Posted by: Michael
Hideki Matsui's 2-run homer in the seventh inning helped the Yankees to avoid a sweep by the Angels. Matsui's homer was his 17th of the year and came at a crucial time. The Yanks were trailing 1-0 in a pitching duel between Mike Mussina and Jarrod Washburn for the Angels. The Moose only gave up that one run in the 1st inning, and it was a manufactured one at that.
The Angels threatened in the bottom of the seventh with two men on and one out, Erstad hit the ball directly to A-Rod who was covering the base. A-Rod stepped on the bag and threw the first for the inning-ending double play. They also threatened in the eighth against Tom Gordon, who was relieved by Mariano Rivera. Rivera was able to make short work of Maicer Izturis by making him hit into another inning-ending double-play. Mo pitched a scoreless ninth, and obtained his 25th save of the season.
By winning todays game, the Yankees pulled to within 1.5 games behind Boston. The Yanks were 6-5 on this road trip, and by the high caliber teams played with most of their starting pitching hurt, the Yankees should clearly see this as a positive.
Next game is Tuesday night back home at the Stadium. The Yankees Randy Johnson (10-6, 4.18 ERA) takes on the Twins Brad Radke (6-9, 3.92 ERA).
The Angels threatened in the bottom of the seventh with two men on and one out, Erstad hit the ball directly to A-Rod who was covering the base. A-Rod stepped on the bag and threw the first for the inning-ending double play. They also threatened in the eighth against Tom Gordon, who was relieved by Mariano Rivera. Rivera was able to make short work of Maicer Izturis by making him hit into another inning-ending double-play. Mo pitched a scoreless ninth, and obtained his 25th save of the season.
By winning todays game, the Yankees pulled to within 1.5 games behind Boston. The Yanks were 6-5 on this road trip, and by the high caliber teams played with most of their starting pitching hurt, the Yankees should clearly see this as a positive.
Next game is Tuesday night back home at the Stadium. The Yankees Randy Johnson (10-6, 4.18 ERA) takes on the Twins Brad Radke (6-9, 3.92 ERA).
Posted by: Patrick
We score 6 runs, the bullpen allows just 1 ER over 4 and 2/3 innings and we lose. Kevin Brown allowed 7 ER in just 3 and 1/3 innings. Ouch. He walked 4 guys and allowed 6 hits.
The Yankees offense put together 12 hits and 3 walks, led by Derek Jeter who went 4 for 4 with 1 HR, 1 RBI and 2 R. Sheffield and Tino had 2 hit days with the 7th (Posada, who walked once) and 9th (Crosby and Bernie) being the only lineup slots to go hitless. Giambi homered again (and led the team with 2 RBI), so he's got 5 HRs in his last 4 games and 11 in July. Cano added his 8th home run (Jeter and him had back to back solo shots) and an RBI of his own.
The Yankees had the lead at two seperate points early (1st and 3rd innings), but Brown's performance was just too much for them to overcome. But, as I said, the pen allowed just 1 ER over 4 and 2/3, which is encouraging. Felix Rodriguez had another solid performance, going 1 and 1/3, allowing 0 ER. Groom, Small and Gordon each pitched 1 inning, none of them surrendering a run. The lone run came off of Alex Graman in the 1/3 of an inning that he pitched. He came in in the 4th with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Unfortunately, 3 runs were scored (2 charged to Brown) before he was pulled for F-Rod, who got them out of the inning.
I'm against trading Felix Rodriguez (well, unless its for someone really good, of course). I think we should keep him and pitch him as the 4th option, for better or for worse and see how it works.
We'll try to avoid the 4 game sweep today. Moose (9-5, 3.95) goes against Washburn (6-5, 3.27).
The Yankees offense put together 12 hits and 3 walks, led by Derek Jeter who went 4 for 4 with 1 HR, 1 RBI and 2 R. Sheffield and Tino had 2 hit days with the 7th (Posada, who walked once) and 9th (Crosby and Bernie) being the only lineup slots to go hitless. Giambi homered again (and led the team with 2 RBI), so he's got 5 HRs in his last 4 games and 11 in July. Cano added his 8th home run (Jeter and him had back to back solo shots) and an RBI of his own.
The Yankees had the lead at two seperate points early (1st and 3rd innings), but Brown's performance was just too much for them to overcome. But, as I said, the pen allowed just 1 ER over 4 and 2/3, which is encouraging. Felix Rodriguez had another solid performance, going 1 and 1/3, allowing 0 ER. Groom, Small and Gordon each pitched 1 inning, none of them surrendering a run. The lone run came off of Alex Graman in the 1/3 of an inning that he pitched. He came in in the 4th with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Unfortunately, 3 runs were scored (2 charged to Brown) before he was pulled for F-Rod, who got them out of the inning.
I'm against trading Felix Rodriguez (well, unless its for someone really good, of course). I think we should keep him and pitch him as the 4th option, for better or for worse and see how it works.
We'll try to avoid the 4 game sweep today. Moose (9-5, 3.95) goes against Washburn (6-5, 3.27).
07/23: Angels Top Yankees 6-3
Posted by: Patrick
Al Leiter went 6 innings allowing 6 ER off 10 hits in his second start as a Yankee. That was all the Angels would get as Scott Proctor provided 2 innings of scoreless relief to close the ballgame.
Unfortunately, the Angels held the Yankees to 3 runs on 7 hits with A-Rod and Cano each collecting 2 hits. Cano, Matsui and Giambi each had 1 RBI while Jeter, Cano and A-Rod each scored 1 run. Jeter, Sheffield, Posada and Crosby/Martinez (the 9th spot) went hitless. Cano is now hitting .309 and is on an 11 game hit streak.
We find ourselves 1.5 games back of the Red Sox in the division and 1 game back of the Twins (who we'll open a 3 game set with in a couple days) in the wild card. Kevin Brown (4-6, 5.91) faces Ervin Santana tonight (4-4, 5.66). The Yankees pen is rested.
Unfortunately, the Angels held the Yankees to 3 runs on 7 hits with A-Rod and Cano each collecting 2 hits. Cano, Matsui and Giambi each had 1 RBI while Jeter, Cano and A-Rod each scored 1 run. Jeter, Sheffield, Posada and Crosby/Martinez (the 9th spot) went hitless. Cano is now hitting .309 and is on an 11 game hit streak.
We find ourselves 1.5 games back of the Red Sox in the division and 1 game back of the Twins (who we'll open a 3 game set with in a couple days) in the wild card. Kevin Brown (4-6, 5.91) faces Ervin Santana tonight (4-4, 5.66). The Yankees pen is rested.
07/22: Don Mattingly - Hit Man
Posted by: Patrick
I've never seen that before (that I can recall) up until a few minutes ago. I imagine some of you have, though. I was browsing around MLB.com and saw one on auction autographed and I thought... how freaking cool is that? Pretty neat blast from the past. So, a little searching turned up this image, care of DonMattingly.com.
When I strike it rich, I'll be sure to buy one.
Posted by: Michael
The Yanks started the game very solid. Jeter, who at the time of his first plate apperance was in a 3-32 hitting slump, lofted the ball over Vladimir Guerrero's outstretched glove for a triple. Robinson Cano then promptly brought him in on a soft line drive to center. After Sheffield hit into a double-play, A-Rod smacked his 27th homer of the season and the Yankees took a 2-0 lead.
After A-Rod's homer, Giambi had another two home run game to bring his total for the year up to 15. Matsui added another homer, his 16th of the year, in the seventh inning.
Randy Johnson pitched 6 innings. He started sharp, but started to lose control in the sixth. Bengie Molina hit a ground-rule double in the sixth after a fan touched the ball. Garret Anderson would have scored from third to tie the game. The fan was escorted out of the stadium giving high-fives to fellow Yankee fans. Apparently he was pulling for the Bombers too. Randy Johnson continued to pitch after this, and slipped on the mound. He was checked out, confirmed to be ok, and was left out there to get Steve Finley to ground out to Giambi to end the inning.
That was all for Randy Johnson, as Scott Proctor came into the game to start the seventh. He just couldn't throw strikes and was quickly pulled in favor of Buddy Groom. The Angels got two more on base and Groom struck out Erstad. With the bases loaded, Torre pulled Groom with one out for Tom Gordon. Tom Gordon promptly gave up a grand slam to Vladimir Guerrero. It was Vlad's second career grand slam. Gordon was furious at himself. Michael Kay brought up the fact that Gordon might not have had sufficient time to warm up. Regardless, the Angels took at 6-5 lead and never looked back.
The Yanks threatened in the 9th with A-Rod hitting a double against K-Rod. Matsui moved A-Rod to third on a sac fly to center. Giambi struck out. Williams walked to have men at the corners. Then pinch-hitter Posada grounded out to second to end the game.
An exciting game to say the least. Even though the Yankees lost, Giambi had a great day at the plate hitting those two home runs. The bullpen has continued to struggle. Let's hope they find just one more middle-relief guy to get them to Tanyon, Tom and Mo.
Tomorrow the Yanks take on the Angels again at 10:05 et. Al Leiter (4-7, 1-0 as a Yankee) 6.25 ERA against John Lackey (7-4) 3.97 ERA. Should be an impressive matchup.
After A-Rod's homer, Giambi had another two home run game to bring his total for the year up to 15. Matsui added another homer, his 16th of the year, in the seventh inning.
Randy Johnson pitched 6 innings. He started sharp, but started to lose control in the sixth. Bengie Molina hit a ground-rule double in the sixth after a fan touched the ball. Garret Anderson would have scored from third to tie the game. The fan was escorted out of the stadium giving high-fives to fellow Yankee fans. Apparently he was pulling for the Bombers too. Randy Johnson continued to pitch after this, and slipped on the mound. He was checked out, confirmed to be ok, and was left out there to get Steve Finley to ground out to Giambi to end the inning.
That was all for Randy Johnson, as Scott Proctor came into the game to start the seventh. He just couldn't throw strikes and was quickly pulled in favor of Buddy Groom. The Angels got two more on base and Groom struck out Erstad. With the bases loaded, Torre pulled Groom with one out for Tom Gordon. Tom Gordon promptly gave up a grand slam to Vladimir Guerrero. It was Vlad's second career grand slam. Gordon was furious at himself. Michael Kay brought up the fact that Gordon might not have had sufficient time to warm up. Regardless, the Angels took at 6-5 lead and never looked back.
The Yanks threatened in the 9th with A-Rod hitting a double against K-Rod. Matsui moved A-Rod to third on a sac fly to center. Giambi struck out. Williams walked to have men at the corners. Then pinch-hitter Posada grounded out to second to end the game.
An exciting game to say the least. Even though the Yankees lost, Giambi had a great day at the plate hitting those two home runs. The bullpen has continued to struggle. Let's hope they find just one more middle-relief guy to get them to Tanyon, Tom and Mo.
Tomorrow the Yanks take on the Angels again at 10:05 et. Al Leiter (4-7, 1-0 as a Yankee) 6.25 ERA against John Lackey (7-4) 3.97 ERA. Should be an impressive matchup.
07/21: Latest Trade Rumblings
Posted by: Patrick
The latest in trade rumblings, according to various articles:
The rumor of the Marlins being interested in sending A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell (where would he play, anyway?) to the Yankees for Carl Pavano and Felix Rodriguez was "quickly shot down" and "seemed more like an attempt by the Marlins to shake up the Orioles." The Red Sox may land him by dealing Bill Mueller and Kevin Millar to the Twins for J.C. Romero and Joe Mays and then packaging Mays with Bronson Arrojo in exchange for Burnett and Lowell.
The Yankees talks with the Rangers about Soriano (who might be interested in switching to center field) have been "unproductive."
The Yankees "had" interest in Tike Redman, but discussions with the Pirates were "unproductive."
We are also interested/may be interested in Randy Winn, Eric Byrnes (but the Rockies demands are "too high at this point" and the Yankees interest has been "overstated, according to officials with both teams"), Chip Ambres, Emil Brown, David DeJesus, Shawn Chacon ("lukewarm at best") and Kent Mercker.
The Marlins are "not believed" to be interested in dealing Juan Pierre (Blast!).
Via the New York Daily News (again), The Star Ledger, the Rocky Mountain News and The Cincinnati Enquirer via Pro Sports Daily.
The rumor of the Marlins being interested in sending A.J. Burnett and Mike Lowell (where would he play, anyway?) to the Yankees for Carl Pavano and Felix Rodriguez was "quickly shot down" and "seemed more like an attempt by the Marlins to shake up the Orioles." The Red Sox may land him by dealing Bill Mueller and Kevin Millar to the Twins for J.C. Romero and Joe Mays and then packaging Mays with Bronson Arrojo in exchange for Burnett and Lowell.
The Yankees talks with the Rangers about Soriano (who might be interested in switching to center field) have been "unproductive."
The Yankees "had" interest in Tike Redman, but discussions with the Pirates were "unproductive."
We are also interested/may be interested in Randy Winn, Eric Byrnes (but the Rockies demands are "too high at this point" and the Yankees interest has been "overstated, according to officials with both teams"), Chip Ambres, Emil Brown, David DeJesus, Shawn Chacon ("lukewarm at best") and Kent Mercker.
The Marlins are "not believed" to be interested in dealing Juan Pierre (Blast!).
Via the New York Daily News (again), The Star Ledger, the Rocky Mountain News and The Cincinnati Enquirer via Pro Sports Daily.
Posted by: Seamus
When you mix hot humid air with the best home run ballpark in the American League, add a touch of the Yankees' hot bats with just the right amount of mediocre pitching, you have the recipe for a very long night for Rangers' pitching coach Orel Hershiser. The Yankees touched the Rangers' staff up for six home runs last night as they won the rubber game of a three-game set in Texas by a score of 8 to 4. Jason Giambi and Tino Martinez each hit two, and Jorge Posada and Robinson Cano also homered.
What's almost forgotten in this game was a very effective performance by emergency starter Aaron Small, who made his first Major League start since 1996. Small looked very comfortable on the mound, allowing three runs on five hits in 5 and 1/3. He gave us more than Joe Torre could have asked for against one of the best lineups in baseball.
The bullpen got the job done again last night, allowing only one run in 4 and 2/3 innings. The combination of Tanyon Sturtze, Tom Gordon, and Mariano Rivera ("TanGorMo" as Michael Kay likes to call them) have been nearly flawless lately, although Gordon did allow one run in the 8th. Rivera pitched in a non-save situation, as the Yankees led by four runs when he entered the game.
The most notable performances of last night's game were undoubtedly Jason Giambi and Tino Martinez, who had two homers each. Both were significant because Giambi continues his hot hitting (he has his average up to .284 and his OBP at a sizzling .437), and also because home runs come in bunches as far as Tino Martinez is concerned. It would be great if Tino would get hot right now, especially considering the likely absense of Ruben Sierra for at least the next couple weeks.
The Yankees will be in Anaheim tonight to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (I do believe that's the first time I've ever used that phrase). The Yanks will send Randy Johnson to the hill to face Bartolo Colon in the first game of a four-game set to finish out this 11-game road trip.
What's almost forgotten in this game was a very effective performance by emergency starter Aaron Small, who made his first Major League start since 1996. Small looked very comfortable on the mound, allowing three runs on five hits in 5 and 1/3. He gave us more than Joe Torre could have asked for against one of the best lineups in baseball.
The bullpen got the job done again last night, allowing only one run in 4 and 2/3 innings. The combination of Tanyon Sturtze, Tom Gordon, and Mariano Rivera ("TanGorMo" as Michael Kay likes to call them) have been nearly flawless lately, although Gordon did allow one run in the 8th. Rivera pitched in a non-save situation, as the Yankees led by four runs when he entered the game.
The most notable performances of last night's game were undoubtedly Jason Giambi and Tino Martinez, who had two homers each. Both were significant because Giambi continues his hot hitting (he has his average up to .284 and his OBP at a sizzling .437), and also because home runs come in bunches as far as Tino Martinez is concerned. It would be great if Tino would get hot right now, especially considering the likely absense of Ruben Sierra for at least the next couple weeks.
The Yankees will be in Anaheim tonight to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (I do believe that's the first time I've ever used that phrase). The Yanks will send Randy Johnson to the hill to face Bartolo Colon in the first game of a four-game set to finish out this 11-game road trip.
Posted by: Seamus
For the first time since April 9, the Yankees are in first place as they won a wild and somewhat sloppy 11-10 game at Ameriquest Field in Texas. The struggling Red Sox fell to the Devil Rays 3-1 and the Orioles defeated the Twins in extra innings, meaning the Yankees have a half-game lead over the Red Sox and Orioles for both the division and wild card lead.
The bats came through again last night, as the Yankees got to Ricardo Rodriguez early with 6 runs in the 2nd inning. The Yankees hit another three homers (Posada, Sheffield, Matsui), giving them 29 in their last 11 games. They needed all the offense they could get tonight, because the pitching just wasn't there. Kevin Brown didn't look good in his return, although I guess that was to be expected because he wasn't even given a rehab start. Scott Proctor and Wayne Franklin also struggled, and an error by Bernie Williams costed us three runs (none of the three runs given up by Franklin were earned). The bullpen settled down though once Tanyon Sturtze entered the ballgame as he retired all 7 batters he faced and Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 24th save of the season.
The key hit of the game came off the bat of Ruben Sierra (not surprised, anyone?) as he launched a single to left-centerfield in the 8th that scored both Sheffield and A-Rod and put the Yankees ahead 11-10. Unfortunately, Sierra had to be helped off the field with a hamstring injury and Joe Torre said he will more than likely be put on the DL. Hopefully it isn't TOO serious because he's been maybe our best clutch hitter this season and we're going to need his bat late in the season if this AL East race goes down to the wire.
Another notable play of this game and a reason Alfonso Soriano is starting to fall out of favor with me a little bit is a ball he hit off the wall in dead centerfield and only got a single out of it. That ball would have been a sure double for Chili Davis in his late years with the Yankees. Soriano is one of the fastest players in baseball. However, the Rangers' second baseman decided to stand in the box for an extra second, take a little walk and watch the ball, thinking he had a home run as he watched the ball in its entire flight until the ball hit the wall. In the next half inning, Derek Jeter stretched a routine single into a double. Figure that.
The Yankees will send Mike Mussina to the mound tonight to face Chan Ho Park. Just for anyone who doesn't know here what the Rangers' lineup can do, Park has an ERA of 5.64 yet he has an 8-4 record. Hopefully the Moose can quiet their bats down a bit.
The bats came through again last night, as the Yankees got to Ricardo Rodriguez early with 6 runs in the 2nd inning. The Yankees hit another three homers (Posada, Sheffield, Matsui), giving them 29 in their last 11 games. They needed all the offense they could get tonight, because the pitching just wasn't there. Kevin Brown didn't look good in his return, although I guess that was to be expected because he wasn't even given a rehab start. Scott Proctor and Wayne Franklin also struggled, and an error by Bernie Williams costed us three runs (none of the three runs given up by Franklin were earned). The bullpen settled down though once Tanyon Sturtze entered the ballgame as he retired all 7 batters he faced and Mariano Rivera pitched a perfect 9th inning for his 24th save of the season.
The key hit of the game came off the bat of Ruben Sierra (not surprised, anyone?) as he launched a single to left-centerfield in the 8th that scored both Sheffield and A-Rod and put the Yankees ahead 11-10. Unfortunately, Sierra had to be helped off the field with a hamstring injury and Joe Torre said he will more than likely be put on the DL. Hopefully it isn't TOO serious because he's been maybe our best clutch hitter this season and we're going to need his bat late in the season if this AL East race goes down to the wire.
Another notable play of this game and a reason Alfonso Soriano is starting to fall out of favor with me a little bit is a ball he hit off the wall in dead centerfield and only got a single out of it. That ball would have been a sure double for Chili Davis in his late years with the Yankees. Soriano is one of the fastest players in baseball. However, the Rangers' second baseman decided to stand in the box for an extra second, take a little walk and watch the ball, thinking he had a home run as he watched the ball in its entire flight until the ball hit the wall. In the next half inning, Derek Jeter stretched a routine single into a double. Figure that.
The Yankees will send Mike Mussina to the mound tonight to face Chan Ho Park. Just for anyone who doesn't know here what the Rangers' lineup can do, Park has an ERA of 5.64 yet he has an 8-4 record. Hopefully the Moose can quiet their bats down a bit.
Posted by: Seamus
Perhaps there is just something in the water in Florida. Al Leiter pitched his first game for the Yankees in 16 years and gave us a dominating performance, giving up a run on only 3 hits in 6 and 1/3. He struck out 8 Red Sox hitters as the Yankees defeated the Red Sox 5-3. The victory moved the Yankees past the Orioles for second place and only a half game behind Boston for the lead in the A.L. East. The Yankees have also moved into a tie with Minnesota for the A.L. wild card lead.
All Yankee runs came by home runs (Sheffield, Posada, and A-Rod). The Red Sox threatened in the bottom of the 9th as Tom Gordon allowed a home run to Manny Ramirez and then walked Kevin Millar before Joe Torre brought in Mariano Rivera. After an errant throw by Cano and two hits, Boston closed the gap to 5-3 before Mo finally settled down and recorded his 23rd save. Both runs scored in the bottom of the 9th were charged to Tom Gordon, so Rivera's ERA dropped to 0.93.
It was great to see Leiter come in and pitch like that against one of the best lineups in baseball when we weren't even sure before Saturday if we had a starter for last night's game. Even though he didn't finish the 7th inning, I'd have to say that last night's performance was one of the best performances by a Yankee starter all year. If he can contribute like this for the remainder of the season, then we're in pretty good shape.
Kevin Brown will return to the rotation tonight as the Yankees open up a three-game series in Texas. The Rangers trail the Yankees by 2 games in the wild card standings.
All Yankee runs came by home runs (Sheffield, Posada, and A-Rod). The Red Sox threatened in the bottom of the 9th as Tom Gordon allowed a home run to Manny Ramirez and then walked Kevin Millar before Joe Torre brought in Mariano Rivera. After an errant throw by Cano and two hits, Boston closed the gap to 5-3 before Mo finally settled down and recorded his 23rd save. Both runs scored in the bottom of the 9th were charged to Tom Gordon, so Rivera's ERA dropped to 0.93.
It was great to see Leiter come in and pitch like that against one of the best lineups in baseball when we weren't even sure before Saturday if we had a starter for last night's game. Even though he didn't finish the 7th inning, I'd have to say that last night's performance was one of the best performances by a Yankee starter all year. If he can contribute like this for the remainder of the season, then we're in pretty good shape.
Kevin Brown will return to the rotation tonight as the Yankees open up a three-game series in Texas. The Rangers trail the Yankees by 2 games in the wild card standings.
Posted by: Seamus
After what was perhaps their worst loss of the season so far, the Yankees responded yesterday afternoon with a 7-4 victory over the archrival Red Sox. The Big Unit wasn't exactly on the top of his game, but he got the job done. Johnson allowed 4 runs on 8 hits and struck out 10 in 6 innings of work. Red Sox' hurler Matt Clement wasn't as good, as he walked 5 batters and gave up 6 runs in only 2 and 2/3 innings.
The bulk of the Yankees' scoring came in the 3rd inning. Clement retired the first two batters but could not find the strike zone all day and it finally caught up to him after he threw behind Gary Sheffield. Sheffield took the next pitch over to the green monster for a double off the wall and Alex Rodriguez followed with a two-run homer. The next four Yankees also reached base, capped off by a two-run double off the left field wall by John Flaherty.
Robinson Cano had another good game at the plate, going 3-5 with 3 singles. Cano has now raised his average to .301. This guy is just a solid hitter and it's amazing to see what he's been able to do at the plate in only his rookie season. He plays like he's been here for years. I guess he's just got that personality. He's very laid back and every time he comes up with a big hit or makes a nice play he acts like he's done in a thousand times before. I think he definitely deserves some serious condideration for Rookie of the Year when the season is over.
Al Leiter will make his 2005 Yankees debut this evening as he takes on Tim Wakefield to finish this four-game set before heading to Texas on Monday.
The bulk of the Yankees' scoring came in the 3rd inning. Clement retired the first two batters but could not find the strike zone all day and it finally caught up to him after he threw behind Gary Sheffield. Sheffield took the next pitch over to the green monster for a double off the wall and Alex Rodriguez followed with a two-run homer. The next four Yankees also reached base, capped off by a two-run double off the left field wall by John Flaherty.
Robinson Cano had another good game at the plate, going 3-5 with 3 singles. Cano has now raised his average to .301. This guy is just a solid hitter and it's amazing to see what he's been able to do at the plate in only his rookie season. He plays like he's been here for years. I guess he's just got that personality. He's very laid back and every time he comes up with a big hit or makes a nice play he acts like he's done in a thousand times before. I think he definitely deserves some serious condideration for Rookie of the Year when the season is over.
Al Leiter will make his 2005 Yankees debut this evening as he takes on Tim Wakefield to finish this four-game set before heading to Texas on Monday.
