The LoHud Yankees Blog

According to Cool Standings, the Yankees have a 99-percent chance of winning the division. So this seems safe to ask:

Who do you want the Yanks to face in the Division Series?

There are two choices, either Texas (if the Rangers win the wild card) or Detroit (if Boston wins the wild card).

Let’s break it down:

Tigers: The Yankees are 5-1 against Detroit this season. The teams have not played since July. The Tigers could line up Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello, a formidable trio. They do not have an especially good bullpen, however. The Tigers are one of the worst team in the league offensively but do have a star player in Miguel Cabrera. The X-factor is wily old Jim Leyland, who led the Tigers over the Yankees in the 2006 playoffs. Plus A-Rod could get distracted by poker room at Greektown Casino.

Rangers: Texas is one of the surprise teams in baseball. After winning 79 games a year ago, they are fighting for the wild card with the Red Sox thanks to a pitching staff that is fourth in the American League in ERA and an offense that is second in home runs to the Yankees. Texas has not been to the postseason since 1999 and only a handful of their players have postseason experience. Texas also is three games under .500 on the road. The Yankees are 5-4 against Texas this season. The Rangers took two of three at the Stadium in late August. Young Neftali Feliz could be the K-Rod of the playoffs.

Other things to think about: If Texas is in, that means the Red Sox are out. As Yankee fans, that is ostensibly what you want. But would it be the worse thing in the world for the Angels to the play the Red Sox in the division series? That series could be a bloodbath and the Yankees would get the bruised winner. Perhaps Boston would even eliminate those pesky Halos. I think the Yankees have a better chance to win a game or two on the road at Fenway in the ALCS than they do in Anaheim.

The verdict: To worry about the ALCS, you need to get there first. Texas is a better team than Detroit right now. But those three starters and Jim Leyland would scare me more than the untested Rangers in the postseason. I’d root for Texas to win the wild card.

Which team do you want the Yankees to face? Vote in the poll over to the right.

Derek Jeter did not get any hits, never mind a record. But the Yankees took two games from the Rays. Jake Thomases has the story.

Brett Gardner came back to the Yankees and made a great catch. This notebook also has updates on Mariano Rivera, Shelley Duncan, Carlos Pena and Nick Swisher.

And hello to you, Edward Charles Ford.

The Yankees (89-50) lead the Red Sox (79-58) by nine games. The magic number to clinch home field throughout the playoff is 19.

The Yankees are on a pace to win 104 games. Not even the most optimistic fan thought that.

Thanks to everybody for reading today. Can’t believe we had nearly 1,400 comments on a holiday.

YANKEES (88-50)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Hairston 3B
Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (10-8, 4.29).

RAYS (72-65)
Iwamura 2B
Gross RF
Longoria 3B
Burrell DH
Aybar 1B
Zaun C
Upton CF
Brignac SS
Perez LF

Pitching: RHP Andy Sonnanstine (6-8, 6.62).

TIME/TV: 7:05, YES/MLB Network.

STATE OF THE STRIPES: The Game 1 win was accompanied by the Red Sox and Angels losing. So the Yankees again lead the division by 8.5 games and the American League by six.

MINOR-LEAGUE MOVES: Via Chad Jennings and Mike Ashmore, here is what we know:

Scranton’s playoff rotation:

Game 1: Romulo Sanchez
Game 2: Ivan Nova
Game 3: Kei Igawa
Game 4: Zach McAllister
Game 5: Anthony Claggett

Big step-up for McAllister, who has yet to pitch above Double-A. Great test for him at the end of the season.

Also: Eric Duncan has been activated off the disabled list. RHP Grant Duff, RHP Jose Valdez and C P.J. Pilittere were called up from Trenton. Trenton also demoted RHP Adam Olbrychowski and RHP Phil Bartleski to Tampa for the Florida State League playoffs.

BURNETT’S BURNOUT: A.J. Burnett is 0-4 with a 6.54 ERA in his last seven starts, allowing 49 hits (seven of them home runs) and 19 walks over 42.2 innings. He has not won a game since July 27.

BULLPEN UPDATE: Via Jake Thomases, who is covering the games at the Stadium, Girardi said he will speak to Mo and Hughes between games, but his inclination is to stay away from both when he goes to the pen in Game 2. When asked, Rivera, who had’t yet spoken to the manager, said he could go again.

MORE NOTES: These via the Yankees:

• The Yankees have won 10 of their last 13, 26 of their last 34, 37 of their last 50 and 50 of their last 68.

• They are 38 games over .500, matching the high point of the season.

• The Yankees have won five of their last six games against the Rays and improved to 7-5 vs. Tampa Bay in 2009. They are 21-12 vs. the Rays in the Bronx since the start of the 2006 season.

• The Yankees are 36-22 (.621) against AL East opposition this season and have won 24 of their last 30 against division foes.

• Yankees relievers are 12-0 with 10 saves (in 11 chances) and a 3.34 ERA since Aug. 5. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 12-game winning streak by the Yankees bullpen sets a new franchise record (surpassing 11 game streaks by the 1940, 1961, 1999 and 2000 clubs).

UPDATE, 6:27 p.m.: Just heard from Chad Jennings in Scranton. Austin Jackson was 2 for 2, which raised his batting average to .300. Dave Miley then took him out of the game.

It’s a little thing, but congrats to A-Jax on his great season. Over 132 games, he had 67 runs scored, 23 doubles, nine triples and four home runs. He drove in 65 runs and stole 24 bases in 28 attempts. He walked 40 times and struck out 123 times.

Keep in mind that Austin is only 22 and reached AAA for the first time this season. I would think the Yankees start him there again next season with the idea of seeing if his power and plate discipline improve. He has worked hard these last two years and really made a big leap. But given his talent, he can get even better.

I’m certainly no scout. But I’ve seen Austin play for a few years now and he has come a long, long way. He’s also getting stronger. He can be a 15-homer guy in the majors.

UPDATE, 7:04 p.m.: Game 2 is about to start. Enjoy the game, everybody.

UPDATE, 8:14 p.m.: I’m listening to the game at home while doing expenses from the road trip. Suzyn Waldman just made an excellent point. The Yankees are pounding Sonnanstine the second time through the order. Now its incumbent on A.J. Burnett to hold this lead.

This could prove to be a really big day for the Yankees in terms of the respective races.

UPDATE, 8:16 p.m.: A healthy lead also would enable Joe Giardi to stay clear of Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera tonight and leave them fresh for tomorrow night.

UPDATE, 8:28 p.m.: The Panda drives in another run. The Yankees are rolling and Joe Maddon’s hair might turn gray again before this day is over.

Very professional effort by the Yankees today. Brutal game in Toronto yesterday then a doubleheader today isn’t an easy assignment and they have handled it well.

Meanwhile, Lou Gehrig is safe until tomorrow.

UPDATE, 9:01 p.m.: Given that he has played every inning of the twinbill thus far, wouldn’t it be a good time to take Jeter out of the game? The Yankees are going to win and they have Ramiro Pena on the bench. Might as well at this point, the record isn’t falling today.

UPDATE, 9:06 p.m.: Yankees have 17 hits today and none of them by Derek Jeter. What are the odds of that?

UPDATE, 9:33 p.m.: Derek stays in the game, draws and a walk and is run for. He finished 0 for 8 today. Now the tickets for tomorrow and Wednesday will be the ones people want.

UPDATE, 9:39 p.m.: How about an at-bat for Shelley Duncan and an inning for Mike Dunn? Seems like a good game for it.

UPDATE, 10:24 p.m.: Poor Mike Dunn struggling to throw strikes in an 11-1 game.

UPDATE, 10:28 p.m.: That’s a sweep as CC and A.J. get the job done.

Carlos Pena fractured the middle and index fingers on his left hand when he was hit with that pitch in the first inning. He was placed on the 60-day disabled list after the game.

Carlos is one of the nicest guys in the game, it’s too bad. So many things went right for the Rays last season and so much has gone awry this year. This injury could finally cook them.

YANKEES (87-50)
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Posada C
Hinske DH
Cabrera LF
Gardner CF

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (16-7, 3.48).

RAYS (72-64)
Bartlett SS
Crawford LF
Zobrist 2B
Pena 1B
Burrell DH
Longoria 3B
Kapler RF
Navarro C
Perez CF

Pitching: RHP Matt Garza (7-9, 4.01).

TIME/TV: 1:05, YES.

STATE OF THE ‘STRIPES: The Yankees play a doubleheader today, with the second game at 7:05. … Yanks are coming off a 5-2 road trip that was capped by a 14-8 loss in Toronto yesterday. They start the day with a 7.5-game lead on Boston in the AL East and a five-game lead on Los Angeles for best record in the league and home-field advantage. The Red Sox are at Chicago today and the Angels are at Kansas City.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To you, Suzyn Waldman. Thanks for reading the blog and try and enjoy your long day in the booth.

THE JETER METER: In case you haven’t heard, Derek Jeter needs three hits to tie the franchise record of 2,721 career hits held by Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. Jeter has said he wants to play in both games.

CC TIME: Sabathia is 6-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his last seven starts.

RIVERA READY: Mariano Rivera is cleared to pitch after missing the last five days with a sore left groin. I would think they would use him in only one game.

GRITTY, GUTTY AND BACK: LHYB Fan Favorite Brett Gardner has been activated off the disabled list. He has been out since late July with a broken left thumb. He ran all the way from Scranton and made it in 90 minutes. Amazing.

THANKS: To my Journal News colleague Jake Thomases for texting in the lineup. He’s covering the games today. The blog will be updated from time to time, although not quite as maniacally as usual as I have assorted things to do at home.

Great weather, get out and enjoy the day or enjoy the games. Happy Labor Day.

UPDATE, 11:39 p.m.: Shelley Duncan is being recalled from Scranton as well. Good news for him. Both he and Gardner were on the 40-man roster.

A few notes via Jake:

• Shelley Duncan isn’t expected to arrive until the middle of Game 1. Girardi said he can play first base and the outfield, though he hasn’t played much first.

• Girardi is going to talk with Jeter after Game 1 to discuss whether he will play again, but expects him to be in the lineup for both ends of the doubleheader.

• Jeter said he hasn’t thought about pursuing records in the future but will play “as long as it’s still fun.” He said two of his his most memorable hits were his first hit and first homer. He has the first hit ball but not the first HR because the fan wouldn’t give it back to him.

• Jeter is 14-43 (.326) against today’s two Rays pitchers.

• Hinske’s locker was moved into the near left corner between Johnny Damon and Josh Towers to accomodate the callups. He was formerly along the far left wall with the relief pitchers.

Today Game 1: RHP Matt Garza (7-9, 4.01) vs. LHP CC Sabathia (16-7, 3.48), 1:05, YES

Tonight Game 2: RHP Andy Sonnanstine (6-8, 6.62) vs. RHP A.J. Burnett (10-8, 4.29), 7:05, YES/MLB Network

Tuesday: LHP David Price (7-7, 4.75) vs. RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 4.08), 7:05, My9

Wednesday: RHP Jeff Niemann (12-5, 3.67) vs. RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-5, 4.41), 7:05, YES/ESPN

It was a rare bad day for the Yankeesas they were beaten by the Blue Jays.

Derek Jeter is on the verge of a significant record. This notebook also has updates on today’s doubleheader and Mariano Rivera.

————

Just a reminder: The gates for Game 1 open at 10 a.m. The gates for Game 2 are scheduled to open at 5 p.m. The Yankees will not take batting practice before either game.

After losing 14-8, the Yankees beat a hasty retreat out of the Rogers Centre to fly back to New York, which is what I’m going to do as soon as I finish this entry.

Derek Jeter was 3 for 3 now has 2,718 hits. He needs needs three to tie Lou Gehrig’s franchise record. The record will fall in the Bronx, which seems fitting.

“You hope so,” he said. “Any time you talk about a Yankee record, and you can do it at home, that’s pretty special.”

Not much else to tell you. The Yankees used three pitchers who probably won’t see the light of day in the postseason. Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera were not injured when they collided and now the Yankees play 10 straight at home.

“We’re outta here,” Nick Swisher said in the clubhouse.

Me too. Thanks for reading today and throughout the road trip.

YANKEES (87-49)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Hairston 3B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP Sergio Mitre (3-1, 5.65).

BLUE JAYS (60-75)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Barajas C
Wells CF
Encarnacion 3B
Ruiz 1B
Snider LF
Inglett RF

Pitching: LHP Brian Tallet (5-9, 5.17).

TIME/TV: 1:07, YES.

STATE OF THE ‘STRIPES: The Yankees are 5-1 on a road trip that ends today. They have outscored the Orioles and Blue Jays 40-22 on the trip. They have won eight of nine overall. They start the day with an 8.5-game lead on Boston in the American League East. They lead the Angels by six games for the best record in the league and home field advantage in the playoffs.

THE JETER METER: Derek Jeter starts the day with 2,715 hits. He needs six to tie Lou Gehrig for the most in franchise history.

POSADA POWER: Jorge Posada is 28 of 86 (.326) in his last 22 games with 15 extra-base hits, 14 runs scored, 24 RBI and 10 walks.

OH, WHAT A RELIEF: Yankee relievers are 11-0 with nine saves since Aug. 5. They have a 3.27 ERA during that stretch.

BAD NEWS FOR BRIAN TALLET: The Yankees are 31-14 against left-handed starters this season including wins in 10 of their last 11 games.

MORE MITRE: Sergio Mitre will be making his first start since Aug. 29 when he threw 6.1 shutout innings against Chicago, allowing one hit. He was hit by a line drive in the arm and had his start pushed back. Mitre is 0-0 with a 4.12 ERA in seven career appearances in September.

DELIVERING AGAIN: Melky Cabrera is 13 of 32 (.406) in his last eight games with five RBI. His batting average has climbed from .266 to .277.

HOMER HAPPY: The Yankees have connected in 106 of their 136 games this season. They have 212 on the season and are on a pace to hit a team-record 253 after hitting 180 a year ago. While playing at Yankee Stadium is part of the reason, the Yankees also lead the majors with 95 homers on the road.

THE RETURN OF THE SANDMAN: Mariano Rivera could be ready to close today if needed. He has converted 38 of 39 save chances this season including 34 in a row. He has allowed one run in his last 29 innings.

CALM, COOL AND COLLECTED: Phil Hughes in three save opportunities this season: 4.2 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 6 strikeouts.

THANKS FOR THE BREAK: The Yankees are 36-12 since the All-Star Game.

ON THE iPOD RIGHT NOW: Gorilla, You’re A Desperado by Warren Zevon.

Back with much more later on. But I do need to hustle up afterward to make a flight home.

UPDATE, 11:35 a.m.: Mariano Rivera says he is available today. Girardi sort of agrees. But it’s obvious they would prefer not to use him. … Reports on Brett Gardner are positive. He will DH a game for Scranton today then join the team tomorrow. Look for him to start one of the games in center field.

UPDATE, 12:35 p.m.: Girardi has been toying with lineups for the doubleheader for a few days now. Obviously some guys will have to play both games. Mark down Robbie Cano for that duty, probably Melky Cabrera, too. With Hideki Matsui limited to one game, you could see Jeter or A-Rod play one game in the field and DH the other. Jeter has said he wants to play both games.

UPDATE, 12:55 p.m.: The Yankees hand out press notes every day and one of the categories is “This Day in Yankees History.”

Here is todays entry:

“Fran Healy is born in Holyoke, Ma. Healy played with the Yankees from 1976-78 then joined the Yankees broadcast team for four seasons from 1978-81.”

With all due respect to Fran, who is a prince of a guy, is this really the best thing that happened on Sept. 6 in Yankees history?

UPDATE, 1:07 p.m.: We are underway at the Rogers Centre. Another beautiful day. We were 7 for 7 on this trip in terms of weather. Can’t beat it.

Enjoy the game.

UPDATE, 1:13 p.m.: That’s 2,716 hits for Jeter, five away from the Iron Horse. Meanwhile, he stole career base No. 299.

UPDATE, 1:20 p.m.: Look who’s back everybody, it’s Sergio Mitre. … Memo to Jerry Hairston Jr.: Try not to get Tex killed. Meanwhile Damon chased down the ball in the left field corner like an old pensioner looking for his dog in Central Park. Not an auspicious start for the Yankees.

UPDATE, 1:51 p.m.: Jeter gets another hit. That’s 2,717, four away from Gehrig. Tickets tomorrow are probably be snapped up fast on line right now.

UPDATE, 2:03 p.m.: Wow, horrible umpiring by Balkin’ Bob Davidson. Toronto catcher Rod Barajas lost the ball and he called Matsui out at the plate. Then when everybody in a Yankees uniform pointed out that the ball was in the glove of the pitcher backing up the play, he called him safe.

Matsui, running from first on a 3-2 pitch, looked like he was about ready to collapse as he reached the plate.

At any rate, we’re all tied up. Let’s see how much longer Mitre can go.

UPDATE, 2:12 p.m.: Jays 4-3 but don’t blame Mitre. Swisher lost a pop-up in the sun and then Teixeirs sort of side-saddled a grounder that was called a single. Not a day of good defense for the Yankees.

UPDATE, 2:22 p.m.: Scoring change here in Toronto. Teixeira was just given an error on that Encarnacion play in the last inning. So that’s three errors on the Yankees.

UPDATE, 2:37 p.m.: Yankees 1 for 5 with RISP today, 6 for 24 the last two days.

UPDATE, 2:50 p.m.: Another road home run for Swisher and the Yankees lead 5-4.

UPDATE, 3:03 p.m.: Not the luckiest day for Sergio Mitre as a strikeout and wild pitch puts a runner on base. Then back-to-back RBI singles give Toronto a 6-5 lead. Swisher’s throw to Cano bounced. Yes, bounced.

Poor, poor defense today.

UPDATE, 3:06 p.m.: And so it continues as Hairston botches another play. Have to get an out there. Sloppy game. Jays lead 7-5.

UPDATE, 3:09 p.m.: Mitre is certainly getting no help from his teammates. But he also has given up 10 hits in 4.1 innings. He’s at fault, too.

UPDATE, 3:22 p.m.: My belief that Mark Melancon will one day help the Yankees is being shaken in recent days. Throw strikes, young man.

Anyway, it’s 11-5 as Toronto has scored six runs in this inning. I’m going to get cracking on my newspaper stories so I can catch (hopefully) my flight home. If anything comes up of importance, I will be sure to keep you informed.

UPDATE, 3:55 p.m.: If baseball rules allowed you to forfeit, I’m fairly sure the Yankees would at this point. They have committed four errors and Johnny and Melky just ran into each other. They have had some stinkers this year but this one might be the worst.