YANKEE NOTES
With the first shovel going into the ground today on the site of the new Yankee Stadium, Mariano Rivera was emphatic about his desire to work there in 2009.
“I would love to pitch in the new Stadium,” Rivera said before last night’s game against the Orioles at the Stadium. “I could retire after that.” Since Rivera’s 2007 option for $10.5 million recently vested, he is a signed player for next season. That means he needs two more years in pinstripes to pitch in the new park.
“Maybe after the season, we will see what comes up,” Rivera said about an extension that would take him through the 2009 season.
Rivera, who posted his 31st save in 34 chances last night, has recorded 30 or more saves in four straight seasons and nine of the last 10. His 410 saves are fourth on the all-time list.
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Alex Rodriguez on his 21st error, a boot of a sure double play ball that would have ended the sixth when the O’s scored two runs instead of one:
“That’s a play I need to make,” said A-Rod, who was charged with a throwing error after bobbling the ball and losing a chance for two.
His 21st error came a sure double-play ball that would have ended the sixth when the O’s scored two runs instead of one. “I have been working on that play [to the left] and that makes it frustrating.”
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There is a strong chance the Yankees will juggle their pitching staff for the double-header Friday in Boston that starts a fivegame series at Fenway Park.
“We could do a number of things,” GM Brian Cashman said.
Joe Torre indicated the Yankees will likely make a move. And that could come after the first game Friday depending how much of the bullpen he uses in ChienMing Wang’s start.
Jeff Karstens was removed from last night’s Columbus (Triple-A) game after one inning and 12 pitches. Clippers manager Dave Miley offered a no comment when asked about the move, so Karstens, a 23year-old right-hander who has made 14 starts (5-5), is an option.
Or if the Yankees needed Sidney Ponson to pitch relief before Friday – he is penciled in to start Game 2 – they could elevate a starter from Columbus.
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Gary Sheffield visits Dr. Charles Melone today. Though Sheffield remains optimistic his surgically repaired left hand is progressing, he doesn’t expect to receive permission to start swinging a bat.
“I don’t think it’s wise to do that,” said Sheffield, who is working out at first base during batting practice. “I am a lot farther along than expected but at the same time I am cautiously optimistic.”
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Torre told Bernie Williams to give him a little more time to get the “lay of the land” regarding Williams’ playing time.
“With Randy [Johnson] and Mike [Mussina] I was more comfortable with defense,” Torre said of his last two starters. “That leaves Bernie out of the mix with [Bobby] Abreu in the outfield and [Craig] Wilson at first base.” Torre said Williams will play today and is pondering giving Johnny Damon or Abreu a day off or using one of them as the DH.
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Carl Pavano made a minor league rehab start for Tampa (Single-A) last night against Brevard. In four shutout innings he allowed one hit, a walk and fanned five … Torre said reliever Octavio Dotel , who threw an inning for Columbus (Triple-A) Monday night is “getting real close.” But Torre explained he hasn’t been told that Dotel needs one more outing before being ready for the majors.