After losing two straight to the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees’ mission this weekend is simple, according to manager Joe Torre: Get back on track.
“We’ve been able to rebound from some ugly things, and we’ve had some ugly things to rebound from,” he said in his pregame meeting with the media this morning. “I don’t expect any hangovers.”
The Yankees face a short bench going into today’s day-night doubleheader after Andy Phillips tweaked a rib cage muscle during yesterday’s ugly 12-2 loss to the Orioles. Pitching-wise, the Yankees are employing a taxed bullpen already, after Jaret Wright went just three innings yesterday, giving up five runs on just two hits and four walks. Octavio Dotel, activated earlier this week, pitched 2/3 of inning in that game, his second appearance in the last 14 months, and will not be available for either game today, Torre said.
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That puts added pressure on New York starter Chien Ming-Wang to go deep into today’s affair.
“Obviously we’re going to rely on Wang, who has been pretty good as far as giving us length,” Torre said.
Torre summoned the words of Hall of Famer Lindsey Nelson when asked if he preferred day-night or twilight doubleheaders.
“The same guy who invented blow dryers in the bathroom invented the day-night doubleheader.”
Uh…OK.
Torre said Bernie Williams would probably play in the second game tonight with Jason Giambi manning first. Sal Fasano will catch the nightcap. The Yankees will not take batting practice between the two games, and Torre said he would allow the players to leave the ballpark if time allowed.
With a sweep today, the Red Sox would jump into first place in the AL East. This will be the 42nd day-night doubleheader in the history of Fenway Park. The Red Sox are 48-34 all-time in them, sweeping both games 14 times, and splitting 20 times. The last day-nighter Boston swept was back on April 29 against Tampa Bay, when the Red Sox won 4-0 and 7-3 affairs.
Can we all agree on a one-day cease-fire on bashing the ceaseless cell phone use behind home plate — as long as users are placing a pledge to the WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Telethon. Fans can call 877-738-1234 to make a donation, and that number is plastered across the stadium lest you forget it, most prominently front and center on the Green Monster.
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