New York Yankees

By Chad Jennings It’s about 20 minutes before two in the morning, and the video board at Yankee Stadium is glowing with five words beneath a picture of the World Series trophy: “Boss, this is for you.” As Hank Steinbrenner said tonight, nine years isn’t much of a wait for most franchises, but for a Yankees...

By Josh Thomson The Yankees are on the field, loosening for one or two more games at Yankee Stadium. They’re all here, and all say they are emboldened by taking the field tomorrow night behind Andy Pettitte — even on short rest. A great deal of Joe Girardi’s press conference today dealt with Pettitte. The 37-y...

By Chad Jennings “It’s always good when more guys contribute,” Johnny Damon said. “But Alex really got us going with that home run.” UPDATE: Here’s the Pettitte audio. It’s all good stuff, with a nice payoff at the end when he talks about Derek Jeter nearly catching him on the bases. This one comes highly recomm...

By Sam Borden If you’re interested in the non-pitcher groups. Groups 2 is Matsui, Rodriguez, Teixeira, Swisher and Cabrera. Group 3 is Gardner, Hinske, Hairston, Molina, Cervelli. UPDATE, 5:14 p.m.: Here’s the audio from Andy Pettitte. And here’s the audio from Joe Girardi.

By Chad Jennings Hideki Matsui said his 2003 ALCS double off Pedro Martinez never crossed his mind when he hit his go-ahead home run tonight at Yankee Stadium. At the time, he was down in the count, 1-2, and needed to do something to simply keep the inning alive. He got a curveball and he hammered it.

By Sam Borden A terrific night from A.J. Burnett and another big hit by Hideki Matsui off Pedro Martinez gives the Yankees a 3-1 win and a split of the two games against the Phillies in New York. Back with more from the clubhouse soon. UPDATE, 12:09 a.m.: Initially, the bench told Derek Jeter to bunt in the sevent...

By Sam Borden Not a good beginning for the Yankees, who lose 6-1. Back with the clubhouse report soon. UPDATE, 12:11 a.m.: Pitching coach Dave Eiland just said that Cliff Lee’s performance was “probably the best pitching performance we’ve seen against us all season” and Mark Teixeira said he “wouldn’t di...

By Sam Borden • Andy Pettitte was, of course, calm and collected. Just like in the game. When someone finally asked about career postseason win No. 16, a new record, Pettitte responded as you would expect: “That’s great, but the greatest thing is to pitch this game and get us to another World Series and help...

By Sam Borden Game 6 has been called because of weather. It will be played Sunday at 8:20 p.m. More info to come. UPDATE, 6:45 p.m.: Here’s the release from the Yankees. Major League Baseball has announced that tonight’s game between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium has been postpon...

By Sam Borden YANKEES 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: LHP Andy Pettitte (1-0, 2.84 ERA in postseason) ANGELS Chone Figgins 3B Bobby Abreu RF Torii Hunter CF Vladimir Guerrero DH K...

By Josh Thomson With the forecast calling for a 90 percent chance of rain and the chance of thunderstorms Saturday night, the question was logical. Still, Joe Girardi didn’t hesitate, saying he will pitch Andy Pettitte in Game 6 even if rain pushes it to Sunday.

By Josh Thomson As you can see in the grainy photo above, the Yankees are on the field for this evening’s optional workout. Most players are in attendance, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Robinson Cano, Nick Swisher, Joba Chamberlain, Brett Gardner, and Jerry Hairs...

By Sam Borden Even with that, the Yankees had a chance to book a spot in the World Series but Phil Hughes couldn’t hold a two-run lead. When Joe Girardi was asked if he was concerned about Hughes, he said, “He’s still making pitches. … He missed his spot (to Guerrero). This is the time of year that everything ge...

By Sam Borden Girardi wouldn’t commit to a lineup for Game 5 yet, but it seems likely that Jorge Posada will be on the bench again, with Jose Molina catching and Hideki Matsui at DH. If the Yankees are able to win the series out here, they’ll have nearly a week off before the World Series begins next Wednesda...

By Sam Borden Anyway, I’m here, Chad’s here, the Yankees are here and there’s going to be at least two baseball games at Angels Stadium this week. The Yankees, not surprisingly, canceled their workout today but they did put several folks on a conference call with the media to answer some questions.

By Josh Thomson “I think the whole team played tremendous,” Mariano Rivera said. “This is the way we should play.” Mark Teixeira said Sabathia pitched as well as he had all season. It’s hard to argue. After walking 22 in his first 25 career postseason innings, Sabathia now has one in 14.2 as a Yankee.

By Josh Thomson Whether or not John Lackey belongs among the elite pitchers in baseball lies in the eye of the beholder. He is without question the Angels horse in 2009 and has competed admirably in big games both before and since he started Game 7 of the 2002 World Series.

By Sam Borden Joe Girardi didn’t give many definitive answers during his post-workout media session, so if you’re looking for clarity I wouldn’t recommend the audio posted below. As he said, there are about 48 hours until game time and so there’s still time for decisions to be made. At this point, I’d be s...

By Chad Jennings Is Joba Chamberlain still a reliever for the ALCS? “As of 12:42 on Wednesday, that’s where I’m at,” Chamberlain said. “We’ll just approach it from there.” And then we’ve got Jorge Posada, who talked quite a bit about how the Yankees can limit the Angels running game. Pretty interesting stuff.

By Sam Borden QUIET LUMBER: Despite being up 2-0, the Yankees haven’t gotten much production from the vaunted lineup. Other than A-Rod and Derek Jeter, no Yankee regular is hitting over .300 in the series. Mark Teixiera and Jorge Posada have two hits in the ALDS; Nick Swisher, Melky Cabrera, Hideki Matsu...

By Josh Thomson Joe Girardi: The Yankees won 4-3 in 11 innings, but you knew that. In case you missed them, here are three of the pivotal players in the drama. Joe Girardi: Mark Teixeira, game-winning homer in the 11th: Alex Rodriguez, game-tying homer in the ninth: Thanks for reading, especially to those o...

By Sam Borden UPDATE, 3:36 p.m.: Just something I noticed as I was researching a column for tomorrow: The last time the Yankees started a catcher other than Posada in the playoffs was Oct. 7, 2005, when John Flaherty caught Randy Johnson. How’d it work out then? Johnson allowed five runs and nine hits in thre...

By Josh Thomson The Minnesota manager was also asked about the growing strength of the Yankee ‘pen, now armed with Joba Chamberlain. “They can make a start last six innings,” he said. — Lastly, there was a joint press conference with Jason Kubel and Denard Span. Span said “I don’t think anyone believes in a he...

By Sam Borden YANKEES Jeter SS Damon LF Teixeira 1B Rodriguez 3B Matsui DH Posada C Cano 2B UPDATE, 3:19 p.m.: The Yankees are on the field and, at this moment, the captain, Derek Jeter, is in the cage. Jeter is wearing a gray hooded Yankees sweatshirt and everyone is in sleeves. It could get chilly tonight.

By Sam Borden Joe Girardi just announced that the Yankees will take the series that starts tomorrow and that A.J. Burnett will start Game 2. More soon. UPDATE, 4:36 p.m.: Girardi did not announce his entire roster for the division series but said that Brian Bruney, Sergio Mitre and Ramiro Pena will go to Tampa...

By Josh Thomson Here’s Rodriguez recounting how he joked with Eric Hinske about having one final chance — and how the Rays provided it, walking Mark Teixeira to load the bases and preserve the injured Carlos Pena a share of the AL home run title: Girardi discussed his thoughts about A-Rod’s record-setti...

By Sam Borden The best quote of the postgame locker room came from Joba Chamberlain, when he was asked what he thought about his role on the Yankees postseason roster. “If they want me to fold towels, I’ll fold towels,” Chamberlain said. “I don’t really care. I’ll do anything to win on this team.” Most of the r...

By Peter Abraham Derek Jeter thought it was amusing because it was Swisher. “He’s not going to stop talking about it,” the captain said. But Jorge Posada was not amused. “Nobody was laughing,” he said. “I think today was embarrassing.” Maybe so. But Swisher is hitting .450 and has 10 RBI. Maybe everybody should hav...

By Peter Abraham Brian Cashman likes to say that the Yankees play 162 one-game seasons. Win and it’s a celebration. Lose and it’s a disaster. That’s not how they feel in the clubhouse. But in the outside world, some fans and even some in the media treat ever game like it’s the seventh game of the World Series. Girar...

By Peter Abraham The Yankees confirmed that Joba hit 96 today and was at 95 throughout his start. Counting the game against Team Canada, Chamberlain threw 20 innings this spring and struck out 20. UPDATE, 5:26 p.m.: Here’s Joba talking about his start:

By Peter Abraham The Yankees beat the Twins 5-1 this afternoon. Counting the games against Team USA and Team Canada, the pinstripes are 8-10-1 this spring. The Yankees have won three straight and five of six. The good news today: Jorge Posada caught four innings and said his right shoulder felt fine. He’ll res...

By Peter Abraham Here is Brian Cashman talking about Alex Rodriguez’s bad hip. It’s about 20 minutes: In essence, there were two choices: surgery or rest, rehab and then surgery. The Yankees will try to get him through the season with rest and rehab. A-Rod has been able to play with this injury and play pretty w...

By Peter Abraham Here’s Joe Girardi’s postgame interview. There were mostly baseball questions (Posada, Bruney, Hughes, Melancon) but a few on A-Rod, the crowd reaction to A-Rod and his cousin. It runs for about seven minutes: The Associated Press just reported that the Yankees have ordered A-Rod to kee...

By Peter Abraham Other news: Jorge Posada was in New York today to get his his shoulder checked. He did his throwing program at the Stadium and Cashman said he is progressing well. Mariano Rivera has not yet started his throwing program and will be brought along slowly in spring training. Hideki Matsui will be...

By Peter Abraham Here’s Joe Girardi talking about CC Sabathia, Robbie Cano, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and assorted other topics: Here’s Andy Pettitte talking about his contract situation with the Yankees: Here’s Mariano Rivera talking about his comeback from shoulder surgery:

By Peter Abraham “We’re going to show a lot of love,” he said. “We’re going to need to have somebody to love us back. If somebody loves is back, we’re going to have a deal.” Here’s Brian Cashman’s media session today. He talked about Phil Hughes, Andy Pettitte and other subjects: Cashman said he hopes to cut a deal...

By Peter Abraham The Yankees, he said, plan to upgrade their rotation with experienced pitchers. He thinks Robinson Cano will be fine. He believes Andy Pettitte will return but didn’t sound hopeful about Mike Mussina. He has faith that Jorge Posada will be able to catch 120 games in 2009. He starts his throwin...

By Peter Abraham We want you to take the memories from this stadium, add them to the new memories that come at the new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them along from generation to generation. So on behalf of the entire organization, we want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world.”...

By Peter Abraham Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45) vs. the Boston hitters. Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) vs. the New York hitters. JOBA CHAMBERLAIN UPDATE, 11:55 a.m. * * * * * * UPDATE, 12:39 p.m.: Here is Joe Girardi’s pre-game press conference. Pudge Rodriguez? He’s due, that’s for sure. But if he doesn’t GIDP, Giambi will win it.

By Tim Daloisio Boston Red Sox podcast for MVN Radio Episode 21 where we start with something new and prepare to perform last rites on the Yankees with Cranky Frankie the Yankee. Episode #21 Hosts: Paul Testa, Tim Daloisio Guests: Frank Santorelli (aka Cranky Frankie the Yankee), Yankee Aficionado

By Peter Abraham YANKEES (63-55) Christian LF Jeter SS Abreu RF A. Rodriguez 3B Nady DH Cano 2B Sexson 1B I. Rodriguez C Cabrera CF Ponson RHP Sidney Ponson (7-2, 4.23) vs. the Minnesota hitters. Glen Perkins (8-3, 4.38) vs. the New York hitters. “I put a lineup up,” Girardi said. “Johnny’s played a lot.”

By Peter Abraham and Johnny Damon: UPDATE, 1:59 p.m.: Get this, Brian Cashman attended the New York premiere of The Dark Knight on Monday. Seems that a member of Assistant GM Jean Afterman’s family was involved in the making of the movie (which is great, go see it) so C-Money was in the house with all the celebs.

Join the discussion, weigh in on your mid-season awards and participate via e-mail at thepitch@mvn.com or via phone at 360-450-MVN3. Alex Rodriguez turned down the request to represent the Yankees in their hosted 2008 Home Run Derby in New York. (largodeb/Flickr) As every MLB club closes...

Moments later, after spending a minute in Girardi’s office with the door closed, Jason Latimer of the Yankees’ media relations department relayed the terrible news to us. The Yankee family talks about Murcer (AUDIO): • Alex Rodriguez

By Peter Abraham Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.63) vs. the New York hiters. JOE GIRARDI PRE-GAME AUDIO: Here’s Girardi talking about the lineup, Matsui, Hughes and even … Carl Pavano. Stop the insanity! this If George Steinbrenner had any say, he’d send him to Columbus like the old days.

By Steve Lombardi A Minor League baseball player for the New York Yankees was arrested after refusing to leave a restaurant/bar even after being told he was no longer welcome there. Krum was drafted by New York in 2007 and currently plays outfield for the Staten Island Yankees.

By Steve Lombardi Here Come the Yankees" is the official theme song of the New York Yankees baseball team. They're the New York YANKEES Show them today why you're the YANKEES No other way when you're the YANKEES Wadda ya say we win a brand, new, ballgame

By Brent Nycz Manny Alexander, Mike Spinelli (former Red Sox minor league player), Paxton Crawford, Jeremy Giambi, Josias Manzanillo, Roger Clemens, Mo Vaughn, Chris Donnels, Mike Lansing, Kent Mercker, Mike Stanton, Eric Gagne, Brendan Donnelly, Steve Woodard.

By Anthony Amobi Topics discussed on the podcast… O’s vs Red Sox and Yankees, Week in Review/Nationals Week in Review… Nationals’ roster moves - Wily Mo Pena, Chico sent down to Triple-A Dave Trembley Brian Roberts comments in the Baltimore Sun about fan support… Topics discussed on the podcast… O’s vs R...

The New York Yankees fired their strength and conditioning coach Wednesday following a rash of injuries to the pitching staff that has contributed to the teams poor start.