's been an annual contender since Molina was there in 2002 and become a World Champion. I'll have more on this in my ALCS preview to run on Thursday.

Johnny Damon also reported on day after taking optional batting practice. Damon went 1-for-12 in the Division Series, including no hits in his last 10 at-bats with four strikeouts in Sunday's clincher. Girardi said yesterday that Damon remains his everyday left-fielder and Damon knows it'll be time to turn it around.

"I just wanted to get some work in," Damon said. "There are so many days off during this time of year it's better me coming in instead of sitting around the house."

"It's very easy to put it behind you when you win three games to nothing. The fact that we won the series and a few of us really didn't contribute too much. For us to continue to be successful, we need to continue to pitch like we did, but also we need to get my bat going as well as a couple of other guys."

Damon is well aware that one or two good swings can get him back on the beam. His postseason average bottomed out at .056 in 2004 before he went 5-for-11 with three runs scored, six RBIs and two home runs (the last a grand slam off Javier Vazquez) in Games 6 & 7 as the Red Sox completed a comeback from down 0-3. In the World Series Damon went 6-for-21 (.286) to help Boston to its first World Championship in 86 years.

"That's why I'm not going to beat myself up over what happened in Game 3," Damon said. "I felt like I had a chance every time I stepped up to the plate. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way, but my teammates picked me up and they helped us get a big win and helped us get to this part."

Back with much more later.

_______________________

3:33 p.m. As expected, no decisions regarding the ALCS roster or even a Game 1 lineup. Girardi and his staff met this morning to discuss various scenarios, including matchups and the bad weather in the forecast beginning Thursday afternoon. For that reason, the Yankees moved up their workout to Thursday morning.

"We still have a couple of days," Girardi said. "We still have some things we want to look at. We still have a good 48 hours before it's game time."

The Angels worked out today in Anaheim, are flying to New York tonight and will also work out tomorrow at Yankee Stadium. John Lackey is expected to oppose CC Sabathia in Game 1.

_______________________

Girardi isn't concerned about the slumping Damon, among the hitters who showed up at the Stadium on Tuesday for extra batting practice.

"He had great at-bats yesterday," Girardi said. "I know it's not a real-game situation, but it's as close as you're can get without playing games. All hitters have gone through times they haven't gotten hits. There was a thing about was Derek Jeter pressing when he was around Lou Gehrig's record. I feel really good about Johnny this time of year because Johnny has played this time of year and has played at a very high level."

"It might be just what they needed," Girardi added on the extra days of rest earned by the Yankees' sweep of the Twins. "The four days off might help them, and then if they don't swing the bat well then someone says the rest didn't. You really don't know until you get into it."

Like Damon, Nick Swisher had trouble against Twins pitching, batting 1-for-12 with four strikeouts in the Division Series.

"I thought for me two days off was too much," Swisher said. "Right now the body doesn't really need to rest that much because every time you take the field in front of this crowd in the postseason, it takes everything away."

_______________________

That's it for blogging today. Tonight I'll have a feature on how the Yankees' homegrown youngsters and a veteran like Jerry Hairston Jr. have adopted to the organization's philosophy of winning, and how it's taken their games to new levels.

Game 1: Friday, October 16, 7:57 p.m. (Angels vs. Yankees)
Game 2: Saturday, October 17, 7:57 p.m. (Angels vs. Yankees)
Game 3: Monday, October 19, 4:13 p.m. (Yankees vs. Angels)
Game 4: Tuesday, October 20, 7:57 p.m. (Yankees vs. Angels)
Game 5: Thursday, October 22, 7:57 p.m.* (Yankees vs. Angels)
Game 6: Saturday, October 24, 4:14 p.m.* (Angels vs. Yankees)
(will switch to 7:57 p.m. if the NLCS is over)
Game 7: Sunday, October 25, 8:20 p.m.* (Angels vs. Yankees)
*If necessary

By Jon Lane
Joe Girardi gave indications during a conference call with beat writers that the Yankees may go with a three-man rotation during the ALCS. That would mean CC Sabathia would start Game 4 on three days' rest. Not only did Girardi point out a lighter Sabathia workload compared to last season with the Brewers, and the eight days he has between Friday and Game 1 of the ALDS, off days will have Sabathia available on regular rest if the series extends to a seventh game.

"Not getting him to 250 innings during the regular season allows us to consider that," Girardi said. "We've told him, though, to concentrate on Game 1. That's the most important game, and we'll go from there."

Furthermore, Joba Chamberlain and Chad Gaudin would remain in the bullpen. We'll know more over the next day or two - the Yankees will work out at Yankee Stadium tomorrow and Thursday - but it sounded like Girardi wants to again carry three catchers, which means the lone roster change could be Brian Bruney or Freddy Guzman for Damaso Marte.

Our friends at River Ave Blues are previewing Angels-Yankees piece by piece. After comparing the managers, they break down the pitching matchups for Games 1-3.

By Jon Lane
Eventually I'll be fully migrated into the new My YES structure. Click here to sign up and participate

My projected Yankees ALCS roster. The only change I'd make is Brian Bruney for Damaso Marte. Having Francisco Cervelli as a third catcher worked out better than anyone imaged in Game 2, so he stays. Chad Gaudin sticks around too. He'll either start Game 4 or remain the long man if CC Sabathia gets the call, the only game he'd have to start on short rest.

Position players (14)
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Eric Hinske
Francisco Cervelli

Pitchers (11)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Brian Bruney
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain
Chad Gaudin

By Jon Lane
Yankees fans were able to party early when the Angels rallied off Jonathan Papelbon and eliminate the Red Sox Sunday afternoon. Alas, be careful what you wish for.

En route to their first World Championship, the Angels knocked out the Yankees in four games in the 2002 Division Series and have been a thorn in their side since. Three years later, the Halos took it to the Bronx Bombers again, this time in five games, and have frequently given the Yankees fits during the regular season, owning a 35-23 edge since 2003.

The teams split 10 games this year, the last a thrilling 3-2 win September 23 that secured the Yankees' first series win in Anaheim since May 2004. But when the Yankees and Angels open the American League Championship Series on Friday, the Yankees own the all-important home field advantage; including the postseason they're 59-24 at Yankee Stadium in '09.

"It's going to come down who is going to pitch best, who is going to hit in the clutch," said Jorge Posada. "You know, home field advantage is going to help a little bit. I think that's the key to this series, having four games at home is going to change."

Another critical difference is the postseason resurgence of Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod batted .455 with two homers and six RBIs in the three-game sweep of the Twins. And before you point out he had similar success against them in '04 before the playoff flame out that dogged him since Game 5 of the '04 ALCS, consider that Rodriguez was .333-5-9 in 10 games versus L.A. during the season.

The recent and distant past will be moot come Friday, but it's a different time, Rodriguez is a different person and both are different teams.

"We have a huge challenge in front of us," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia. "Before we talk about a Freeway Series [against the Dodgers] we're going to have to beat an incredible team in the Yankees. These guys just don't give up."

_______________________

The teams meet in a rematch of the 2005 ALDS, when after winning Game 1 the Yankees lost the series in five games.

Active holdovers from that team: Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Juan Rivera, John Lackey, Scot Shields, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders.

A snapshot look at the regular season matchup and respective team leaders:

Records
Yankees: 103-59
Angels: 97-65

Season Series: Series tied 5-5

Memorable Game
September 14: A night the Yankees beat the Angels at their own game and marked by Joe Girardi's unorthodox decision to pinch-run Brett Gardner for Mark Teixeira in the eighth inning. Gardner slid into third on the front end of a double steal and raced home with what turned out to be the winning run on catcher Mike Napoli's throwing error.

Old Friends
Jose Molina (played for the Angels 2001-07)
Bobby Abreu (played for the Yankees 2006-08)
Juan Rivera (played for the Yankees 2001-03)

Team leaders
Batting
Yankees: Derek Jeter (.334)
Angels: Erick Aybar (.312)

Home Runs
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (39)
Angels: Kendry Morales (34)

Runs Batted In
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (122)
Angels: Kendry Morales (108)

Wins
Yankees: CC Sabathia (19)
Angels: Joe Saunders (16)

ERA
Yankees: CC Sabathia (3.37)
Angels: Jered Weaver (3.75)

Strikeouts
Yankees: CC Sabathia (197)
Angels: Jered Weaver (174)

Saves
Angels: Mariano Rivera (44)
Angels: Brian Fuentes (48)

Projected Pitching Matchups
Game 1 (Friday, 7:37 p.m.): John Lackey (11-8, 3.83) vs. CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)
Game 2 (Saturday, 7:37 p.m.): Jered Weaver (16-8, 3.75) vs. A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.10)
Game 3 (Monday, TBA): Andy Pettitte (14-7, 4.11) vs. Scott Kazmir (10-9, 4.89)
Game 4 (Tuesday, TBA): Sabathia/Chad Gaudin (6-2, 3.43) vs. Joe Saunders  (16-7, 4.60)

"As we move on to the ALCS, our team's focus remains the same. With the support of the greatest fans in the world, we will continue to march forward as we have done all year."

YANKEES

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: Andy Pettitte


TWINS

Span CF
Cabrera SS
Mauer C
Cuddyer 1B
Kubel RF
Young LF
Harris 3B
Morales DH
Punto 2B

Pitching: Carl Pavano

By Jon Lane
Sorry for the overdue wrap on one of the best games I've ever eye-witnessed in my years as a fan and covering baseball. Thanks to the game lasting four hours and 22 minutes, combined with wonderful New York City transit system - 20 minutes waiting for a subway and another hour-plus for the next Long Island Rail Road train, I'm back home amazingly before sunrise. Life of a suburbanite.

Where do I start? David "Houdini" Robertson. (Thank you, Nick Swisher). The youngster earned stars and stripes in Game 2. The planets were aligned on this night. Chris Shearn spoke with Robertson before the game.

Here's what else came out of a game that's now No. 1 on Swish's list.  "This is my fifth year in the big leagues and I've never played in a better game than this before in my life - ever," he said. "The inner confidence this team has ... it's a lot of fun to be playing for the Yankees right now."

Indeed. This was an instant classic, writes Steven Goldman.

• Watching Chuck Meriwether butcher the strike zone was bad enough. Phil Cuzzi then joined Richie Garcia in umpire infamy. Garcia failed to notice Jeffrey Maier swipe a catchable ball from Tony Tarasco in Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, which turned an out into Derek Jeter's home run. Cuzzi, working left field Friday night, somehow didn't see Joe Mauer's blooper land a good three or so feet into fair territory and called foul ball. Mauer singled to open the 11th, but would have scored on Jason Kubel's base hit to give the Twins a one-run lead.

"Next guy got a single. You can figure that out, I think," said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on if the correct call would have changed the inning. When asked if MLB needs an extension of instant reply, he replied, "It's not my call. We had six umpires out there. I think, right, six? Six umpires."

Crew chief Tim Tschida, in right field for Game 2, was left to pick up the pieces, admitting that yes, we screwed up.

"Afterwards, like any close play, we went in and we looked at it, and it's a clear indication that an incorrect decision was rendered," Tschida said. "There's a guy sitting over in the umpire's dressing room right now that feels horrible."

The Twins caught a terrible break with that blown call, and Meriwether was atrocious calling balls and strikes, but the men in blue weren't at fault for the club leaving 17 runners on base. The Twins proved they had heart by rallying to capture the AL Central by winning an epic of their own Tuesday over the Tigers, but their inability to finish the job against the Yankees is mystifying. Minnesota is 0-9 versus New York in 2009, 2-8 all-time in postseason play and 10-32 in the Bronx since 2000.

• Alex Rodriguez tied the game in the ninth with a two-run bomb off Twins closer Joe Nathan. After going 0 for his last 19 with runners in scoring position in postseason games, A-Rod is 3-for-4 in the series. Not too bad for someone whose playoff failures were the butt of jokes and complaints, and frankly whose season was on the line upon learning he needed hip surgery.

"I feel great, not only with the game but in my life," Rodriguez said.

• You can stop worrying about Mark Teixeira too. Hitless in his first six at-bats, Teixeira went 2-for-5, including that walk-off home run.

"I really thought it was going to be a double because I hit it with so much top spin," Teixeira said. "I thought there was no chance it was going to get out. I was running so hard making sure I got two. Then the crowd started going nuts. I figured it was a home run."

Teixeira and Derek Jeter, ironically the Yankees' two MVP candidates, were the only regular players to not be the recipient of A.J. Burnett's congratulatory pie to the face. Once the initial euphoria of Teixeira's homer wore off, fans stood in anticipation of Burnett's celebratory practice. They erupted again once whipped cream met Teixeira's facial features.

"A.J. told me, 'I finally got you,'" Teixeira said. "So if I was going to get one this season, I'm glad I waited until the postseason. It was fun."

• Speaking of Burnett, he wasn't on his 'A' game, but he doesn't receive an 'F' either. Making his postseason debut, Burnett held the twins to a run on three hits in six innings with six strikeouts. He also walked five and hit consecutive batters in the fourth.

Pretty? No. Gritty? Yes. Joe Girardi said earlier in the season that he's more proud of a start in which the pitcher has to grind it out without his best stuff than if he were to toss a complete-game shutout. If Burnett were to fail, it's not because he can't handle the pressure.

It'll be interesting if Girardi sticks with the Burnett-Jose Molina battery if the Yankees get the ALCS. Why wouldn't he? Jorge Posada came off the bench to go 1-for-3. He also may elect to take Cervelli to either Boston or Anaheim (the Angels are also poised for a sweep). The kid has shown he's got game too.

"Cervy's a great player, a young kid who understands the game," Swisher said. "Molina started and Sato (Posada) came in - Sato got three at-bats and didn't even start the game.  See? Skip knew what he was doing leaving Cervy on the roster."

Okay, time for bed. I won't be in Minnesota, but stay with YESNetwork.com for complete coverage of Game 3 Sunday night from our friends at River Ave. Blues. And while you're at it, introduce yourself to My YES, our brand new social networking community.
 

By Jon Lane
First pitch: 6:07 p.m.

Pitching matchup: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04) vs. Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03)

Forecast: Partly cloudy. Still a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening, but there's plenty of blue sky and a perfectly cool and crisp late afternoon.

Throwing out the first pitch: Reggie Jackson. About an hour ago Chris Shearn conducted an exclusive interview with "Mr. October" for a Stadium Spotlight to be posted later. Also on tap are chats with David Robertson, Chad Gaudin and Francisco Cervelli, and Shearn's pregame Off the Wall Vlog.

Speaking of Cervelli, he was taking ground balls at third base during batting practice, telling my colleague Joe Auriemma it's to "keep my hand active." He's the third catcher on the Yankees' DS roster for a reason. You never know.

A bit of news: Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the hip surgery on Alex Rodriguez, told reporters he doesn't expect A-Rod to need another surgery this offseason.

Other pregame chatter: Joe Girardi discussed the DH debate, the mood of the clubhouse in light of "Molina-gate" and A.J. Burnett's chances tonight. Ron Gardenhire also explained why Carl Pavano has been great for the Twins. Yes, that Carl Pavano.

Tonight's Lineups: Molina batting ninth

Back with much, much more later

6 p.m. Reggie, looking dapper wearing a fedora hat, jacket and tie, bounced a pitch to Jorge Posada. See, he got to catch?

6:14 p.m. Burnett needs just 14 pitches to work through the first inning, ending with a punch out of Jason Kubel after issuing a two-out walk to Joe Mauer. A microcosm of good and bad A.J. - he retired the first two batters on five pitches and needed nine to get through Mauer and Kubel.

6:32 p.m. That's two scoreless innings in the books for Burnett-Molina. With a runner at second and two out, Molina draped his left arm around Burnett to provide instructions. The next pitch Matt Tolbert grounded out to second. There is something about Molina's ability to reach Burnett, knowing exactly what to say and how to say it. We'll see if this keeps up.

6:53 p.m. Burnett catches Mauer looking with a runner on first to end the third, a nasty breaking ball that's his best of the game to this point. That was a .365 hitter he sent to the bench shaking his head.

7:09 p.m. The Burnett-Molina connection breeds great karma. 7:10 p.m. Matt Tolbert's single was to give the Twins a 1-0 lead ... or so it seemed. Nick Swisher caught Carlos Gomez rounding too far off second base and he fired a strike to Derek Jeter, who tagged Gomez out right before Delmon Young touched home plate. That's the biggest play of the game, but the Yankees have to get something started offensively. Nick Blackburn has held them hitless through four innings, allowing only a walk.

7:32 p.m. Burnett after five innings: no runs, two hits, four walks, two hit batsman, five strikeouts - in other words he's been A.J. Burnett. He's thrown 73 pitches - 25 in the fifth - but is backed up by a deep and rested bullpen. Provided the Yankees solve Blackburn, you'll see Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera.

Theme of the game so far: Burnett/Molina's and the Yankees' ability to do damage control.

7:40 p.m. Robinson Cano ends Blackburn's no-hitter at 4 2/3 IP with a single to center.

7:55 p.m. Brendan Harris, of all people, triples to left to put the Twins on the board, though a better left fielder makes the play. Burnett's thrown 96 pitches after six, and David Robertson and Damaso Marte were warming up. I'd be very surprised if he comes out for the seventh.

7:58 p.m. Posada pinch-hitting and gets a loud ovation. Burnett's night is done. He gave it a ride to deep left center before Gomez caught it on the warning track.

8 p.m. Meanwhile, it'll be Joba Time in the seventh.

8:06 p.m. Huge spot for Mark Teixeira here. He's 0-for-6 in the Division Series.

8:11 p.m. Make that 0-for-7. Teixeira teases a grand slam and pops a 3-2 pitch to left for the second out. What do you know? Huge spot for A-Rod here.

8:13 p.m. Mr. October Version 2009 delivers: RBI single to left scores Jeter, ties the game at one and chases Blackburn. A-Rod is 3-for-7 with three RBIs in the ALDS.

8:21 p.m. Twins 3B Matt Tolbert with a strained left oblique, day-to-day.

8:31 p.m. Here's why Phil Coke was brought in with two out in the seventh: Lefties hit .195 against him and Jason Kubel was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. Make that 0-5, 3 Ks.

8:47 p.m. A Tweet from WFAN's Sweeny Murti: "I think this is setting up beautifully for a Posada walkoff Bot 10, and AJ giving him a pie!"

8:54 p.m. Brendan Harris, yes Brendan Harris, is 2-for-2 with an RBI as an injury replacement. His hit-and-run single has runners on the corners with two out and Hughes in trouble.

8:57 p.m. Ridiculous. The Twins grab the lead on a walk and two singles by their 7-8-9 hitters all with two out.

9:02 p.m. There's hope Yankees fans: 15 walk-off wins and 28 in their last at-bat, including those three games in May.

9:09 p.m. Great play by Harris. He's supposed to beat you with his glove, not his bat.

9:28 p.m. Teixeira ends an 0-for-7 slump by leading off the ninth with a single. A-Rod at the plate. Very interesting ....

9:32 p.m. A picture and decibel levels are worth thousands of words. TBS cameras had a shot of Ron Gardenhire with a look that read, "You have got to be kidding me." That run off Rivera in the eighth looms large, but the Yankees have new life.

9:49 p.m. Runners on the corners in the 10th. This is what happens when you walk the No. 9 hitter with two out.

9:52 p.m. Alfredo Aceves dodges a bullet. Mauer leads off the 11th if it gets that far.

10:03 p.m. Nathan throwing error, Brett Gardner hesitates, then takes off, still beats the throw to third. Unbelievable. Now they're putting Jeter on to set up the double play. Gardy's also pulling Nathan for the left-hander, Jose Mijares.

10:09 p.m. Buzzkill.

10:19 p.m. Twins in business because Damaso Marte stinks, but it could have been worse. Left field umpire Phil Cuzzi completely blew a call that would have given Mauer a leadoff double.

10:22 p.m. Bases loaded and nobody out, but Twins would have had the lead if not for Cuzzi.

10:26 p.m. After Delmon Young lined out to first, Gomez grounded to Teixeira, who threw to home for the force, and Harris flied out to center. Awesome performance by David Robertson, though he has Cuzzi to thank.

10:30 p.m. Teixeira walk-off HR ends an epic. He'll get his first taste of pie. Back later with so much more.

By Jon Lane
Key points from Joe Girardi's pregame press conference:

On the debate of whether Hideki Matsui or Jorge Posada would DH:
"Matsui has been our DH most of the year and is familiar with that role. That is not a role that Jorge has done a lot in his career. If there's a left-hander on the mound maybe you think a little bit different. But Matsui, I mean, he's been great against left-handers, so it wasn't much of a decision because of what Matsui has done in the DH role."

On the temperature of the clubhouse given the talk about Posada's reaction to sitting:
"Clubhouse is great. I watched the guys go through practice yesterday. They were loose; guys were having fun. They enjoyed being around each other like they always do, so I think our clubhouse is great."

On why he believes A.J. Burnett will be successful:
"I've always found that A.J. has liked the big stage. I talked about his success that he's had coming into here as an opposing player, the success before this year he had going into Boston, some of the games. We were 0-2 to start the year and he got our first win in Baltimore. I think A.J. likes it and I think A.J. likes pitching in this ballpark. That leads me to believe that he's going to have a good game."

_______________________

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire also discussed Carl Pavano starting Game 3, a potential elimination game:
"He's been great for us, a veteran pitcher. The leadership you get from a guy who's been there and done it has been very, very important. And then watching him go out on the mound, when he's throwing the ball, how he works hitters and works the zone when he's got his good stuff. He's in and out and using all his pitches and can pitch backwards if he has to. That's something that some of our younger pitchers need to learn to do, so he's been very important for us.

YANKEES (1-0)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04)

TWINS (0-1)
Denard Span RF
Orlando Cabrera SS
Joe Mauer C
Jason Kubel DH
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Delmon Young LF
Carlos Gomez CF
Matt Tolbert 3B
Nick Punto 2B

Pitching: Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03)

By Jon Lane
First pitch: 6:07 p.m. at Yankee Stadium; gates open 3 p.m.

Pitching matchup: A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04) vs. Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03)

Forecast: Cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the evening; showers likely with a slight chance of thunderstorms after midnight. (They could play through "showers," but "thunderstorms" will force a delay and put everyone in one big I hate rain bad mood.)

If there's a rainout: Game 2 moves to tomorrow night (TBD) and the teams lose the travel day. Games 3-5 will remain Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. If the series then goes the distance, the Yankees would be faced with a choice of starting Burnett on short rest, Chad Gaudin or Joba Chamberlain.

Throwing out the first pitch: "Mr. October" Reggie Jackson. Incidentally I heard a replay of Reggie's appearance on "The Howard Stern Show." His weekly Tuesday night show on Sirius 123 was plugged, but the rest of the details are for mature audiences only.

The big story: Joe Girardi's decision to sit Jorge Posada and start Jose Molina.

Before Game 5 of the 1977 ALCS in Kansas City, Billy Martin made the most courageous decision of his career when he benched Jackson, George Steinbrenner's $3 million man. It's apples and oranges compared to Posada and Molina, but hang with me. Jackson was 1-for-15 in the series and numbers against Royals starter Paul Splittorff so poor that when asked, Catfish Hunter told Martin that Jackson "can't hit him with a paddle." That left Martin, who felt if the Yankees lost he would be fired anyway, to convince Steinbrenner and Gabe Paul why he had to bench Jackson.

Posada owns three World Series rings and was .285-22-81 this season, while Molina can't hit even if attempted to put paddle on beach ball, so obviously this is different. But what's similar is the manager's guts. Ian O'Connor writes it's E-2 on Girardi, but Sam Borden commends Girardi for making the requisite tough decisions.

There is something to chemistry between some pitchers and catchers. Andy Pettitte had it with Jim Leyritz - and not Girardi - in 1996, so did Greg Maddux with Eddie Perez. You can't discount that Burnett went 5-5 with a 4.96 ERA and .270 opponent batting average in 16 starts with Posada and 5-2 with a 3.28 ERA and .221 opponent batting average in 11 starts with Molina catching, including 3-1 2.92 in his last six.

Molina showed a knack for keeping Burnett's emotions in check and in a cohesive enough pace to not made desperate mistakes during crisis situations. And during the time of season where pitching rules all, you do whatever you believe is best to shut down the opposition, especially if Nick Blackburn suddenly morphs into Jack Morris. And it's not like Posada won't be available to pinch-hit or enter the game immediately after Girardi finds an opening. And it's certainly not like the rest of the Yankees lineup can't hit. Blackburn was 11-11, 4.03, so the odds are long that he'll pull a Morris and good that the Yankees offense will knock him out early.

Of course, if Burnett is razor-sharp and the Yankees win, Girardi is a genius. If he's blasted, Girardi is stupid, Burnett is a whiner, boos will be heard from Jersey and Posada would be given carte blanche to scream, "I was the problem?" Yankees fans, in a panic, will declare the series over and demand that Girardi is shown the door.

That's the nature of sports. It's also the nature of sports to stop debating, hang up the phone after your favorite sports talk station leaves you on hold for an hour, quit crunching numbers, and sit back and watch. It's why the games are played. We'll see if this issue is either buried quickly or linger like a thunderstorm of biblical proportions.

Memo to Mother Nature: Hold off on the showers until after midnight. Too much going on tonight in the Bronx.

Game 3: Sunday, 7:07 p.m.
*Game 4: Monday, 5:07 p.m.
*Game 5: Wednesday, 6:07 p.m.
*If necessary

By Jon Lane
A.J. Burnett was adamant about his defense of Jorge Posada during a dugout chat with reporters on Wednesday, and reiterated his success throwing to both Posada and Jose Molina. But he admitted to having a better rapport with Molina, which is why Joe Girardi - not Burnett - made the risky call to bench Posada and start Molina in Game 2.

"It's more of kind of a 'me' rhythm," Burnett said. "It's being able to throw both heaters any time I want. And just working off of that. Four seam, two, seam. Just whenever, inside, out and not really worrying about calling it, kind of working a faster pace. He just keeps me going at a little quicker pace. We seem to click."

Molina shrugged his shoulders and wondered why there was such a fuss over Posada's disappointment in not being behind the plate and how he suddenly found himself in the middle of it.

"I always say and I will keep saying the same thing, the manager's Joe," Molina said. "He writes it down my name, I will play. I'm ready. If Jorge don't like it that's him, but you guys have to ask him about that not me. But Joe is the manager. He puts me in the lineup and I play."

Thanks to Larry Fleischer for the quote. Girardi is also considering starting Brett Gardner in center field, but indicated he'll probably stick with Melky Cabrera.

3:15 p.m.
Girardi's been down this road before, having been asked by Joe Torre to take a seat in favor of Jorge Posada. Posada has too, but it was different in 2005 with Randy Johnson's insistence of throwing to John Flaherty. What worked in September that season backfired in Game 3 of the DS when The Big Unit was rocked for five runs on nine hits in three innings.

That's one reason why Molina dismissed any thought about certain pitchers responding better to particular catchers.

"You guys have to understand that the one who has the ball is the pitcher," Molina said. "He's the one who's going to decide what he's going to throw. We just suggest what the pitch could be. But when the pitcher has something in the mind, they're going to throw it no matter what. I prefer a pitcher be 100 percent in his pitch than 50 (percent) in my pitch."

Girardi left open the possibility that he may not remain committed to a Molina-Burnett battery if the Yankees advance to the LCS. But let's face it: This may be the right move - you live and die by pitching in the postseason and if any starter is on his 'A' game on any given night, Ted Williams ain't hitting him - but it's also a huge risk. A bad start by Burnett and you know Posada will be seething and asking himself, "I'm the problem?"

"No, I'm not worried about it," Girardi said. "I never saw Joe Torre fret about it. I never saw Bobby Cox fret about it when Javier Lopez didn't catch Greg Maddux. I never saw them worry about it. You put the club out there that you feel should be out there that evening, and then you hope that your club makes plays and throws the ball well. And that's what you do, so, I mean, that's the decision that I made."

3:24 p.m.
Burnett on what's worked and why he's not surprised Posada will be on the bench
"I figured he was going to catch because we had a good rhythm in the past handful of starts," Burnett said. "I guess it's a comfort level. It's maybe having the same guy out there every day and not mixing it in and out. And just getting the feel of him wanting to know what I want to do on a consistent basis instead of having to come in and out and figure out what we're doing. It's the same game plan every day. Just sticking to it.

"I'm not surprised because what Jorge is to this organization and what he's done in the post season. He's the leader in this clubhouse. He's the leader in the dugout. When he's out there, even when he's not playing, he's very vocal and he's very -- he's around all the time. So I imagine what -- how he's feeling, you know. But like I said, I figured it was going to happen just because of the handful of starts that Molina caught me. And I'm just going to worry about taking my starts tomorrow. Molina is back there, skip made the decision and there's really nothing we can do about it."

Molina on creating comfort and rhythm:
"You have to find the right words and time to do it," Molina said. "If the guy is giving up a lot of runs, you know that's not the right time to say something. So you hold off until whenever is the right time. You just gain trust. It's just about trust."

By Jon Lane
Ron Gardenhire officially named Carl Pavano (yes, him) his Game 3 starter. Apparently old Pav emerged from that pregame embrace unscathed.

Give Pavano this: He stayed healthy and pitched well at times, and shared a good line with reporters Wednesday night about being heavily booed during pregame introductions.

"Hey, I don't blame them," Pavano said. "I'd boo me too after the four years I spent here."

The normally genial and eloquent Gardenhire was vague as to why Pavano was selected over Scott Baker and his team-leading 15 wins to start the potential elimination game for the Twins, placing the onus of the decision on pitching coach Rick Anderson.

"Pavano will be pitching," Gardenhire said. "They made sure to tell me that just announce Pavano. [Anderson] doesn't want to answer any more questions about it. Pavano will be pitching Game 3, Baker four."

Baker started Tuesday's epic one-game playoff against the Tigers, pitching six innings, and would have taken his turn on a regular four days of rest, whereas Pavano last pitched on October 4. Gardenhire cut off a question about the thought process behind the choice of the enigmatic and embattled Pavano over his staff ace.

"Because my pitching coach said Pavano," Gardenhire said. "That's the thought process. That's as far as we have to go."

No need to rehash Pavano's wonderful four-season tenure in New York, where he was paid $39.5 million for making a grand total of 26 starts. Conversely, the right-hander started 33 games for the Twins and Indians while pitching to a 2.70 ERA in two starts against the Yankees. And while Baker has never started a playoff game, Pavano posted a 1.00 ERA for the Marlins in the 2003 World Series, including the eight innings of one-run ball in Game 4 against New York that made him the most sought-after free agent pitcher on the market that winter.

Little did the Yankees know what they'd receive on their return investment. The Twins, however, acquired Pavano in an August trade with the Indians for a player to be named later and were rewarded with a 5-4 record and a 4.64 ERA in 12 starts.

_______________________

When Nick Blackburn takes the ball in Game 2 Friday night, he'll have a stronger support system. Closer Joe Nathan will be available along with set-up man Jesse Crain, who was held out of Game 1 with a sore groin.

"This time of year everybody says they're ready to pitch," Gardenhire said. "Nathan needed it for sure. That was a bad thing we didn't get to use him, but also a good thing. I think they'll all be ready for tomorrow night."

_______________________

What does a manager do when his team is 0-8 against another while being outscored 48-27? Change your luck? Change hotels? No. But when you're down 0-1 in a Division Series, there's absolutely no room for error.

"You can't make any mistakes," Gardenhire said. "You can't walk people. There have been a lot of late game losses for us just because they're such professional hitters. If you make one mistake, they get you. I wish I had all the answers to say wow, this is why we lose here; this is why we don't win. It's not that simple. We have had our opportunities. We just haven't come up with big hits."

If you ask Denard Span, luck does play a role, and the Twins have had none in the Yankees' plush new home.

"I think we had bad luck," Span said. "We got walked off three times earlier in the year here. Three games that we if we get a big hit we would have won. I think every team has a team that they maybe don't have good luck at certain places against and unfortunately, we just haven't had good luck here. But I don't think anybody in the clubhouse believes that there's a hex or anything going on. We still believe we can win, beat the Yankees."

By Jon Lane
Line up the fearless forecasters. There's Reggie Jackson, Joe Girardi and now Dennis Eckersley. Working as an analyst for TBS, Eckersley explains how Alex Rodriguez staying out of the spotlight helped him during the regular season. It's similar to what I said before the season ended: The best thing to happen to A-Rod is that nobody is talking about him, especially remarkable considering he's dating A-List actress Kate Hudson.

"The spotlight hasn't really been on A-Rod," Eckersley said. "When you think about what he went through at the start of the year with the steroid thing. He's been laying in the weeds because there are so many stars in New York. He probably loves it. I think that will play into these playoffs. I think he is going to show up for these playoffs because I don't think the pressure is what it was (before)."

A good friend of mine, who also happens to be a native Bostonian and Red Sox fan, offered this succinct analysis of A-Rod's Game 1 performance: "That's something new for Mr. April." Yeah it's one game, but it's the time when reputations are made and stories are re-written. Rodriguez has to finish the job, but he won over some new believers Wednesday night.

By Jon Lane
Currently playing on Sirius 7: The Spinners' "Games People Play"

It's the morning after the Yankees' 7-2 Game 1 win, a game the Yankees played with their usual never-say-die fervor. Alex Rodriguez was provided with his first chance at October redemption and Wednesday night he delivered. And all involved are confident this won't be a one-hit (or in A-Rod's case two-hit) wonder.

"Everybody makes a big deal [out of him], but Alex is a great teammate and it shows on the field," said Joba Chamberlain. "He plays with everything's got and always goes about his business.

Derek Jeter, Joe Girardi and CC Sabathia met the media in a formal press conference setting. While Sabathia did what's expected of an ace, he too entered Game 1 with a shady postseason track record and his 6 2/3 innings of two-run (one earned), eight-strikeout performance was what the Yankees envisioned when they signed him. In short, Sabathia did exactly what he was supposed to do, writes Steven Goldman.

In A-Rod's case, it's taken a lot longer for he of greater stature to cash in when it truly matters. Many have been quick to dismiss and even boo Rodriguez upon every failure, but not this season, and that's been refreshing.

"We don't listen to it, so if somebody said that I don't think too many people were talking about it in the clubhouse or reading it," Jeter said. "He seemed like he looked pretty comfortable all yer. When he came back he seemed like he got better and better as the season went on, but I think a lot of times people read a little too much into final statistics."

Chris Shearn was on location last night and hard at work, providing a pregame video blog and a Game 1 wrap. The Yankees work out today at 1 p.m. with Girardi and Game 2 starter A.J. Burnett speaking at roughly 2:15. I'm not there today, but YESNetwork.com will keep you plugged in leading up to my return trip to the Bronx Friday night.

Now playing on Sirius 23: L.A. Guns' "Electric Gypsy." Some serious cheese.

By Jon Lane
Derek Jeter's two-run blast to left tied the game at two in the third inning. The homer was Jeter's 18th in the postseason (10th in the DS), tying Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle for third on the Yankees' all-time list.

Jeter is baseball's record holder in postseason hits (155), singles (129), at-bats (497) and runs scored (88) along with a .312 career average with 18 homers and 51 RBIs. If you ask him what brings out his best during the postseason, he'll provide his best Jeff Spicoli impersonation: "I don't know."

"I don't know what else to say," Jeter said. "I failed a lot as well, you know. Sometimes you're going to fail. What you try to do is when you're in those situations you think of the times you had success. I don't think you can be afraid to fail, but you just try to have fun. That's all I try to do is have fun because we're playing a game."

Nick Swisher has been on the receiving end of many Jeter clutch hits. It's safe to say he's enjoying the view from the other side.

"It's pretty impressive," Swisher said. It's almost like he takes it just like any other game, but it seems like once those lights hit in the postseason, it's 'Jeter Time.' There's just something about him. Every accolade he's got throughout his career is very well deserving. Finally being on the good guys' side of it, it's nice to have him on your team.

"For him to hit that home run to tie the game was huge. That was a big boost for us and we all followed in on that."

CC Sabathia, without his best stuff, held the fort while pacifying a few cynics who cried over his shady October past. For a $161 million price tag, Sabathia won 19 games his first season in New York but entered 2-3 with a 7.92 ERA in five career postseason starts and a 10.93 ERA in losing his last three. He was touched for two runs on four hits in the third, but then retired 11 of his next 12 batters. His 113th and final pitch induced Denard Span to fly out to right for the second out of the seventh before he left to a thunderous ovation, a decibel level that jumped up a few octaves with a tip of the cap. The big lefty's outing wasn't pretty - two runs (one earned) on eight hits with a hit batsman, wild pitch and eight strikeouts - but during this time of year you're never judged by style points.

"I was able to hold them down," Sabathia said. "It got a little sketchy there I guess in the third, but I was able to come back and put up zeros like I have all year. And these guys have been scoring runs all year. That's what I talked about [Tuesday], not try to do too much and let these guys take over the game."

By Jon Lane
A ton of money - $423 million to be exact - were spent on people after the Yankees' 13-year postseason streak ended last season. The result was 103 wins, first place in the AL East and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Now begins the quest for the real payoff: World Championship No. 27. It's quiet here at Yankee Stadium right now. The Twins are taking BP and the stands are empty given the 6 p.m. start and the majority of fans about to file out of work. But Derek Jeter and Reggie Jackson are in the house, Mother Nature spared us precipitation (but not wind) and this place will rock moments before CC Sabathia throws the first pitch.

Sabathia is earning $161 million of the $423 million. He delivered, winning 19 games and emerging as a top AL Cy Young Award contender. Starting tonight, however, it's his job to start becoming a champion, to carry the Yankees on his broad back en route to a championship, to halt a 4-13 postseason skid under Joe Torre from 2004-2007. Casting a large shadow is Sabathia's postseason track record, 2-3 with a 7.92 ERA in five career starts, the last five runs allowed in 3 2/3 innings in Game 2 of last year's Division Series.

"I think maybe just trying to go out and do too much," Sabathia said on Tuesdsay. "Trying to go out and throw shutouts and throw no-hitters and things like that instead of going out and doing the same things I've done during the regular season which is throwing strikes early in the count."

Tonight marks a new beginning not only for Sabathia, but for Alex Rodriguez (you know his recent postseason past). Keep it here to see what develops.

5:45 p.m. P.A. announcer Paul Olden is introducing the Twins' non-starters. Carl Pavano was greeted to loud boos - and this place is about half full.

6:05 p.m. Mere minutes from first pitch. CC Sabathia got a nice applause. Also with the team and in uniform, injured players Chien-Ming Wang and Xavier Nady.

6:11 p.m. Not a good beginning as Denard Span laces a leadoff double to left-center. The Twins may be tired, but that adrenaline can do wonders, especially with the way this team has played for the past month.

6:18 p.m. Sabathia throws 22 pitches, but keeps the Twins off the board by retiring their No. 3 and 4 hitters and stranding Span at third. Biggest pitch of the inning: a 1-2 punchout of Joe Mauer, a .365 hitter, after Span advanced to third on a passed ball.

6:31 p.m. Alex Rodriguez's first at-bat came with a runner on second and two out. He filed out to right and is eight for his last 57 postseason at-bats (.140) since 2004.

7:06 p.m. 2-0 Twins on Michael Cuddyer's two-out RBI single, which preceded an Orlando Cabrera single and Mauer double, with Mauer scoring on Jose Posada's second passed ball. Sabathia has allowed six hits, his pitch count is at 64 and he's been was up in the zone. It's still early but worry is already setting in, as are the voices of CC's postseason past.

Brian Duensing, meanwhile, has been razor sharp, holding the Yankees hitless since Derek Jeter's leadoff single.

7:15 p.m. Leave it to the captain to set the ship back on course. Jeter's two-run blast to left ties the game at two. The homer was Jeter's 18th in the postseason (10th in the DS), tying Reggie Jackson and Mickey Mantle for third on the Yankees' all-time list. If I were in the old Stadium, I'd feel the building shake.

7:22 p.m. A-Rod's second at-bat: Swinging strikeout. Now on an 8-for-58 (.138) skid.

7:30 p.m. Some nuggets from Tyler Kepner, the outstanding beat writer for the New York Times: Posada is the first catcher in 10 years with two passed balls in a division series game. (Varitek in 1999); A-Rod has stranded 40 consecutive runners in the postseason.

7:32 p.m. From the Nobody Talks About It Because He's Not A-Rod Department: Hideki Matsui has six hits in his last 29 postseason at-bats (.207) since 2006.

7:44 p.m. Swishalicious! Nick Swisher's two-out double scores a hustling Robinson Cano from first to give the Yankees a 3-2 lead. That's Swish's second postseason RBI and third double in this his 11th game.

8:06 p.m. Breakthrough! A-Rod delivers with an RBI single that scores Jeter and knocks Duensing out of the game. 8-for-58 slide over. Forty consecutive stranded runners in the past. Feel the power of Kate Hudson!

8:11 p.m. That Matsui stat is also in the past. Godzilla crushes one to Monument Park off Francisco Liriano to make it 6-2 Yankees. It's a shame about Liriano. He was one of baseball's rising young stars before Tommy John surgery.

8:16 p.m. Duensing's line: 4 2/3 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 1 WP, 79 pitches/59 strikes.

8:19 p.m. Since Sabathia allowed two runs on four hits in the third, he's retired 10 out of his next 11 batters. He's at 95 pitches and will probably go another inning. This is what aces do. Even when not at their best, they find a way to get the job done.

8:47 p.m. Sabathia departs to a thunderous ovation after retiring Denard Span on a fly ball to right and throwing 113 pitches in 6 2/3 innings. Phil Huuughes finishes the frame with a strikeout of the pesky Orlando Cabrera following a 10-pitch at-bat.

9:06 p.m. A-Rod tonight: Two hits, 2 RBIs. To quote my colleague Chris Shearn, "He stinks." For one night, seriously, A-Rod has the majority of haterizers off his back.

9:21 p.m. Enter Joba Chamberlain to a rousing ovation with runners on the corners, two out in the top of the eighth and a 7-2 lead. He needed two pitches to retire Delmon Young and end the inning. I'm not going there.

By Jon Lane
The bad news: The wind is blowing so hard it was a heavy workout for me to walk from the subway to Gate 4, so expect it to wreak some havoc after first pitch.

The good news: It's neither cold nor wet. The sun's been out and it'll be a crisp October night. Here are tonight's lineups.

This morning, the Yankees released their ALDS roster, which includes Francisco Cervelli as a third catcher and Damaso Marte as a second left-handed reliever, but no Brian Bruney or Freddy Guzman. Joe Girardi met the media this afternoon and explained that having a third catcher provides the option to pinch-hit for Jose Molina or pinch-run for Jorge Posada in close-and-late situations. The exclusion of Guzman, however, leaves Brett Gardner as the primary pinch-runner. Another option is Cervelli, who runs pretty well for a backstop.

"As far as adding the lefty [Marte] with the lineup that Minnesota has, we thought it was beneficial to have a second left-hander," Girardi said. "We went around and around about the guys we were going to carry and we felt that this was the best way to do our roster."

• Last night in Minneapolis, the Twins outplayed and outlasted the Tigers in an epic 12-inning affair. It got to where Girardi and his staff got to thinking, "Do we start playing Detroit now?" Once the Twins provided the final answer, Girardi and Co. immediately broke down Ron Gardenhire's roster and got home at rougly 11:45 p.m.

"When there was extra innings or late and we just waited until the game was over," Girardi said. "But there were a lot of interesting moments when Magglio Ordoñez hit into the double play. You thought that this is the inning they're going to score. And they didn't score. Great game."

"I was so proud of both teams last night for the way both teams never quit and kept getting after it," Gardenhire said. "I told [Tigers manager] Jim Leyland after the game that was one of the best games I've ever been involved in. Just watching two teams butting heads and going after it and never giving up and all the ups and downs, it was just fantastic baseball."

• The fact that the Yankees went 7-0 against the Twins during the regular season means absolutely nothing. On the ride to work I was reminded about the 1988 NLCS, where a Mets that went 10-1 against the Dodgers dropped the series in seven games The Twins also arrive to the Bronx winners of 17 out of 21.

"Minnesota is a hot team now," Girardi said. "They played us very tough then and we expect the same thing now."

• The Twins will throw Nick Blackburn (11-11, 4.03) against A.J. Burnett (13-9, 4.04) in Game 2 Friday night. Game 3 will be either Carl Pavano (yes, him) or ace Scott Baker.

"I originally thought maybe Pavano for 3. But [piching coach Rick Anderson] wants to go TBA and we'll see where we're at," Gardenhire said. "We have Baker and Pavano for Game 3, and see would feels the best."

• Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera is enhancing his reputation as a money player. His hitting streak is 16 games after Tuesday's two-run homer in the seventh inning that put the Twins ahead 4-3. During the streak Cabrera batting .392 (29-for-74) with 20 runs, two homers and 16 RBIs. Yankees fans will remember the summer of 2004 three-team trade that jettisoned Nomar Garciaparra out of Boston and imported O.C., who batted .294 with six home runs and 31 RBIs in 58 games and was a key contributor to the Red Sox winning the World Series.

"He's been here," Gardenhire said. "He's been in the playoffs. He's not afraid. We've got some young players that I want him to be able to help out too. And he's done that. He's been leading by example, actually, with his bat. He's been swinging really good. Playing really good baseball. But he's really positive influence on our baseball team. He's been really, really good for our baseball team."

YANKEES (103-59)
Derek Jeter SS
Johnny Damon LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui DH
Jorge Posada C
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Melky Cabrera CF

Pitching: CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)

TWINS (87-76)
Denard Span CF
Orlando Cabrera SS
Joe Mauer C
Michael Cuddyer 1B
Jason Kubel RF
Delmon Young LF
Brendan Harris DH
Matt Tolbert 3B
Nick Punto 2B

Pitching: Brian Duensing  (5-2, 3.64)

Position players (14)
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Eric Hinske
Francisco Cervelli

Pitchers (11)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Damaso Marte
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain
Chad Gaudin

By Jon Lane
The Tigers' collapse is complete as the Twins, who trailed Detroit by seven games on September 6 and faced elimination with a loss on Thursday, rallied to capture their fourth AL Central title in eight seasons with their victory in Game 163. The extra-inning win secured their date with the Yankees in the Division Series beginning tomorrow.

The Twins' story is truly remarkable. Three weeks ago, they lost All-Star slugger Justin Morneau to a season-ending back injury and trailed the Tigers by three games with four to play. But they're en route to New York, thanks to a five-game winning streak and a 17-4 run in their final 21 games.

"I don't think that you can really answer that question until Wednesday and after Wednesday's game," said Joe Girardi when asked if the Twins are already in playoff mode. "I've been on clubs that had to play extremely hard all the way through and we lost in the first round. I've also been on clubs that did not have to play hard all the way through, for instance the '98 Yankees, and we ended up winning the World Series. It really comes down to how your perform. I think everyone's mind is going to be in playoff mode."

The teams meet in a rematch of the 2004 ALDS, when after dropping Game 1 the Yankees took the next three to eliminate the Twins.

Active holdovers from that team: Michael Cuddyer, Morneau, Joe Mauer, Jason Kubel, Joe Nathan and Jesse Crain.

A snapshot look at the regular season matchup and respective team leaders:

Season Series: Yankees win 7-0 while outscoring Twins, 41-25

Memorable Game
May 17: Johnny Damon's walk-off home run in the 10th inning gave the Yankees a 3-2 victory and their third straight comeback win over the Twins that was capped by a game-ending hit. "I've never been a part of something like this," said Joe Girardi after the game. "There's probably a few more gray hairs on my head after these last three, but they have things that take care of that."

Team leaders
Batting
Yankees: Derek Jeter (.334)
Twins: Joe Mauer (.365)

Home Runs
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (39)
Twins: Michael Cuddyer (32)

Runs Batted In
Yankees: Mark Teixeira (122)
Twins: Jason Kubel (103)

Wins
Yankees: CC Sabathia (19)
Twins: Scott Baker (15)

ERA
Yankees: CC Sabathia (3.37)
Twins: Nick Blackburn (4.03)

Strikeouts
Yankees: CC Sabathia (197)
Twins: Scott Baker (162)

Saves
Yankees: Mariano Rivera (44)
Twins: Joe Nathan (47)

Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Brian Duensing  (5-2, 3.64) vs. CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)
Game 2: Carl Pavano (14-12, 5.10) vs. A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.10)
Game 3: Andy Pettitte (14-7, 4.11) vs. Scott Baker (15-9, 4.36)

By Jon Lane
Joe Girardi announced his ALDS rotation: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte. That lines up Sabathia for Game 4 and Burnett for a deciding Game 5 if they are necessary.

Girardi cited the home and road splits among the factors behind his decision.

Burnett
5-3, 3.51 (home)
8-6, 4.59 (road)

Pettitte
6-4, 4.59 (home)
8-4, 3.71 (road)

"I did not talk to A.J. about that," Girardi said. "That was a decision I made - as a manager, you have to make some tough decisions and that was a very tough one."

Regarding Jose Molina catching Burnett, which means Molina swings a bat in a decisive Game 5: "They're working in a good rhythm and we thought we keep it that way and keep them working together. Georgie is our No. 1 catcher, but in this situation we chose to go with Molina."

It's unclear if Posada will DH in Game 2, but Girardi indicated Hideki Matsui will DH most of the time. Basically, it'll come down to the match-ups.

No ALDS roster yet, which will be finalized after Tigers-Twins, but Sergio Pena, Brian Bruney and Ramiro Pena will head to Tampa to stay in shape. You figure Francisco Cervelli will be the third catcher and Damaso Marte the second left-hander out of the bullpen, and Girardi all but confirmed Joba Chamberlain will be active. He'll work out of the bullpen and can pitch to as little as two hitters or more than three innings.

As if there was any suspense, the Yankees chose not to wait until the end of the Tigers-Twins game and formally announced they selected the Division Series with the extra off day. Put it in stone: CC Sabathia will throw the first pitch of Game 1 tomorrow night at Yankee Stadium.

By Jon Lane
BREAKING NEWS: Jorge Posada told reporters today that Jose Molina will catch A.J. Burnett in the ALDS. Whether Posada or Hideki Matsui will DH remains to be seen.

"I just hope we win that game, that's all," Posada said. "That's all I have to say. Matsui's our DH, so we'll see. Joe talked to me on Sunday. It's not like I didn't see it coming. It's the manager's decision"

I guess it'll depend on which Tigers or Twins starter faces Burnett. If it's Game 2, it'll be Justin Verlander or Carl Pavano (yes, him). In Game 3 I project Rick Porcello or Scott Baker, the two squaring off against one another later in Minneapolis.

For what it's worth, here's how each match up:

Matsui vs. Pavano: 1-for-5, 1 K
Matsui vs. Verlander: 4-for-12, 2 RBIs, 1 K
Posada vs. Pavano: 0-for-2, 1 K
Posada vs. Verlander: 1-for-10, 1 2B, 3 RBIs, 2 K

Matsui vs. Porcello: 2 BB
Matsui vs. Baker: 1-for-5, 1 RBI
Posada vs. Porcello: 1-for-1, 1 BB
Posada vs. Baker: 1-for-2

_______________________

Some interesting nuggets from the Yankees and the Elias Sports Bureau:

• Joe Girardi is the fifth Yankees manager (Joe McCarthy, Ralph Houk, Billy Martin, Dick Howser) to win 100 games within their first two full seasons with the team. Girardi also joined Lou Piniella to have played for and managed teams that won at least 100 games. He's done enough to be named AL Manager of the Year, writes Steven Goldman.

"Winning helps," Posada said. "Coming here not knowing what to expect, as a player it's different than as a manager, as a bench coach. The second time around is a little different. He did a lot of things to keep this team united. The first year I think he was tougher more on himself."

• The Yankees' 15 walk-off wins led the Major Leagues and were second-best in franchise history behind 17 set in 1943. Their 51 come-from-behind wins and 28 in their final at-bat were also best in the game.

• Think the Yankees enjoyed their new digs? After the All-Star break they won 31 of their final 39 regular season games at Yankee Stadium and compiled baseball's best home record (57-24).

• Think Alex Rodriguez melts in the clutch? According to Elias, 15 of A-Rod's 30 home runs either tied the game or gave the Yankees the lead, and seven came in the seventh inning or later and either tied the game or gave the Yankees the lead. Out of his 100 RBIs, 50 tied the game or were go-ahead, and 33 came in the seventh inning or beyond.

• Nobody will consider Phil Hughes for MVP, but consider this: The Yankees went 58-26 after Hughes was named Mariano Rivera's primary setup man, and 31-5 in games in which Hughes appeared. In 54 games before Hughes, Yankees relievers were 13-10 with a 4.88 ERA and 14 saves). After Hughes, the 'pen went 27-7 with a 3.37 ERA and 37 saves in 105 games.

By Jon Lane
Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner today released a statement through his spokesman, Howard J. Rubenstein.

"This has been a tremendous year for our team as we have settled into our new home. The New York Yankees are proud of our rich history of outstanding players and this year's team has worked hard to  prove that they are worthy of the great distinction of calling themselves Yankees.

"We look forward to finishing what we started this season and never losing sight of our goal - to bring another championship to the best fans in the world  and the great city of New York."

By Jon Lane
Stick with me on this. Two seasons ago, Alex Rodriguez set career highs, and led the American League in runs scored (143), RBIs (156), slugging percentage (.645) and on-base plus slugging (1.067). He also only hit 54 home runs, three short of his career-high. Oh, there was career homer No. 500 as well.

Judging strictly by the numbers, you can make the argument that 2007 was Rodriguez's signature season. Yet here's what he accomplished this year after missing 28 games due to hip surgery in the shadow of his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs while with the Texas Rangers.

• On May 8, A-Rod belted the first pitch he saw in the 2009 season for the three-run home run in Baltimore. On October 4, the last regular-season pitch he hit ended up a grand slam to reach the 30-home run, 100-RBI mark for the 12th straight season. How's that for symmetry?

• Also on Sunday, he drove in an AL-record seven runs while tying Mark McGwire for eighth place on baseball's all-time home run list with 583.

• The best thing to happen to Rodriguez is that nobody is talking about him. His foot stayed out of his mouth. There was no magazine article about how the team and manager is against him. Lastly, he dated Kate Hudson and stayed out of the tabloid pages. Considering his track record off the field, that's an accomplishment.

All Rodriguez needs to do is vanquish those October demons. It's hard to remember, but it's true: Before swiping Bronson Arroyo and grounding into a ninth-inning double-play in Game 5 of the 2005 ALDS (among other things), A-Rod was 12-for-33 (.363) in the postseason as a Yankee before Game 5 of the '04 ALDS.

By Jon Lane
Nothing like an inning of work to change perceptions yet again. Joba Chamberlain threw a scoreless inning - of relief - on Sunday, needing only seven pitches (five strikes) to retire the side in order while hitting 95 on Tropicana Field's gun. Of course, that has the Loyal Order of Joba to the Bullpen firing the cannons.

I'm not complaining. A good debate, even one with the legs of a marathon runner, keeps the comments and message boards thread lit up, which is good for us! My take though is forget about Chamberlain's future for this week and the rest of this month. The Yankees' solitary goal is first winning the American League Division Series. If right now he's most comfortable and productive throwing out of the bullpen, put him there and worry about this starter-reliever stuff all winter and into next spring.

The Yankees' will announce their ALDS roster no later than tomorrow. Every indication has Francisco Cervelli making it as the third catcher, insurance in the event Freddy Guzman runs for Jorge Posada and subsequently Jose Molina suffers an injury. That means the Yankees will carry 10 pitchers. If Chamberlain makes the cut, Chad Gaudin and Brian Bruney are out.

Here's how the roster will stack up with 10 pitchers and 15 position players:

IN (15)
Position players
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Freddy Guzman
Eric Hinske
Francisco Cervelli

Pitchers (10)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Damaso Marte
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain

There are those who favor Ramiro Pena over Guzman. Understandable, but Hairston fills the utility role and brings more experience. Plus, Guzman will be deployed solely as a pinch runner. That extra element of speed is extremely important. The Yankees have a weapon in Brett Gardner, but bottom of the eighth or ninth and Jorge Posada in scoring position, you're taking him out for Guzman, the only player who'd keep up with Gardner stride for stride.

By Jon Lane
If the Yankees choose the extra off day, Game 1 of the ALDS will be played Wednesday night and Game 2 Friday. First pitch for both games at 6:07 p.m.

Nothing has been formally announced, but Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reported that Joe Girardi told CC Sabathia he's starting Wednesday night. Frankly I'd be shocked if the Yankees do not take that extra day, but they have until one hour after the end of Tuesday's game to make it official.

By Jon Lane
Game 163 for the Tigers and Twins will finally decide the AL Central and who plays the Yankees in the ALDS either Wednesday or Thursday. Probable starting pitchers are for the Tigers rookie Rick Porcello (14-9, 4.04 ERA) and Scott Baker (15-9, 4.36) for the Twins, who went on a 16-4 run since September 13 and a three-game sweep of the Royals to get to this point.

Because the Packers and Vikings are playing at the Metrodome Monday night, Tigers-Twins is Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Also on Tuesday, the Yankees will hold a workout at Yankee Stadium, where CC Sabathia, Joe Girardi and Mark Teixeira will meet the media in formal press conferences.

By Jon Lane
The Yankees won't know until possibly Tuesday night who they will be playing in the Division Series.

Here's the scenario: The Tigers' lead remains at two games with one to play. The Twins win the AL Central if they beat the Royals and the Tigers lose White Sox. If the teams remain tied, the Twins will host a one-game playoff Tuesday at 5 p.m. night with the winner immediately flying to New York to play the next evening - if the Yankees decide on the extra off day. The deadline for that decision remains one hour after the division is decided, even if it's Tuesday night. 

Here are the pitching match-ups in Detroit and Minneapolis:

DETROIT
Justin Verlander (18-9, 3.45) vs. John Danks (13-10, 3.69)

MINNESOTA
Sunday: Carl Pavano [yes, him] (13-12, 5.07) vs. Luke Hochevar (7-12, 6.24)

The Tigers choked away a division lead in 2006, but had the wild card as a safety net. No such luck this time.

YANKEES

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Burnett P

 

RAYS

Upton CF
Brignac SS
Longoria 3B
Zobrist 2B
Aybar 1B
Burrell DH
Zaun C
Gross RF
Kapler LF

Davis P

YANKEES

Gardner CF
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Hinske 3B
Hairston, Jr. SS

Pettitte P

RAYS

Bartlett SS
Crawford LF
Longoria 3B
Zobrist 1B
Upton CF
Kapler RF
Burrell DH
Navarro C
Iwamura 2B

Niemann P

YANKEES (102-57)
Derek Jeter SS
Jerry Hairston Jr. LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Nick Swisher RF
Jorge Posada DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Melky Cabrera CF
Jose Molina C

Pitching: CC Sabathia (19-7, 3.21)

RAYS (82-77)
Jason Bartlett SS
Carl Crawford LF
Evan Longoria 3B
Ben Zobrist 2B
Willy Aybar 1B
Gabe Kapler RF
B.J. Upton CF
Dioner Navarro C
Fernando Perez DH

Pitching: David Price (9-7, 4.60)

By Jon Lane
Jerome Preisler covered Wednesday night's game and covered the latest stop on the Joba Chamberlain roller coaster in great detail. During a season in which almost everything has fallen neatly into place, Joe Girardi and Co. are now forced to make some tough decisions. If Chamberlain had taken the next step in his acceptance of a challenge, it would have been cut and dry. Chamberlain is another bullpen weapon in a short series and takes his start in Game 4 of the ALCS. Instead, Wednesday may have been the last time you see Chamberlain as an active player until 2010.

I never thought I'd write this, but there's honestly no value in Chamberlain taking up an ALDS roster spot. Of course, if the Yankees get to the LCS, there's the risk of giving him the Game 4 start on 10 days-plus rest. That decision, whether he or Chad Gaudin get the ball, or if Chamberlain is active at all, is for another day. Right now, it may be in Chamberlain's best interests to head to Tampa for a tune-up.

Two weeks ago I shared my ALDS roster projection. Being that things change in baseball every minute, here's how I currently see the Yankees' roster taking shape against probably the Tigers beginning next Wednesday. It'll be CC Sabathia against Justin Verlander that night. 'Nuff said.

IN (14)
Position players
Derek Jeter
Johnny Damon
Mark Teixeira
Alex Rodriguez
Jorge Posada
Hideki Matsui
Robinson Cano
Nick Swisher
Melky Cabrera
Brett Gardner
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Jose Molina
Freddy Guzman
Eric Hinske

Pitchers (9)
CC Sabathia
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Mariano Rivera
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Damaso Marte
Phil Coke
Alfredo Aceves

ON THE BUBBLE
Brian Bruney
Joba Chamberlain
Chad Gaudin
Francisco Cervelli

Hairston's wrist will hold up for another month, so he's in over Ramiro Pena due to his experience and better versatility. And before you argue that Molina can't hit (he cannot), the only way Cervelli makes the roster is if Girardi decides to carry 10 pitchers.

The way I have it now, it's three pitchers vying for two spots. Gaudin is in. He's earned it and best suited for long relief, which will help if he gets the nod for ALCS Game 4. Bruney has allowed one hit in his last 2 2/3 innings while striking out three and reaching the upper 90s. Since I've made my case about Joba, it's down to Cervelli and Bruney, which will come down to if the Yankees are convinced Bruney's issues are in the past for good, or if a third catcher is deemed valuable insurance.

Besides CC Sabathia shooting for 20 wins Friday night, this will keep you entertained until go time.