The LoHud Yankees Blog

Mariano Rivera gave up his first run of 2008 and it cost the Yankees a game. But blame the offense for this one. The pitchers did.

Meanwhile, the guys at the paper forgot to put the Yankees notebook on the web site. I didn’t think it was that bad.

Thanks to the magic of the internet and some cutting and pasting, here’s the story:

Peter Abraham
The Journal News

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. –- Hall of Famer Goose Gossage called Joba Chamberlain yesterday to personally relay the critical comments he has been making about the 22-year-old reliever to the media.

Chamberlain said he appreciated the call but doesn’t plan to dial back the emotion he sometimes shows on the mound.

Gossage told reporters on Monday that Chamberlain shouldn’t pump his fist after strikeouts. “There’s no place for it in the game,” he said.

In an interview with the Bergen Record last week, Gossage was even more critical.

“That’s just not the Yankee way. Let everyone else do that stuff, but not a Yankee,” Gossage said. “What I don’t understand is, the kid’s got the greatest mentor in the world in Mariano (Rivera). He’s one of the leaders of the team, so you’d think it wouldn’t happen on that team.”

Chamberlain said he and Gossage had a “great conversation” and that he respect what the former Yankee said.

“It is what it is. I’m not going to change. He was a man, he called me, he told me where he was coming from and I appreciate it,” Chamberlain said.

“People are going to say stuff to me all the time. The fact of the matter is I got to where I’m at by being who I am. I’m not going to change.”

A-Rod’s workout: Alex Rodriguez draws a crowd, even on a minor-league field at 10:55 a.m.

Five fans, about a dozen prospects and reporters from six New York-area newspapers were on hand to watch Rodriguez run sprints in the outfield, field grounders and take batting practice.

After losing 10 over the fence and running at what he said was 90 percent effort, Rodriguez said he hopes to rejoin the Yankees next week.

“We’re aiming for Tuesday,” he said.

Rodriguez has been on the disabled list since April 30 with a strained right quadriceps. He is eligible to be activated tomorrow and hoped that would be the case. But his latest MRI, taken Monday, revealed he still had a mild muscle tear.

“You’ve got to be smart,” he said. “(Missing) four games to try to save 50; it’s always a good way to go.”

Director of player development Pat Roessler slapped grounders at Rodriguez, having him move side to side. Roessler then threw batting practice to Rodriguez and injured minor leaguers Marcos Vechionacci and Brad Suttle.

“Because of the way I feel, I felt I could probably play this weekend. I need to get back,” said Rodriguez, who plans to play third base right away once he returns. “It’s frustrating.”

After aggravating the injury last month, Rodriguez will abide by the wishes of the medical staff this time.

“It’s hard to argue with those MRI machines,” he said.

Extra bases: The Yankees promoted right-handed reliever J.B. Cox to Triple-A Scranton and moved right-handed reliever Mark Melancon to Double-A Trenton. Both could figure into the team’s plans once Chamberlain is moved into the rotation. … Jorge Posada (right shoulder) had another throwing session and reported no problems. … Manager Joe Girardi put on a catcher’s mask and caught a bullpen session by Andrew Brackman, the 2007 first-round draft pick who is recovering from elbow surgery. “I find that’s the best way for me to find out what a guy’s got,” said Girardi, who had a few balls flung over his head before a screen was slid into place behind him. “He has a live arm, good velocity and some movement.” Humberto Sanchez also threw in the bullpen with Girardi and pitching coach Dave Eiland watching.