YES Blog

Relocating

2009-11-11T19:22:56Z

By Jon Lane
Joe Auriemma and I have new homes.

You can follow us on YESNetwork.com's new interactive community, My YES. Log on to read entries from me, Joe and Nets Insider Al Iannazzone, and write your own blog, upload photos, make new friends and so much more.

Click here for my new page, "Life in the Fast Lane," and to meet Joe "At the Bat."

Damon, Pettitte discuss the future

2009-11-11T17:10:51Z

By Jon Lane
Johnny Damon and Andy Pettitte were guests on Reggie Jackson's "October Nights," heard every Tuesday night on Sirius/XM's Mad Dog Radio. Damon has already filed for free agency, while Pettitte has yet to do so.

Damon has made it clear he wants to return to the Yankees, and told Jackson and co-host Bill Pidto he's confident he can play another three-to-four years. Ideally, he's appear nowhere else except the Bronx.

"Why not? I mean, we just won a championship," Damon said. That new stadium is incredible. The Steinbrenners have been the best owners in the game as long as I can remember. They want to win and they proved it last offseason.

"We just need to start talking. We know New York has all the resources in the world but they also know I want to come back, so I'm sure it wouldn't be too much of a problem. I'm sure there's something we can work out. And if it doesn't work out I've enjoyed four years there but I really hope it works out. I'm going to be back up there in a week and just savor the moment again because this was truly a wonderful year."

It's not as cut and dry with Pettitte. The left-hander considered retirement after last season, but wanted to pitch in the new Yankee Stadium and had to take a pay cut from $16 million to $5.5 million for one year. He could demand more, and Jon Heyman reported yesterday that Pettitte told teammates that he'd like to come back for another year, but expect the left-hander to again lay low for awhile.

"Obviously, you can imagine what's going through my head right now," said Pettitte, back home in his Deer Park, Texas, ranch. "I'm just going to try to take a little bit of time here and I want to do the right thing. I want to do the right thing for my family more than anything. And I don't want to continue to play baseball trying to accomplish selfish goals because I've never done that before, and I feel like that if you try to start doing that you're not going to be able to be successful as a teammate as you need to be. There's a lot of things I need to factor in and think about."

Pidto followed up with a question on if Pettitte ever thinks about making the Hall of Fame.

"I don't want to think about that," Pettitte said. "If that's something that happens in my future down the road, that would be something I feel like the Lord just absolutely blessed me with and given me the honor to be able to be a part of something like that. Like I said, I want to concentrate on if I come back to just figure out a way that I can continue to hopefully perform at a high level like I feel like I was able to do this year and then, more importantly, to feel like I can contribute to the team and make the guys around me hopefully better and be a positive influence in the clubhouse and hopefully continue to be a positive influence on people."

Jeter, Teixeira win Gold Gloves

2009-11-10T20:49:18Z

By Jon Lane
Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira were named AL Gold Glove winners this afternoon. Jeter's range improved from last season and Teixeira was a godsend at first base, making plays not seen in the Bronx since Tino Martinez followed in Don Mattingly's footsteps.

The duo shared their thoughts through the Yankees in separate statements:

Jeter
"I've said it time and time again, playing championship-caliber baseball starts with pitching and defense, and I think those two components were certainly the foundation for our success in 2009. I've always taken a great deal of pride in my defense, and being honored with a Gold Glove is an accomplishment I will never overlook.

"I also want to congratulate and recognize Mark Teixeira on his well-deserved achievement."

Teixeira
"Solid defense is the most underrated component of winning baseball, but it is something I have always taken pride in. Winning a third Gold Glove means a lot to me, especially when good defense helped our entire team reach the ultimate goal of a World Championship."

Other AL winners include Torii Hunter (OF), Ichiro Suzuki (OF), Evan Longoria (3B), Adam Jones (OF), Mark Buehrle (P), Joe Mauer (C) and Placido Polanco (2B). National League winners will be announced tomorrow.

Lovin' Lackey

2009-11-10T15:32:33Z

By Jon Lane
The rich getting richer? It's always a possibility. Cry all you want about big-market teams having a competitive advantage that enables them to sign anybody they want, but the last I looked, no rules have ever been broken.

Also, ask the Florida Marlins how they won it all in 2003 - by defeating the rich and mighty Yankees - on an annual shoestring budget. And ask Brian Cashman why spending all that money from 2002-2008 didn't work and why it did work in 2009. It's never about how much money you have. And while you're at it, place a call to Dan Snyder to inquire how his idea of turning the Washington Redskins into a fantasy team has gone over year after year.

There's a major difference between getting the best players and the right players. It certainly worked for Herb Brooks in 1980.

John Lackey as a Yankee is a rich proposition. A pipe dream, one that a National League assistant general manager told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, "If the Yankees were able to lock Lackey into a rotation with [CC] Sabathia and [A.J.] Burnett, it could be the start of another dynasty." That's because not only is Lackey a great player, he'd be the right player, just like Sabathia, Burnett and Mark Teixeira.

Here's the lowdown on the Big Texan:

• One of only six pitchers to win at least 11 games in each year from 2004-09 (Sabathia, Derek Lowe, Johan Santana, Javier Vazquez and Jason Marquis).

• Went 7-4 with a 3.05 ERA in the second half to help the Angels win the AL West.

• The Big Texan has a big heart. He was angry at Mike Scioscia for his removal from Game 5 of the 2009 ALCS and was ready to pitch Game 7 on three days' rest. The first time he did that was when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series - as a rookie. Like Sabathia and Andy Pettitte, Lackey can be trusted in a big game in my opinion.

The Angels own exclusive negotiating rights with Lackey until Nov. 20 when the 15-day period of exclusivity expires and the free-agent market is open to bidding. SI.com reported a potential Yankees offer similar to Burnett's five-year, $82.5 million deal, but also cited sources as saying Lackey may seek a richer pact. How far the Yankees will go is unclear, but this is how their 2010 rotation would line up entering Spring Training:

Sabathia
Burnett
Lackey
Pettitte (assuming he re-signs)
Phil Hughes/Joba Chamberlain

Whether Hughes or Chamberlain ends up in the bullpen, and the future of Chien-Ming Wang, would be for another day. If the Yankees have a legit shot at Lackey, they'll take it. No rules would be broken.

Off and running

2009-11-09T20:25:29Z

By Jon Lane
The Hot Stove is fired up and it'll be burning through this week's General Managers meetings in Chicago and the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis. It'll be re-fired after baseball takes a (scheduled) sabbatical for the Christmas holidays and keep you warm until pitchers and catchers report in February.

The biggest question on the minds of Yankees fans is the futures of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte. All three are free agents and in their mid-to-late 30s. At this point figure on Damon coming back. He was clutch in the ALCS and World Series at the plate - and especially on the base paths - and remains valuable as a slap hitter at the top of the lineup who can get on base.

Matsui is the toughest decision. Many believe he's a goner, and logic dictates he will be unless he'd accept a workable one-year deal to be a part-time player; the Yankees have a strong desire to rotate the DH position with veteran players, namely Jorge Posada. But Matsui's MVP performance in the World Series certainly changed that story a bit.

Pettitte's plan was to take his time to contemplate one more year or retirement, but according to SI.com's Jon Heyman, the left-hander told teammates he'd like to try again one more time. The starting five would be set right away (CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Pettitte, Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes) - assuming John Lackey doesn't become the newest hired gun Yankees brass suddenly bails on their Joba the Starter plan. Either way, there will be depth entering Spring Training with ample time to evaluate if Chien-Ming Wang has anything left.

Felix Hernandez in pinstripes would look fantastic, wouldn't it? Of course, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik sees no reason why "King Felix" won't pitch in Seattle for at least the next two seasons.

"He's our property this year and next year, and we're looking forward to him being part of the organization as we move forward," Zduriencik told reporters at the GM meetings.

It would take a King's Ransom for any team to acquire Hernandez, 23 years old and off a season in which he established career-highs in wins (19), innings pitched (238.2) and strikeouts (217), and a career-low in ERA (2.49). The M's come off a surprising 85-win season and have to tools to compete in the AL West, so I don't see Hernandez going anywhere, that is unless Nintendo of America cries poverty.

Besides, Brian Cashman is walking around chest out and chin up, body language that reads "I told you so." Cashman took a lot of heat for not dealing for Johan Santana in 2007. People stopped talking about that a long time ago.

If you still care about the enemy - I know you do - Tim Wakefield and the Red Sox have finalized a new two-year contract, reports WEEI.com's Rob Bradford. Meanwhile, while the Jason Varitek Era in Boston appears to be over, the BoSox are on Roy Halladay's wish list if the Blue Jays decide to finally unload the right-hander.

Imagine CC Sabathia opposing Halladay April 5, 2010 at Fenway Park? The thought of that alone will keep you warm once the weather reaches the intolerable stage.

Statement from Hal & Hank Steinbrenner

2009-11-09T18:59:55Z

"After the overwhelming public response to the historic achievement of our 27th World Championship, I would like to thank our fans for their highly spirited and remarkably steadfast support this season.

"The New York Yankees have long enjoyed the positive effects of the world's greatest fans. It is a real and tangible benefit to our success every day and every game. Each and every fan contributed this season, from the 3.7 million who attended our home games to the millions more who lined the 'Canyon of Heroes' for our victory parade.

"Throughout the season, the team found inspiration in the very essence of New York City and its people. By persevering and never wavering from our goal, the Yankees reflected the true spirit and determination that defines the city of New York."

Now what?

2009-11-06T15:53:44Z

By Jon Lane
Now what? It's time to party. The Yankees completed a virtually endless 2009 baseball season by capturing their 27th World Championship. We scribes never stop thinking about what's next, that's the nature of the Hot Stove season and you know Brian Cashman is already drawing up an offseason blueprint, but today is a day for the players, their families and everyone in the organization to bask in the glory.

The Core Four of Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera have done this four times (today makes five), but for Alex Rodriguez, it's his first in 16 seasons. For A.J. Burnett, it was winning without the pain of rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. For Jerry Hairston, it was the first time in his 11-year career he played in postseason games and was in left field the night the Yankees clinched.

This may have been Hairston's final shot at a winner, and for youngsters like Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena, this may be their only chance to enjoy the experience. Yes they play for the Yankees and not the Pirates, Nationals or Royals, but there was also nine years between World Championship.

Before the parade, Steven Goldman asked questions the rest of us will be asking quite often this weekend. But for today, Chris Shearn, Joe Auriemma, Kevin Sullivan and the rest of the YES gang are in lower Manhattan. Stick around for many great photos and videos from the festivities.

Some quick housekeeping: Within the next week or two, I'll be blogging for YES in this space full-time. All of us will soon be fully migrated to My YES, and the door is open to you too.

Boss: The quest for No. 28 begins

2009-11-05T20:26:37Z

"The Steinbrenner Family and the Yankees Organization are extremely proud of the members of the 2009 New York Yankees for bringing a 27th World Championship to New York City and our fans, the greatest fans in the world. Every World Series victory is special, but this one is especially sweet coming in the first year in our new home.

"The 2009 New York Yankees proved that we are the best in baseball. We beat truly worthy opponents in the American League Division Series, the American League Championship Series and the World Series. As we did all season long, we fought hard, never lost focus and gave a true team victory. Our players have a lot to be proud of. This group will become legendary - similar to the 26 World Championship teams that preceded them.

"Joe Girardi and his team deserve great credit for racking up wins over a long, tough season.

"We are so grateful to our fans. They have never wavered in their faith or enthusiasm through the good and bad years. This World Series belongs to them and to all Yankees, past, present and future.

"We'll enjoy this win. And the quest for No. 28 begins."

Burnett: Nobody can take this away

2009-11-05T18:15:31Z

By Jon Lane
A.J. Burnett now owns two World Series rings, though there's no doubt No. 2 is sweeter. He was a member of the Marlins team that won it all in 2003, but was out most of the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

November 4, 2009 was Burnett's finest moment. Well, almost.

"I have two kids and I've got a beautiful wife," Burnett said, "but besides that they ain't nothing that beats this right here."

Some days he drove you crazy. Others he was an adrenaline surge. All put together, Burnett had a fine first season in the Bronx, the first of a five-year pact that will pay him $82 million. Burnett is so, so talented, you always want more from him, but a 13-9 record with a 4.04 ERA isn't too shabby. There were times Burnett was electric enough to make citizens stop and stare in awe: 7 2/3 shutout innings August 7 against the Red Sox and one run allowed with nine strikeouts in seven frames in Game 2 of the World Series.

Burnett had a bad Game 5, really bad, but his Game 2 saved the Yankees from being in deep trouble and a city from near-total panic.

"Nobody can take that away from me," Burnett said of his 3-1, Game 2 win, his World Series debut. "I had a rough one my last time out, but I had 24 guys in there telling me, 'You know what, if it wasn't for you, we'd be coming to Philly in a big hole. I'm glad I could help out and be a part of something this special."

Burnett was always an interesting interview. He was soft-spoken, sometimes blunt, always honest and had good insight on the most standard of cliches. On July 22, Burnett defeated the Baltimore Orioles to put them alone in first place. At the time, though, the AL East was long from being decided, especially with Boston due in town for that big early August series. The Yankees were 0-8 against the Red Sox and the questions were accumulating. Burnett was asked why it'll be different and whipped out one of sports' oldest cliches, albeit with a different spin.

"We're going one game at a time right now," Burnett said. "That's the big difference as opposed to looking ahead and worrying about who's coming into town or where we're going. It's just one at a time."

While drenched in champagne, I asked him how and why that philosophy worked so well.

"Nothing mattered to us," Burnett said. "We knew we had another game. No. 2 [Derek Jeter] over there would always come in and say, 'Oh, we got another game today.' And that was it. We're a humble team that no matter what happened the day before, we had another game. That's all that mattered, one at a time."

_______________________

Ticker-tape parade Friday at 11 a.m. beginning at Broadway and Battery Place, and ending with a ceremony at City Hall where Mayor Mike Bloomberg will present the team with keys to the city. It's open to the public, but details are forthcoming about a limited number of tickets that will be made available for those wanting to get inside City Hall Plaza. Fans who can't get a ticket can watch the ceremony on a giant TV screen that will be set up near City Hall Park.

Ladies & gents, the Bronx and Toyko are partying

2009-11-05T07:09:00Z

By Jon Lane
So much ground to cover. I'll have a mixed bag in this space later with my feature on Hideki Matsui's Reggiesque performance in Game 2. This image from the AP shows people watching a TV at the Yamada Denki discount store in Tokyo and their national hero, Matsui, become the first Japanese-born player to be named World Series Most Valuable Player after hitting a record six RBIs.

Assistant general manager Jean Afterman, instrumental in bringing Matsui to the Yankees in 2003, had some great perspective on a physically-challenging season that culminated in him being named Series MVP.

Nick Swisher, at his frat boy best, put it to us this way: "MATSU! They're partying in Tokyo tonight! He deserved that MVP trophy. There's no doubt about it."

Five more years?
Mariano Rivera is serious. Entering the final year of his contract, Rivera believes he can play five more years. He turns 40 years old later this month.

"I'm serious and hope the organization will do whatever it takes to bring me back," Rivera said. "Whatever happens, happens."

You go ahead and try to stop him. Rivera threw 41 pitches in the final 1 2/3 innings to lower his career World Series ERA to 0.99. He has 11 World Series saves and 39 in the playoffs for his career. Oh yeah, in the regular season he converted 44 out of 46 save opportunities and posted a 1.76 ERA.

"There's nothing Mariano can't do," said Alex Rodriguez. "He's Superman. All I was thinking enough today was give Pettitte enough of a cushion to get Mo in the game. Once Mo was in the game I felt like we could bring this home."

Unprecedented
One season removed from missing the playoffs, the Yankees won World Championship No. 27 and their first in nine years, an eternity in these parts. They are the second team this decade to win two world titles (Red Sox in 2004 and 2007).

"When you win, especially the way that we won, having to overcome a lot of adversity, and winning it for the city of New York, it's tremendous, really special," Rivera said. "It tells you how hard it is. We didn't make the playoffs last year. This year we gave everything we had."

This one was for the Boss
Yankee Stadium's huge Diamond Vision touted World Championship No. 27 with the inscription, "Boss, this is for you."

Team president Randy Levine said that Hal Steinbrenner spoke to his father, principal owner George Steinbrenner, after the celebration. Hank Steinbrenner relayed the Boss' emotions while he watched No. 27 unfold on television from Tampa.

"He's very happy," Hank Steinbrenner said. "This one was big for him and more emotional than the others probably. We knew they had character. We knew they had makeup. Since the first day we all thought that. So to us they were no-brainers."

Under Steinbrenner's ownership (he took over the team in 1973), the Yankees have won seven World Series.

In select company
Joe Girardi is the first manager to play for and manage the same team to win a World Championship since Billy Martin in 1977.

"The joy is the same, but it's a different type of joy," Girardi said. "As a player it's what you dream about ever since you were a little boy. As a manager you still have that joy, but the joy is for other people because you know as a player what it takes to win a championship."

Crazy scene on the field (it's 3:11 a.m. as I write this). Yankees employees are running the bases and whooping it up. The rest of New York can join in on Friday when the parade down the Canyon of Heroes begins at 11 a.m.

The old lady across the street

2009-11-04T20:49:54Z

By Jon Lane
She spoke and people listened for 85 years. She's dark and empty, and soon will no longer be with us, yet she still speaks with conviction.

I heard her voice stuck in traffic on the Major Deegan, on the exit ramp and emerging from the parking garage. It was then she said it: "They're taking it tonight."

Yankees in 6. The new place is quiet at the moment, but the buzz is palpable. It doesn't guarantee winning or losing, but fate and karma has played huge role in the Yankees' 2009 regular season. The old lady is demanding she be heard one last time.

_______________________

Joe Girardi is meeting the media in five minutes. Figure on him announcing the lineups - Nick Swisher or Jerry Hairston Jr. in right field is the only suspense - along with sharing more thoughts about being in position to win it all and answering for the thousandth time why he's starting Andy Pettitte on three days' rest and how long Mariano Rivera can go.

UPDATE: Swisher is in right. Girardi's been fielding questions on going with his season-long starter, clinching at home, Mark Teixeira's slump and A.J. Burnett's availability (yes in an emergency).

On the iPod en route to the Bronx: A block of Judas Priest, the ideal band to get you pumped up. Now playing: Tommy Bolin's "Wild Dogs," another great tune to get one in the zone.

Back with a whole lot more later.

4:42 p.m. Quick hits from Girardi's pregame press conference:

On the chance to win a World Series at home:
I think any time you get a chance to close it out in front of your own fans, it's special, especially being the first year at the Stadium and what it would mean to the Steinbrenner family and the Yankee organization and all the people of New York. I've been on championship teams where we've won it at home and where we've won it on the road. And it seems to be a little bit louder and crazier when you do it at home.

On the decision to start Swisher over Hairston
"Swish has been our everyday right fielder. We thought it was important that Swish just sit down for a day. His at bats have been very good since we sat him down. We don't always look at how many hits you get. We look at the at bats, and does the hit the ball hard, and does he square ball up and is he seeing pitches? That's what we look at.

"Swish has been our everyday right fielder, and that's what we're doing."

On being second-guessed:
"Well, as far as that, that pretty much happens a lot year in New York during the regular season, as well, so you get kind of used to it.

"The interesting thing about what people were calling second guessing that I've always thought is curious is they don't know if their idea would have worked. Everyone makes the assumption that it would have worked. We base our decisions on a lot of preparation, a lot of discussion. We don't do anything where we just pull something off the wall and with the intent of it working.

"The one thing about baseball and in life, every decision is not going to go according to plan, and you have to deal with it and you have to answer for it, and you understand that here."

On the Yankees' Core Four:
"They understand the moment, they know how to handle the moment. They've been through it and can share their experiences with others. They know that they're not going to be fazed by the situation because they've been through it so many times together. So I mean, we like having that. And I'm sure they like having what they went through last year together as a club.

"Experience is important."

7:36 p.m. Settled into my spot in Section 405. No pregame news to discuss. Let's face it, the talking is over and everyone is psyched for first pitch. Just now I heard the first chants of "Who's your daddy?" (and that's old and weathered, too). While paying for dinner at the NY Grill, Margaret the cashier was wearing her collection of World Championship pins. I asked if she has room for a new one if it comes down to it. She said her guy has one ready and waiting, just for her.

7:50 p.m. Mary J. Blige gave a beautiful rendition of our national anthem before Scott Brosius threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

7:58 p.m. Andy Pettitte's first pitch is a ball to Jimmy Rollins. The game-time temperature is 47 degrees.

8:02 p.m. Great start for Pettitte. He needed eight pitches to retire the Phillies after getting the red-hot Chase Utley to ground into a double play. Right now the Stadium is playing a highlight montage to Metallica's "Seek and Destroy." It's their best one yet.

8:24 p.m. Another good inning for Pettitte. It got slightly hairy when he threw a wild pitch to Pedro Feliz with two out that advanced Jayson Werth to second base. Feliz popped the next pitch behind home plate where Jorge Posada made the catch.

Pedro Martinez looked sharp early too. Wishful thinking suggested the Yankees pound him early, but you know he's not going down without a fight.

8:34 p.m. Godzilla goes boom! 2-0, Yankees off Hideki Matsui's third homer of the 2009 World Series, fourth of this postseason and 10th of his career. The joint is jumping. Pedro's hearing it now.

Matsui's World Series numbers so far: .600, 4 HR, 9 RBIs. The Yankees want to free up the DH spot, but it's going to be very tough to not re-sign him.

8:39 p.m. 2-0, Yankees after two. There's a long, long way to go, but Pettitte is a guy you feel comfortable with protecting a lead.

8:48 p.m. Well, Carlos Ruiz tripled and scored on Jimmy Rollins' sacrifice fly. It could have been a lot worse. To reiterate, there's a long, long way to go.

9:10 p.m. Two more runs plated by Matsui, now .636-4-11 in the World Series. This was bigger than his home run because it came with two out and after A-Rod was caught looking. Godzilla is making a serious case for both Series MVP - despite not starting three games - and to play in the Bronx for another season.

Pedro, by the way, has thrown 62 pitches. His night may be over. Jerry Hairston Jr. meanwhile, is now in left. Uh-oh.

Memo to Pettitte: You have a three-run lead. Do what you do.

9:17 p.m. Damon has a strained right calf. He probably did it coming home to score.

9:24 p.m. Pettitte works out of trouble again. He's been walking a tightrope and is at 62 pitches after four innings. I'm wondering more and more whether Girardi will deploy Rivera in the seventh.The lefty was livid with plate umpire Joe West, BTW. West's strike zone is tight enough. Probably not the best idea to tick him off.

9:43 p.m. Yankees ahead 4-1 going into the bottom of the fifth. Anticipation reached another level when Pettitte retired Jimmy Rollins on an inning-ending double play. He has enough for two more innings to get it to Rivera.

9:48 p.m. Tex breaks through with an RBI single. 5-1, Yankees. Fans starting to smell it, but still a ways to go.

9:57 p.m. Matsui - again. That's six RBIs and for the first time I felt this place shake. He's tied a World Series record (Bobby Richardson, Oct. 8, 1960, Game 3 WS).

10:10 p.m. Fans chanting "Andy Pettitte!" Nice touch. Who knows what his future will be if the Yankees seal it?

10:11 p.m. The beast has awakened. Ryan Howard's two-run homer makes it 7-3. Yogi is a genius.

10:14 p.m. Raul Ibanez's double ends Pettitte's night. The lefty sprinted to the dugout and tipped his cap. It's Joba time with two out in the sixth.

10:19 p.m. Joba cleans up. Nine outs to go, three to get to Rivera. I don't care if the Yankees blast J.A. Happ to make it 10-3. Lock it down.

10:47 p.m. Not Joba Version 2007, but he gets two outs. Girardi doing anything and everything to give Rivera a lead in the eighth, which means Damaso Marte is in to face Chase Utley with two on. Marte's been flawless since Game 2 of the Division Series, but still hold your breath.

10:50 p.m. Good morning. Good afternoon. Good night. Marte does his job. Six Mariano Rivera outs to go.

10:54 p.m Game 6 attendance: 50,315 - including Kate Hudson. A new Yankee Stadium high.

11:06 p.m. Godzilla is human, yet if he doesn't bat again he'll finish with a .615 batting average in the 2009 World Series. That is insane.

11:10 p.m. Marte will pitch to Howard to open the eighth before Rivera opens for business. Makes sense.

11:14 p.m. Give Marte a ton of credit. He was an afterthought for much of the season after starting poorly and landing on the DL. He whiffs Howard (13 Ks in the WS) and gets a nice ovation. Five outs to go and the place is going nuts for Rivera. I'm headed downstairs to get in postseason position.

11:25 p.m. Three to go.

1:45 a.m. Finally back from the crazy party in the clubhouse. A TON of ground to cover. The old lady had her say.

World Series Game 6: Lineups

2009-11-04T20:45:13Z

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

Pitching: Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16)

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

Pitching: Pedro Martinez (5-1, 3.63)

Close the deal

2009-11-04T15:15:23Z

By Jon Lane
I started covering the Yankees regularly in 2003, preceded by two seasons (1997 and 1998) for a magazine when I wasn't as immersed in the daily grind. The last time the Yankees won it all was 2000 when Mike Piazza's loud out put a scare into Yankees Nation before it landed safely in Bernie Williams' glove. That was at Shea Stadium. The last time the Yankees celebrated a World Championship on their turf - the original Yankee Stadium - was 1999 after completing a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves.

In the nine years since Shea it's been near-misses, heartache and high hopes smashed to pieces. We've had to endure Kevin Brown, Carl Pavano, Tony Womack, Kenny Lofton, Angry Randy Johnson ... I've probably left out a few. Fans have all shared in the pain of bitter disappointment and another year of waiting.

Okay, 26 World Championships will never be matched and will always be cherished. But the Boston Celtics never stopped compiling championship trophies. Neither did the Montreal Canadiens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Los Angeles Lakers or John Wooden's UCLA Bruins. Outsiders like to view dynasties and institutions with scorn; fans appreciate it and always leave room for more.

The Yankees have won 113 games, more than anybody in Major League Baseball. They have to win one more. If they don't, 113 wins mean nothing and the Phillies will deserve the accolades that come with being a repeat champion, and their fans will have earned the right to brag.

Tonight is Game 6. The hell with the safety net. The Yankees need to get it done - and it's your chance to implore them to close the deal. Show Philadelphia that New York is louder, prouder, crazier. Don't fret over the chance of a Game 7 or how you may wake up tomorrow with laryngitis.

Of course, how the Yankees respond is totally out of your control, but the illusion of influencing the outcome by superstition and prayer is part of being a fan, and there are things the Yankees can control to put them in position to finally finish the Phighting Phillies:

• Leave no doubt: The great Pedro Martinez stands in the way one more time. As always he arrived with bravado and will take the ball with confidence.

"Everybody that grows up in the Dominican and didn't have a rich life is a survivor," Martinez said during Tuesday's media conference. "And in baseball I'm a survivor. I'm someone that wasn't meant to be, and here I am on one big stage."

You can hate him if that's your prerogative, but Martinez demands your respect. That said, there's no stopping you from giving him an enemy's welcome, writes Benjamin Kabak, one of our friends from River Ave. Blues. There's been debate over Andy Pettitte starting on three days' rest and the possible usage of Mariano Rivera for more than two innings. The Yankees' offense can eliminate those seeds - and keep stress levels at a minimum - by pounding Pedro early and feasting on the Phillies' weak bullpen.

• If Chad Gaudin had started Game 5 and gotten lit up, many would be screaming at Joe Girardi about why he didn't go for the kill with A.J. Burnett. It's the nature of this beast, and now that we're at Game 6, give Girardi a break. You want Pettitte on the mound tonight - period. He's 3-0 with a 3.24 ERA in four postseason starts, and tops baseball's charts with 17 playoff wins and five series-clinching victories.

"He's done it the whole year, but there's something about the postseason that makes him rise to the occasion," Burnett told reporters on Tuesday. "I think we're going to be all right."

While Pettitte hasn't gone on short rest since his final start of the 2006 season, he also had at least one extra day's rest over his final eight starts of 2009. The extra rest has made a world of difference for CC Sabathia. It will help Pettitte.

"I would think that he's rested," Girardi said. "That we haven't had to overwork him the last two months, that's probably why he feels extremely well."

(Here are links to videos of the full press conferences with Pettitte and Girardi.)

• Provided the bats don't blow away Pedro or the Phillies' bullpen, and if Pettitte and the Yankees take a close lead into the seventh inning, lock it down. I don't always agree with Mike Francesa, but Rivera's had two days rest and probably won't throw again until February. Ride that final leg with the greatest closer ever.

"Hopefully, we don't need it," Rivera said. "We will have to do whatever it takes to win the game. It's a big game for us."

Rivera's ERA this postseason is 0.63 ERA in 11 outings (one run, nine hits in 14 1/3 innings). Opponents are batting .176 against him. He's saved 39 postseason games and closed out 14 clinchers. Convinced?

Talk to you tonight. If you can get to Yankee Stadium early, here's a rundown of the festivities:

4:50 p.m. - 5:50 p.m. Yankees take BP

5:00 p.m. Gates Open

5:50 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. Phillies take BP

7:35 p.m. Lineups Announced

7:45 p.m. Presentation of Colors: United States Coast Guard Color Guard

7:46 p.m. National Anthem: Mary J. Blige

7:49 p.m. Ceremonial First Pitch

7:51 p.m. Game Ball Delivered to Mound - Boys and Girls Clubs of America

7:52 p.m. Umpires and Managers to Home Plate

7:55 p.m. Yankees Take the Field

7:57 p.m. First Pitch

Can't forget about Mo

2009-11-03T18:28:09Z

By Jon Lane
I neglected to add one important name to my World Series MVP discussion. I listed Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez, and was remiss to have left out Mariano Rivera.

Rivera has been flawless in the World Series with two saves, including a six-out effort in Game 2. His ERA this postseason is 0.63 and lifetime it's 0.76.

Mike Francesa hammered the "I was right and the Yankees should have started Chad Gaudin in Game 5" theme into the ground. He went as far to suggest Rivera pitch the final three innings if Andy Pettitte and the Yankees hand him the lead. Debatable, but not far-fetched and not a bad idea, and he was spot on with this statement: Rivera is the one sure thing on both sides.

It's obviously easier said than done, but here's what the Yankees need more than anything: Light up Pedro Martinez early, leave no doubt and get 50,000-plus people ready to party.

Still one more for No. 27

2009-11-03T16:59:23Z

By Jon Lane
Of course, there's uproar over the fact that the Yankees actually lost a game, this one Game 5 to the defending World Series champions, and Joe Girardi's decision to start A.J. Burnett on three days' rest instead of Chad Gaudin.

Take your imaginary scale and place it in front of you. Then weigh these options in a potential World Championship-clinching game: Burnett or Gaudin? Gaudin or Burnett?

I addressed your comments in my previous entry - great feedback, by the way, so keep it coming. Girardi's over-managed at times and has made some strange moves, but I stand by him in this case. You win and lose with your best. Burnett didn't lose that game because he pitched on three days' rest. He lost because he's an enigma and the Phillies were bound to bust out. I also refer to what Robin Roberts told a Philly reporter before Game 5: In his days starting on as little as 24 hours rest was nothing.

Yep, the Yankees are in serious trouble, just like when they were ahead 3-2 against the Angels in the ALCS after losing Game 5 and everyone had flashbacks to 2004. Chill. The Yankees took two of three in Philadelphia against the champs and have two chances to win it at home. They still need one win to win it all and have Andy Pettitte - owner of the most series-clinching wins in history - likely going in Game 6. You'll take that, right?

Short rest or not, you like the Yankees' chances, even against the amazing Pedro Martinez. Pettitte is 4-6 with a 4.15 ERA in his career working on three days' rest. The last time he did it was 2006 in Houston (1-1, 3.79.).

Last I checked Burnett was 4-0, 2.33 prior to Game 5. Studying the numbers helps one make a decision, but in the big picture they mean nothing.

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Here's yet another reason why it's not 2004 - or even 2003. The Yankees' winning percentage at home was a league-best .704. They outscored opponents by 101 runs and hit 136 of their 244 home runs in the new place. You'd also have to go back to September 11 and 12 (Orioles), and June 17 and 18 (Nationals) for the last times they lost two straight at Yankee Stadium.

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If the Yankees wrap it up Wednesday night, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Alex Rodriguez are, for my money, the team's top MVP candidates. Jeter's double-play grounder in the ninth was one of the final nails of Game 5, but he's still batting .364 in the World Series. Damon is batting .381 and his two stolen bases in Game 4 is another part of Yankees lore. And since starting his first Fall Classic 0-for-8 with six strikeouts, A-Rod homered in Game 3 and totaled four RBIs in Games 4 and 5. One more big hit in Game 6 can seal it for the Yankees' third baseman.

What Rodriguez is doing is more remarkable considering that Mark Teixeira has been terrible. Teixeira is 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts, including his game-ender as the tying run Monday night. In the postseason, Teixeira is batting .172 (10-for-58) with 16 strikeouts.

More troubling is Robinson Cano's .167 average, which is tied with Nick Swisher for the team low, and his ridiculous struggles with runners on base have continued (1-for-10, one RBI). Swisher was benched for Jerry Hairston Jr. in Game 2. As one reader suggested, does Girardi gulp and bench Cano, a .320 hitter in the regular season, for Ramiro Pena, added to the World Series roster on Monday?

I wouldn't, but Bill Madden reminded us of 1978 when the little-known Brian Doyle replaced the injured Willie Randolph late in the season and batted .438 against the Dodgers.

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Chase Utley is the Phillies' MVP to date; his five home runs is tied with Reggie Jackson (1977) for the World Series record. But despite the Game 5 win, the Phillies have issues.

If Martinez can get them through Game 6, the big debate in Philadelphia is who starts a Game 7: Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels or J.A. Happ? Hamels has taken some unfair flack for his "I can't wait for it to end. It's been mentally draining. At year's end, you just can't wait for a fresh start." (Disclaimer: He said this after saying he'd want the ball in a potential Game 7.) However, the city - and reportedly Brett Myers - is down on him and, let's face it, Hamels has been hideous. Happ hasn't started since September 29 (more perspective to the Burnett-Gaudin debate).

Lee would pitch on two days' rest, but Thursday is his scheduled throw day, so my guess is the Phillies got with their ace left-hander and empty the bullpen from there.

Furthermore, who's Charlie Manuel's closer? Ryan Madson started the ninth inning of Game 5 with Brad Lidge on the bench. Madson got it done, but barely. Neither inspire confidence in big spots.