Okay, so maybe I made that Juan Miranda joke a little too soon. After Miranda's heroics last night, I'm back at Yankee Stadium one last time before postseason play. Bryan will have an Inbox on the site tomorrow, then will pick up the Yanks in Tampa. Until then, I give you the Wednesday lineups:

ROYALS (64-94)
Maier LF
Hulett 2B
Butler 1B
Pena DH
Callaspo 3B
Teahen RF
Buck C
Betancourt SS
Anderson CF

Pitching: RHP Robinson Tejada (4-2, 3.41).

YANKEES (102-56)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: RHP Joba Chamberlain (9-6, 4.72).

***FOLLOW ALONG ON TWITTER @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

After a rough August when he went 0-4 with a 6.03 ERA, A.J. Burnett has now cobbled together three consecutive solid outings to give the Yankees some peace of mind as far as the postseason arrives.

Before Juan Miranda played the hero in the ninth inning and Kyle Farnsworth assumed the role of goat, Burnett gave the Yankees 6 1/3 innings of three-hit ball in mowing down the Royals, striking out eight but walking three and needing 108 pitches to get that far.

Joe Girardi lifted Burnett in the seventh, as much because of the pitch count as a precaution for the American League Division Series.

Burnett is definitely going to be one of the starters in the ALDS, no matter if they play the Tigers or Twins, though it will be interesting to see how they will decide to arrange him after a long meeting Tuesday to discuss the roster. This weekend could provide a hint, as the Yankees have lined up CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and Burnett to pitch against the Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla.

With Games 1 and 2 in the Bronx, the home-road splits -- which Girardi said they would consider -- seem to lean toward the idea of pitching Burnett in Game 2. Burnett is 5-3 with a 3.65 ERA at Yankee Stadium and 7-6 with a 4.73 ERA on the road. Pettitte is 6-4 with a 4.59 ERA at Yankee Stadium and 8-3 with a 3.59 ERA on the road.

Then consider that in, three career starts at Comerica Park, Burnett is 2-1 with a very disturbing 9.42 ERA. At the Metrodome, he is 2-1 with a much more palatable 3.91 ERA. Pettitte is 2-3 with a 4.65 ERA at Comerica Park, and 5-4 with a 3.62 ERA at the Metrodome.

The Yankees recorded their 15th walk-off win of the season, marking their most such wins since a franchise-record 17 "walk-off" victories in 1943. The Yankees picked up their ninth win of the season when trailing at the end of the seventh inning and fifth when trailing after eight innings.

Juan Miranda recorded his first career walk-off hit, becoming  the ninth different Yankee to collect a "walk-off" hit in 2009 and the second rookie to do so (also Francisco Cervelli on Sept. 16 vs. Toronto). This was also the Yankees' Major League-leading 50th comeback win of the season, surpassing their total from 2008 (49).

The full list of walk-off wins this season:

4/22/09 vs. OAK ............. final 9-7 in 14 innings
Melky Cabrera two-run home run to right off Dan Giese

5/1/09 vs. LAA ................ final 10-9 in nine innings
Jorge Posada two-run bases-loaded single to left off Brian Fuentes

5/15/09 vs. MIN .............. final 5-4 in nine innings
Melky Cabrera bases-loaded single to left-center off Joe Nathan

5/16/09 vs. MIN .............. final 6-4 in 11 innings
A-Rod two-run home run to left off Craig Breslow

5/17/09 vs. MIN .............. final 3-2 in 10 innings
Johnny Damon solo-HR to right off Jesse Crain

5/23/09 vs. PHI ............... final 5-4 in nine innings
Melky Cabrera single to right off Brad Lidge

6/12/09 vs. NYM ............ final 9-8 in nine innings
Luis Castillo error on A-Rod pop-up, two runs scored (Francisco Rodriguez pitching)

7/4/09 vs. TOR ............... final 6-5 in 12 innings
Jorge Posada single to right-center off Shawn Camp

7/20/09 vs. BAL .............. final 2-1 in nine innings
Hideki Matsui solo-HR to right off Jim Johnson

8/7/09 vs. BOS ................ final 2-0 in 15 innings
A-Rod two-run home run to left-center field off Junichi Tazawa

8/12/09 vs. TOR.............. final 4-3 in 11 innings
Robinson Cano RBI single to deep right field off Shawn Camp

8/28/09 vs. CWS ............. final 5-2 in 10 innings
Robinson Cano three-run home run to right-center off Randy Williams

9/8/09 vs. TB ................... final 3-2 in nine innings
Nick Swisher solo home run to right off Dan Wheeler

9/16/09 vs. TOR.............. final 5-4 in nine innings
Francisco Cervelli RBI single to left field off Jason Frasor

9/29/09 vs. KC ............... final 4-3 in nine innings
Juan Miranda RBI infield single off Kyle Farnsworth 

I tweeted this story a few days ago on my Twitter account @bryanhoch, but it couldn't hurt to open it up to the larger blog audience ...

It seems that last week the Yankees - Red Sox rivalry visited a classroom up in Baldwinville, N.Y., where young Nathan Johns was told to go to the bathroom and turn his CC Sabathia Yankees t-shirt inside out by teacher -- and Red Sox fan -- Peter Addabbo.

Via the Post-Standard:

"I thought to myself 'Is he serious or is he kidding,'" said Nate, 9, a student in Peter Addabbo's fourth-grade class. "But he had this look like he wasn't kidding at all."

Nate complied, and said he was later told to wear it that way until dismissal. At lunch, Nate said the fifth-graders made fun of him because he wearing his shirt inside out.
 
 "It was such a horrible day." Nate said. "I don't ever want anything like to happen again."
 
 Nate said he felt he was treated unfairly.
 
 "Just because my teacher doesn't like the Yankees I should still have the right to wear a Yankees shirt," Nate said Thursday after school. The teacher has Boston Red Sox paraphernalia all over the classroom on display, he said.

Baldwinsville Schools Superintendent Jeanne Dangle said Friday morning the district is conducting an investigation into the incident, and has told the parents she will get back to them on the issue in a few days.

"We are investigating," Dangle said. "This is a personnel issue, and we will be following up and doing what's appropriate after we get all the information."

Here's hoping young Nate brings a Yankees shirt back into the classroom soon. After what it sounds like the poor kid had to go through, the next one should read, '2009 American League East Champions.'

Four-time Yankees World Series champion Tino Martinez will greet fans in front of a specially-marked New York Waterway 'Yankee Clipper' ferry before it departs for Wednesday's last regular season home game against the Royals.

The 'Yankee Clipper' leaves for Yankee Stadium from West 38th Street and the Hudson River in Manhattan. Martinez will greet fans from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

The ferry has been wrapped with life-sized photos of players like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera. The 2009 American League East championship logo was attached to the Yankee Clipper this week.

All fans who ride the 'Yankee Clipper' to Wednesday's game will receive a free Yankees cap.
For schedules, prices and additional information, call 1-800-533-3779 or visit http://www.nywaterway.com.   

Prior to Tuesday's game against the Royals, the Yankees held a milestone ceremony honoring Melky Cabrera for his cycle, Mariano Rivera for his 500th save and Derek Jeter for his all-time hits record. Various Yankees past and present joined Hal Steinbrenner and company on the field, showering those three Yankees with gifts. Here's what they received (info courtesy the Yankees' media relations department):

Melky Cabrera:

• Custom-made ring honoring his cycle, presented by Felix Lopez

Derek Jeter:

• Framed action picture of Jeter, presented by Catch 24 Design (Bill Goodspeed and Mike Macchione)
• The pair of seats that Jeter dove into at the original Yankee Stadium on July 1, 2004, presented by Brandon Steiner and Gene "Stick" Michael
• Home plate from the night Jeter got his record-breaking hit, presented by Tim Raines
• First base from the inning he got his record-breaking hit, presented by Tino Martinez
• "I want to Thank the Good Lord for Making Me a Yankee" (Joe DiMaggio quote) sign from the original Yankee Stadium, presented by Dave Winfield
• An official Derek Jeter Louisville Slugger bat, cast in iron to commemorate passing Lou Gehrig, presented by Hal and Christina Steinbrenner and Jennifer Steinbrenner-Swindal
• Baseball autographed by Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig from 1927, presented by Hal and Christina Steinbrenner and Jennifer Steinbrenner-Swindal
• Custom painting, commemorating his record-breaking hit, presented by the entire Yankees team
  

Mariano Rivera:
(Joined on field by Bernie Williams, wife Clara and three sons, Mariano Jr., Jafet and Jaziel)

• Framed, matted print of a commemorative 500th save poster, presented by Print International (Gene Manning and Joseph Cook)
• The Yankees bullpen bench from the original Yankee Stadium, presented by Brandon Steiner and David Cone
• Framed photo of the final pitch at the original Yankee Stadium, presented by Brandon Steiner and David Cone
• The rubber from Citi Field from game he recorded his 500th career save, a gift from the Mets along with a letter from Jeffrey Wilpon and Omar Minaya, presented by Reggie Jackson
• Custom rings for Rivera and his family, honoring his 500th save, presented by Hal and Christina Steinbrenner, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal, Joe Girardi, Jorge Posada and Yogi Berra
• Custom painting, commemorating his 500th save, presented by the entire Yankees team

--Anthony DiComo

Hey folks, Anthony DiComo back at the Stadium, where Joe Girardi announced that CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and A.J. Burnett will pitch this weekend in Tampa Bay -- in that order. Which means, well, nothing.

The Yankees still have the option to pitch Pettitte in either Game 2 or Game 3, and Girardi made it sound today like he'll wait until the last possible moment before deciding. There are pros and cons to both scenarios, to be sure.

As for this week, the Yankees put together a far more normal-looking lineup Tuesday against the Royals. Only Robinson Cano, Jorge Posada and Melky Cabrera are missing. Girardi said he will continue to give his position players regular rest until Sunday, when the entire crew of regulars will play one last game together.

ROYALS (64-93)
Maier LF
Betancourt SS
Butler 1B
Jacobs DH
Callaspo 2B
Teahen RF
Buck C
Gordon 3B
Anderson CF

Pitching: RHP Anthony Lerew (0-1, 3.86).

YANKEES (101-56)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Gardner CF
Molina C
Pena 2B

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (12-9, 4.19).

***FOLLOW ALONG ON TWITTER @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

The Yankees had better hope there isn't anything to that Sports Illustrated cover jinx, because guess who's going to be on the newsstand this week? Yep, it's the one and only Mariano Rivera. Tom Verducci has the SI cover story, tracing the background of Rivera's Cooperstown-bound cutter.

From the press release:

"God touched Mariano Rivera one June afternoon in 1997, and Rivera shrugged. Just three months into his new role as the closer for a budding Yankees dynasty, Rivera was suddenly unable to throw his signature four-seam fastball straight, not even during his daily toss with pitcher Ramiro Mendoza. Every catch a struggle, Mendoza told Rivera to knock it off, to quit making the ball dip and dart. Rivera assured his friend that he wasn't doing it intentionally. He was gripping the ball the same way he always had, releasing it the same way he always had. The wicked movement just ... happened.... Rivera didn't have an explanation, and though he says he 'didn't have any idea where the ball was going,' his results did not suffer. He got the save in that game, then in the next three. Still, for a month, he worked with [bullpen catcher Mike] Borzello and pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre to eliminate the cutting action. 'We were trying to make the pitch stay straighter, [as it had] in '95 and '96,' Rivera says, referring to his first two seasons in the big leagues, 'but it didn't work. Then I said, 'I'm tired of working at this. Let's let it happen.' And since that day we didn't try to straighten it out anymore.' He smiles. 'And the rest is history.'"

What a great cover, huh? The issue hits newsstands on Wednesday.

After Sunday's playoff clinching party, the Yankees rested most of their regulars on Monday and still cruised to an 8-2 victory over the Royals. Chad Gaudin got a boost from Robinson Cano and Ramiro Pena hit his first Major League homer as the Yankees entered the cruise-control phase of their schedule heading into the American League Division Series.

It's a long way from April, when the Yankees were among the first to see the freshly-renovated Kauffman Stadium and helped the Royals celebrate their home opener. The Yankees are preparing for the playoffs and the Royals are preparing to go play golf.

(It's been impossible to forget that series because the Royals gave away these wonderful thick scorebooks to celebrate the opening of 'The New K,' and I've lugged that thing around the country with me since. Great giveaway.)

Brian Bruney touched on his emotional outing Sunday again, talking about how much he appreciated the standing ovation from the crowd after he recorded five outs against the Red Sox. Bruney had said that he wanted to look up and acknowledge the fans but couldn't because he had tears in his eyes.

So every time that a player says he doesn't hear the crowd, there's something to remember. Sure they hear it. How could they not?

Hey there folks. Bryan Hoch took a cue from Derek Jeter and company and took today off...which means you're stuck with me, Anthony DiComo, the Juan Miranda of baseball writers.

Once this rain clears -- and it will clear, according to the radar -- the Yankees will take on the Royals in a game that's, well, meaningless. The Yankees, after clinching Sunday, have nothing left to achieve in the regular season. And their final two opponents, the Royals and Rays, are both playing for next season.

But try telling Monday's starter, Chad Gaudin, that these games aren't important. How Gaudin fares tonight could directly impact whether or not he makes the postseason roster. And the same goes for Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, David Robertson, Freddy Guzman and anyone else either on the bubble or with something to prove. These games, for those guys, are huge.

As for the Yankees' first-round opponent, a Red Sox win combined with a Rangers loss tonight would eliminate Texas, making it certain that the Yankees will play either the Tigers or Twins in the first round. Those two teams are starting a critical four-game series in Detroit this evening.

All those answers will come. Until then, let's talk about the Yankees. Monday night's watered-down lineup looks something like this:

***UPDATE, 6:44 p.m.: The Yankees just scratched Johnny Damon for precautionary reasons due to the rain. No need to take any risks this time of year.

ROYALS (64-92)
Mitch Maier, LF
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS
Billy Butler, 1B
Mike Jacobs, DH
Alberto Callaspo, 2B
Mark Teahen, RF
Miguel Olivo, C
Alex Gordon, 3B
Josh Anderson, CF

Pitching: RHP Luke Hochevar (7-11, 5.98).

YANKEES (100-56)
Brett Gardner, CF
Melky Cabrera, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Jorge Posada, C
Eric Hinske, 3B
Shelley Duncan, RF
Juan Miranda, 1B
Francisco Cervelli, C
Ramiro Pena, SS

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 3.71).

***FOLLOW ALONG ON TWITTER @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

The Yankees celebrated winning the American League East in style, christening the new Yankee Stadium in its first bath of bubbly with a 4-2 victory over the Red Sox on Sunday.

Mariano Rivera recorded the final out, getting Jacoby Ellsbury to bounce softly back to the mound and spark a cluster in the middle of the infield that soon descended into the clubhouse, where a table full of champagne bottles and beer was waiting for the Yankees to spray or drink - their choice.

Here's some of the postgame reaction, notes and quotes shouted into tape recorders among blinding storms of liquid refreshment and over a bumping boom box mix as the Yankees celebrated their first division title since 2006:

Johnny Damon: "Anytime you can add a number of new faces, things tend to be fresher. We have guys who didn't know what playing in New York was like, so we can help mold guys to make their transitions easier. Those guys fit in right away, three free agents and Swish. It definitely made it a lot easier."
 
Alex Rodriguez: "We have a guy in CC Sabathia who is battling for the Cy Young. We have guys who are right in the middle of the MVP race. Joe Girardi also was our MVP this year. He let us do a lot of the work in the clubhouse, and we have a nice core of seven or eight leaders. He's done a phenomenal job. He's arguably our MVP."

Joe Girardi: "We had a lot of kids mature, we had a lot of people step up. We had guys that have had great years, MVP type years, Cy Young type years. We've gotten a lot out of this year."
 
Jorge Posada: "It's all about pitching. It's all about getting the job done on the mound and really, these guys have stepped up. The way we play here in New York, hopefully we can finish what we started here, because it's a lot of fun."

Andy Pettitte: "We're strong. We've got a strong team and we know that, but this made it even more special, to beat Anaheim and win this series. We'll probably run into one of them in the postseason, but it's tough. It's a tough division and a tough league. Hopefully things will keep on rolling."

CC Sabathia: "We've still got some work to do, but this team is put together well," Sabathia said. "Who knows what can happen? We have a lot of fun on and off the field. It's a lot of fun when you can go out and play with guys that you really enjoy playing with."

Derek Jeter: "This is the first goal for us is to win the division. That's why we didn't celebrate when we clinched a playoff spot because we had our sights on the division. Now we've got to regroup in a week and get back to work."

Mark Teixeira: "Last year I was lucky enough to win a division with the Angels. We lost in the first round and everyone went away not happy. There's only one team that's really satisfied at the end of the season, and that's the world champion. Here in New York, that's what you want."

RED SOX (91-63)

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Bay LF
Youkilis 1B
Ortiz DH
Lowell 3B
Drew RF
Varitek C
Gonzalez SS

Pitching: RHP Paul Byrd (1-2, 6.04).

YANKEES (99-56)
Jeter SS
Gardner CF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Molina C

Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (13-7, 4.15).

Greetings from Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees will simultaneously try to win their 100th game and secure the American League East title. Their magic number to clinch the AL's best record - and home field advantage throughout the playoffs - is also one. The Yankees last clinched the division against Boston in 2005, winning 8-4 on the second to last day of the season at Fenway Park.

The Yankees' next win will mark the 19th 100-win season in franchise history, and their first since 2004 (101-61). No other franchise has more than 10 seasons of at least 100 wins (Oakland). The Yankees are seeking their 14th series sweep of 2009 and their eighth since the All-Star Break.

It's not exactly ideal baseball weather, as the tarp is on the field at Yankee Stadium and rain is sprinkling down, but the gates are open and fans are checking out Monument Park. There will be no batting practice today, but the Yankees and Red Sox are going to make every effort to ensure there will be baseball here today.

The Champagne is on ice in the basement here, as New York's magic number for clinching the American League East is one game. This windbreaker could come in handy for more than rain if the Yankees win behind Andy Pettitte. So if you're headed out here, bring an umbrella and some patience, but expect to see nine innings at some point.

RED SOX (91-62)

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez C
Youkilis 1B
Lowell 3B
Ortiz DH
Baldelli RF
Lowrie SS
Anderson LF

Pitching: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-5, 6.80).

YANKEES (98-56)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (18-7, 3.31).

Feeling better about the idea of Joba Chamberlain as the fourth starter in the postseason? The Yankees probably are. Chamberlain appeared back in form on Friday, firing six innings of three-run ball to log his first victory in a span of eight starts.

It must have helped to know that the 'Joba Rules' restrictions were finally relaxed and he was free to throw as many as 90 pitches -- Chamberlain got to 86 and that was plenty as the Yankees coasted to a 9-5 victory over the Red Sox.

"You've just got to challenge yourself," Chamberlain said. "There come points in your career when you've got to look yourself in the mirror and make an adjustment. I was at the point where I needed to do that, and it's something I've had to learn at a young age, to do that quick."

While the Yankees were in Anaheim, Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland sat down with Chamberlain and looked into his eyes. Girardi said that it wasn't a reading of the riot act, but the point was made that the Yankees needed to see better results.

"We just had a discussion that we knew he was capable of pitching better and that we need to see him pitch better," Girardi said.

It doesn't seem like the outing will make the Yankees want to push Chamberlain into the American League Division Series, but they'll need him if they get to the next rounds. This should make them feel better about that idea.

RED SOX (91-61)

Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Martinez 1B
Youkilis 3B
Ortiz DH
Bay LF
Drew RF
Varitek C
Gonzalez SS

Pitching: LHP Jon Lester (14-7, 3.33).

YANKEES (97-56)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-6, 4.73).

Here we go, in the final Yankees vs. Red Sox showdown of 2009 ... unless these two clubs have a date to fill in the American League Championship Series. And the way things are going, would you really want to bet against that?

You might think some of the buzz would be erased because the Yankees are already guaranteed to be in the postseason and the Red Sox are very close to it. But the Yankees still have important business to take care of, finishing off the division title, and the fact that they can do that against their fiercest rival adds to the party.

"I think it's an important weekend because of what we're trying to accomplish," Joe Girardi said.

Joba Chamberlain has the ball tonight, and believe it or not, he's about as close to a fully fledged starter as we've seen in a while. Chamberlain is going to be unleashed to throw about 90 pitches against Boston, as far as that gets him, and innings are no longer the concern.

In other updates, Jerry Hairston, Jr. said he was "scared half to death" feeling his left wrist pop on Wednesday in Anaheim, but said that now that he knows he can't injure his severely sprained wrist any more, he'll go all-out with it the rest of the season.

"Basically, the best medicine is to sit for four to six weeks, but that ain't happening," Hairston said. "I can't make it any worse. This is my first opportunity to play in the postseason and I'm not going to let this hinder that."

Dave Robertson came back well after throwing a more aggressive bullpen session on Thursday and is scheduled to face live hitters on Saturday at Yankee Stadium. If Robertson gets through that without setback, Girardi said that he would try to work him into games during the last week of the season as the Yankees attempt to narrow down their bullpen mix for the playoffs.

"I really believe that two [appearances] is a distinct possibility," Girardi said. "I think it's important to see him pitching in live conditions."

This update from the Yankees:

INF/OF Jerry Hairston, Jr. was seen by hand specialist Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser today at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and underwent an MRI.  Results of the MRI revealed tendinitis in his left wrist and he received a cortisone injection in the wrist.  He is day-to-day.

Good news for Hairston, who seemed very worried yesterday in Anaheim as the Yankees were getting ready to fly back to New York. Maybe that postseason roster spot isn't out of the question after all.

A steamy day in Southern California as the banged up Yankees put a little bit of an unorthodox lineup out there. Jorge Posada has a bruised right foot (X-rays were negative) after fouling a ball off himself last night, and Nick Swisher fouled a ball off his right knee. Alex Rodriguez gets a day as well as the Yankees rest up and get ready for the Red Sox this weekend.

YANKEES (96-56)

Jeter SS
Hairston 3B
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Duncan RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Gardner CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (11-9, 4.22).

ANGELS (90-61)
Figgins 3B
Aybar SS
Abreu RF
Hunter CF
Morales 1B
Rivera LF
Kendrick 2B
Matthews RF
Napoli C

Pitching: LHP Scott Kazmir (9-8, 5.08).

The Yankees are heading to the postseason for the 14th time in 15 seasons, securing their berth Tuesday while still battling the Angels in Anaheim.

New York's magic number to clinch clicked to zero with the Rangers' 9-1 loss to the Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum, with the final out recorded as Jorge Posada was batting in the top of the eighth inning.

The Yankees' magic number for the American League East fell to seven games as the Red Sox lost, 5-1, to the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Yankees manager Joe Girardi suggested that they could celebrate with water or Gatorade rather than Champagne. Derek Jeter said that he is "sure it will be acknowledged" in some form.

If at first you don't succeed ... and the second time you don't either ... try to clinch a playoff spot on Tuesday against the Angels. That's what the Yankees will do tonight, needing either a victory or a Rangers loss to secure their 14th postseason berth in 15 seasons.

This is a postseason audition for Chad Gaudin, who is trying to prove he belongs on the roster after game No. 162. It's also an opportunity for the Yankees to try and get out of their own way after losing six of their last 10 games. A win tonight still puts them in position to finish the trip on a positive note with a series victory, something that hasn't happened all that often.

But they've got to get that win first, so we might be getting ahead of ourselves.

YANKEES (95-56)

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0 3.68).

ANGELS (90-60)
Figgins 3B
Izturis 2B
Abreu RF
Guerrero DH
Hunter CF
Morales 1B
Rivera LF
Aybar SS
Mathis C

Pitching: RHP Ervin Santana (7-8, 5.43).

If Joba Chamberlain is thinking he has the Yankees' postseason roster made, Brian Cashman would beg to differ. He told Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record that Chamberlain has nothing assured, while also dropping the nugget that the Yankees will carry 10 pitchers for the American League Division Series:

"He needs to declare himself. He's no different than anyone else. ... Everybody loves his tenacity. But we're going to take the best 10 guys. There's no assumptions there."

"He's put himself in a position where the manager has to make a decision that there's not one guy ahead of him that he needs to give the ball to. [Chamberlain] might not realize it, but he's in competition with any number of guys to take the ball."

One of those guys, Chad Gaudin, gets to audition tonight here at Angel Stadium. With Chamberlain struggling and Sergio Mitre having been moved to the bullpen, it's up to Gaudin to make that decision a very interesting one.

"I can't control it," Gaudin said. "You control the controllables. I feel that if I pitch well and do what I know I can do, hopefully in the end it will take care of itself. All I can do is worry about tomorrow and prepare myself to get a win."

Good evening from under the lights at Angel Stadium, where the Yankees kick off a very important six-game stretch of baseball against the Angels and the Red Sox. First up is the Halos, as Andy Pettitte gets the ball against a team that has perennially given the Yankees some serious headaches.

For Pettitte, his concern is that his left shoulder holds up through the fourth or fifth inning and shows no sign of the fatigue that prompted the Yankees to skip him a start. Joe Girardi said that he will be looking for Pettitte's location to be sharp and has been encouraged by the lefty's side sessions, which were all positive.

"He has not given me any reason not to feel good," Girardi said.

The Yankees' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is one, with the Rangers and A's playing simultaneously here in California. Should the Yankees win or the Rangers lose, word is that there won't be much celebrating going on. The champagne is being saved for the American League East clincher; that magic number was nine entering Monday.

Other notes -- Girardi wanted to put more of a right-handed lineup out there against Joe Saunders, which is why Jorge Posada is DHing. That gives Hideki Matsui a night off ... Sergio Mitre is not available in this series after pitching five innings of scoreless, one-hit ball on Sunday ... Dave Robertson could be pitching in a game early next week. ... Phil Coke is back at the team hotel, sidelined with acute gastritis.

Girardi said he was never hazed as a rookie, the way they got Mark Melancon, Ramiro Pena and Mike Dunn last night. The Cubs, with Rick Sutcliffe as a ringleader, had planned to dress Girardi as Drill Sergeant Vince Carter from the old TV series 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' Steve Wilson was to play Pyle, but for one reason or another, the Cubs never followed through. In case you're wondering, the mid 1990s Yankees also had an outage in that category, so guys like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera never had to go through the embarrassment.

YANKEES (95-55)

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Swisher RF
Posada DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (13-6, 4.14).

ANGELS (89-60)
Figgins 3B
Aybar SS
Abreu RF
Guerrero DH
Hunter CF
Rivera LF
Kendrick 2B
Quinlan 1B
Mathis C

Pitching: LHP Joe Saunders (13-7, 4.75).

...at least, not yet.

Based on the e-mails that have been flooding my inbox since the last out of Sunday's game at Safeco Field, there is a growing contingent of fans fretting about the Yankees' chances of securing the American League East. The Yankees haven't been doing much looking back over their shoulders, but it is apparent that they're thinking about the Red Sox -- at least a little.

"The bottom line is that we just have to try to keep playing well," Johnny Damon said. "Lately we've been losing some close ones and it seems like no one else is trying to beat Boston. It seems like they're having their ways with the Blue Jays and the Orioles. That's part of baseball. I think we just need to worry about ourselves."

Indeed, if the Yankees take care of business and get right, there's nothing that can stand in their way. The Angels aren't exactly the most ideal team to iron things out against, but there's no time like the present to give yourself a good playoff test. 

With the magic number to clinch at least the wild card down to one, the worst case scenario from this point until Friday would be that the Yankees get swept in Anaheim and the Red Sox sweep the Royals in Kansas City. That would put Boston in the Bronx trailing by 1 1/2 games with a three-game series to play head to head. Could it happen? Sure, and that's why some of the concern is merited. But I wouldn't be betting on it.

What there is a legitimate issue with is Joba Chamberlain. Right now he looks very little like a fourth starter in the playoffs, serving up seven runs in two innings of work against a Mariners team that will be hitting golf balls next month. The 'Joba Rules' are coming under fire once again and at least one Yankee, Jorge Posada, seemed displeased discussing the problem last night.

"It's tough to pitch when you don't know what's going on," Posada said. "It is hard. You pitch three innings and they give you 10 days to pitch. It's tough to pitch like that."

Joba Chamberlain has not won a game since Aug. 6 at Boston, but he will have a chance this afternoon against the Mariners at Safeco Field. After three starts of three innings and one of four innings, Joe Girardi said today that the Yankees plan to give Chamberlain the opportunity to at least qualify for a decision today here by throwing five innings.

Whether he makes it that far is up to him. Jorge Posada is back in the Yankees lineup off his three-game suspension, though they are watching his stiff neck from Tuesday's altercation closely. Posada made it through batting practice with no issues so he's in there. Also, say hello to No. 5 starter Chad Gaudin. Sergio Mitre has been bumped to the bullpen.

Assorted notes: Robinson Cano has hit safely in eight straight games, batting .485 (16-for-33) over the stretch with five multi-hit contests since 9/11...has collected a career-high 45 doubles, second-most all-time among Yankees second basemen behind Alfonso Soriano (51-2002). ... LF Johnny Damon has collected back-to-back 3H games (Friday and Saturday at Seattle)...had 6H total over his previous 11 games (6-for-39) with no extra base hits entering the road trip. ... The Yankees are 33-12-3 in series this season after winning 24 series in all of 2008.

Juan Miranda's appearance Saturday leaves only RHP Steven Jackson as having been on New York's roster in 2009 and not appearing in a game. Steven isn't going to get that chance wearing a Pirates uniform.

YANKEES (95-54)

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-5, 4.39).

MARINERS (77-72)
Suzuki RF
Gutierrez CF
Lopez 2B
Griffey Jr. DH
Beltre 3B
Hall LF
Carp 1B
Moore C
Wilson SS

Pitching: RHP Ian Snell (4-2, 4.86).

Derek Jeter's name came up Sunday on NBC's 'Meet the Press,' as President Barack Obama lauded the Yankees captain for passing Lou Gehrig's hits record.

Obama called Jeter "a classic." Jeter said that he wasn't aware he'd been mentioned.

"Classic," Jeter said at Safeco Field, walking toward the bat rack.

Obama declined to make solid playoff picks until his White Sox are eliminated, but mentioned the Cardinals and Yankees as having solid seasons. Jeter and Obama met briefly at the All-Star Game in St. Louis, with Obama telling Jeter he was a fan.

"It was probably the thing I'll take most out of this All-Star Game," Jeter said then. "He just said that he was a fan. That's kind of hard to believe when you think about presidents, but that's pretty nice to hear."

Mark Teixeira finished a double shy of the cycle on Saturday at Safeco Field, and had a shot at it in the ninth inning. Instead, he decided to belt a homer over the left-center field wall.

"It enters your mind," Teixeira said. "I've done it before so I know how cool it is and rare it is. I knew what I needed that last at-bat."

But the Yankees have had cycles before, including Melky Cabrera this season. Apparently it's even more rare to do what Teixeira did. According to Baseball Reference, Teixeira became the first Yankee since Elston Howard (8/19/62 at Kansas City) to hit at least two homers and triple in the same game.

Teixeira also homered from both sides of the plate in the same game for third time this season, tying Nick Swisher - who accomplished the feat this season and in 2007 with Oakland - and Tony Clark (1998 with Detroit) for the AL single-season record, according to the Elias Sports Bureau

That first-inning race to third base, by the way? Teixeira now has collected three triples over a 15 at-bat span from Wednesday through Saturday, after having no triples in his previous 1,289 regular season at-bats and just three triples over his previous three seasons (2006-08).

"You kind of chuckle a little bit inside your head," Teixeira said. "Baseball's funny that way. You can see all kinds of stats that just blow your mind."

The Yankees' magic number to clinch a playoff spot heading into Sunday's play is down to two, meaning if the Yankees can beat Seattle's Ian Snell and the Rangers cooperate against the Angels, there will be a celebration of some sort in the visiting clubhouse at Safeco Field.

The eyes are on the main prize, of course, which is the division. The magic number to clinch the American League East is nine, and any combination of Yankees victories and Red Sox losses will get them there. So if it happens, expect it the liquid refreshment to be more of the variety that you'd get at your local dive bar, not the stuff that needs a cork to be popped.

Besides, these guys have a flight to catch.

YANKEES (94-54)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Cervelli C

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (17-7, 3.42).

MARINERS (77-71)
Ichiro RF
Gutierrez CF
Lopez 2B
Sweeney DH
Beltre 3B
Johjima C
Hall LF
Tuiasosopo 2B
Wilson SS

Pitching: RHP Doug Fister (2-2, 3.53).

If you were following along last night with our in-game discussion on Twitter (if not, what are you waiting for?), you'd have seen that Brian Bruney changed his uniform number from No. 38 to No. 99 shortly before first pitch.

Yankees director of media relations Jason Zillo explained that Bruney "never much cared for" No. 38, and today we had a chance to follow up and see what that was all about.

Disclaimer - if you don't care about uniform numbers, this is the wrong blog post to read.

Well, we have to go back to November, when the Yankees acquired Nick Swisher from the White Sox. Swisher wanted No. 33 and Bruney had it, so there was a deal to be made there. An exchange took place (no one's saying) and Swisher got his No. 33, with Bruney taking No. 38 from Dan Giese in a swap for a set of golf clubs.

Bruney always wore No. 5 in high school, which obviously isn't available here - retired for Joe DiMaggio. But since No. 38 hasn't really brought him much luck, he wanted to go back to a repeating number like No. 33 ... No. 44 is retired for Reggie Jackson, No. 55 is being worn by Hideki Matsui, and No. 66 didn't look right to him.

No. 77 was worn by Humberto Sanchez in Spring Training and No. 88 "looks too much like a wide receiver," Bruney said. So - thanks, Wayne Gretzky and Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn, for making it acceptable - that left No. 99, officially the highest uniform number ever worn by a Yankee, as Bruney joins Charlie Keller (1952).

Now, to be fair, getting all this took some prodding. Bruney was a little surprised a uniform number change drew any attention at all, and to be honest, I can understand that viewpoint. Plenty of bigger things going on in the world. But it's still interesting.

"It's not about whats on the back, it's what's on the front," Bruney said.

Via the New York Post's George King comes this tidbit: the Yankees will haze their rookies tomorrow as they depart Safeco Field en route to Anaheim. The theme of this year's dress-up disaster: the campy 1960s 'Batman' TV series.

King reports that Mark Melancon will be dressed as Batman. Catwoman will be played by Ramiro Pena and Mike Dunn will be dressed as The Riddler. Video coordinator Anthony Flynn will be in Robin garb and massage therapist Lou Potter will don The Penguin's clothes. Radar gun operator Brett Weber will be The Joker.

CC Sabathia is taking the 'cast' to dinner in California, as Jason Giambi used to do. Last year's hazing took place in Boston, when the youngest Bombers had to walk out of Fenway Park dressed as the Village People after a rainout on the next-to-last day of the season.

In 2007, they walked out of Yankee Stadium dressed as characters from 'The Wizard of Oz,' complete with the soundtrack blaring from the clubhouse speakers.

There are few things in sports today as automatic as seeing Mariano Rivera holding a baseball in the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and nobody on base. Thanks for coming, arrive home safely. Right?

Wrong. Mike Sweeney launched a double that one-hopped the wall in right-center field, eluding the racing grasp of Brett Gardner, and Ichiro Suzuki slugged a Rivera cutter into the right field seats to celebrate his second walk-off hit in as many games. Rivera threw two pitches, both were hit very hard, and the Yankees lost.

"I wish I could bring it back and make my pitches, but it's done," Rivera said. "I just have to move forward."

That was typical Mo cool, looking at it in the matter-of-fact viewpoint that can only be obtained by having been there and done it in the biggest spots baseball can present. But Rivera was very forthcoming when asked if this had been the best run of his life, a career-high string of 36 consecutive save opportunities converted until the Mariners celebrated last night.

"I wouldn't say that," Rivera said. "I know the numbers maybe show that, but it would be impossible for me to say that. I'm throwing whatever I'm throwing right now. Before, I used to throw harder. It's totally different. Am I more mature? Yes. But not strong like back then, meaning velocity."

Still, Rivera had allowed one run in his last 33 innings of work. That's nothing to sniff at.

"That's a pretty incredible feat," Johnny Damon said. "Hopefully this means he's not going to give up another run until March."

Our buddy Steve Lombardi of WasWatching.com chips in with the following stat -- Ichiro joins Marco Scutaro, Bill Mueller, and Bill Selby as the only batters to hit a regular season, bottom of the 9th inning, walk-off homerun off against Rivera.

Getting ready for baseball here at Safeco Field, where A.J. Burnett will be trying to reverse his recent skid that has seen him go 1-5 with a 6.14 ERA since the beginning of August.

At the root of his problems have been an inability to avoid the big inning, and this is a very good test - facing a guy in Felix Hernandez who traditionally is not about to give up a lot of runs. As Joe Girardi said, it's not like they can expect to win this game 10-8 tonight. But they certainly would like to win it, no matter the score.

"It would be a nice way to start the road trip," Girardi said.

Interesting topics pre-game as Girardi said that the Yankees might just celebrate a little when they clinch a playoff spot - the magic number for that is four. The big celebration will be for the American League East, which has a magic number of 10 coming into play tonight.

There has been some discussion about which AL Division Series the Yankees would prefer to play, and the effectiveness of Burnett and Joba Chamberlain comes into that. Girardi said that you can probably figure out "22 or 23" of the guys on the playoff roster and the rest will have to be hammered out based on the ALDS schedule and - of course - the opponent. We've all got hotels booked in both Detroit and Minneapolis for the ALDS. Never can be too careful.

Brian Bruney has switched to No. 99 because he "never much cared for 38," according to Jason Zillo. According to YankeeNumbers.com, Bruney will become just the second Yankee to wear No. 99. Charlie Keller did it for part of the 1952 season. Naturally it is the highest number ever worn in Major League Baseball.

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (94-53)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (11-9, 4.33).

MARINERS (76-71)
Ichiro RF
Gutierrez CF
Lopez 2B
Griffey Jr. DH
Beltre 3B
Hall LF
Hannahan 1B
Johnson C
Wilson SS

Pitching: RHP Felix Hernandez (15-5, 2.52).

Update from Arlington -- the Angels have beaten the Rangers, 2-0. The magic number for the Yankees to celebrate clinching a playoff spot is now 3.

Through September 30, fans can bid online at yankees.com for the replica WWE wrestling belt that was passed around the clubhouse and awarded by the Yankees players to that day's player of the games. The one-of-a-kind item has been signed by the Yankees.

Proceeds from the auction will be donated to HOPE Week participants Camp Sundown, a year-round camp in upstate New York for children suffering from Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic disease which causes the body to be unable to repair cells damaged by UV light.

The Yankees are on the field early here in Seattle, spraying balls around the plush green grass at Safeco Field. Nothing especially atypical about that - they've been gathering a lot for the first games of each series on the road this year, not that they need much time to get reacquainted with this particular stadium. Really, it feels like we were just here.

Chad Jennings is reporting on his excellent Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees blog that first baseman Juan Miranda is joining the Yankees tonight in Seattle. The S/W-B warriors were dispatched last night in the Governors Cup Finals, taking a 3-2 loss in 12 innings to the Durham Bulls. Cody Ransom drove in both runs for the Bombers, whose season is now over.

On Wednesday, Single-A Tampa and short-season Single-A Staten Island each won their league's championship trophies.

Of course you should be aware by now that the magic number is 10 (see the Scooter's jersey at right): any combination of 10 Yankees wins and Red Sox losses will secure the American League East for New York. But the Yankees have just a magic number of four to clinch a playoff berth - any combination of Yankees wins and Rangers losses will secure that. So it could happen, at the earliest, tomorrow.

Would the Yankees spray bubbly around the clubhouse for that? My sense is that they'd wait for the division to be wrapped up before getting wild and crazy. But, then again, you go ahead and try to hold Nick Swisher back.

Even as the Yankees get ready to play tonight at Safeco Field, holding a magic number of 10 to clinch the American League East, they are insisting that the eyes are on today and not looking ahead to the American League Division Series.

But it would take a monumental collapse for there not to be playoff games at Yankee Stadium, so it is not too early to begin thinking about New York's playoff roster. Some of the choices are easy, so there's no need to go over the likes of Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. The lineup today is about what it would be in the playoffs.

But there are some choices to make. Brett Gardner impacted two wins during the homestand with his legs and almost certainly will be on the bench for the playoffs, a valuable weapon who can come in to pinch-run or as a late defensive substitution. Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Jose Molina seem like they're assured of roles too.

Here's an interesting choice beyond that. If the Yankees want a power bat off the bench, Eric Hinske is their man. A solid infield defender? Say hello to Ramiro Pena. And if they want blazing, Gardner-like speed, Freddy Guzman could get a shot. As Girardi says, there's more than one slow-footed guy on this roster that could use a boost.

The Yankees won't be carrying 12 pitchers in the postseason, so these are moves that seriously will be weighed. It doesn't seem likely that Shelley Duncan or Francisco Cervelli will be on the playoff rosters.

The rotation for the first round will be CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte, assuming everything comes back clean from Pettitte's start on Monday against the Angels. That makes Joba Chamberlain available in (gasp!) the bullpen, for whatever the Yankees may need.

Dave Robertson felt good playing catch on Wednesday from 60 feet, and he'll toss again today. The Yankees could use his strikeout ability. Mariano Rivera, Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves and Phil Coke should all be on the roster, leaving more choices among the following pool -- Brian Bruney, Mike Dunn, Chad Gaudin, Damaso Marte, Mark Melancon, Sergio Mitre, and Edwar Ramirez. The idea of carrying a second lefty in addition to Coke has appeal to Girardi.

What's your best guess? I'm going on a leap that they indeed will carry Guzman over Pena, given the new fascination with how speed thrills, and that Mitre won't make the playoff roster given his poor September. But I can't possibly say that's certain.

At the very moment you walk off a plane in Seattle, the first thing you see out of the corner of your eye is a Starbucks Coffee location. It's jet fuel for this city among the sparkling waters and very tall evergreen trees.

Hello from out West, where the Yankees are settling in for what Joe Girardi said yesterday would be "as important as any road trip we've had." They'll play the Mariners for three games at Safeco Field and visit the Angels for three in Anaheim to wrap up their regular season play on the left coast.

As I actually am checking up on my e-mails and sipping from a cardboard cup of java, here are the pitching matchups for the Mariners series:

• Friday: Yankees (A.J. Burnett, 11-9, 4.33 ERA) at Mariners (Felix Hernandez, 15-5, 2.52 ERA), 10:10 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Yankees (CC Sabathia, 17-7, 3.42) at Mariners (Doug Fister, 2-2, 3.53), 10:10 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Yankees (Joba Chamberlain, 8-5, 4.39) at Mariners (Ian Snell, 6-10, 5.17), 4:10 p.m. ET

And if you missed it earlier today, I hammered out a Yankees Inbox for the site which touches on Johnny Damon's contract status, Alex Rodriguez's season, Chien-Ming Wang, Francisco Cervelli and some other topics.

So back to Seattle. I must confess I wasn't crazy about the place my first few first times in town, which definitely put me in the minority among most of the people around. Yes, I like 90s alternative music, and I think I owned a few flannel shirts back in the day.

But to me, it was chilly, hilly and gray -- almost like a rainy San Francisco - and Safeco Field seemed a little too much like a steel warehouse (I've always thought baseball should be played outdoors no matter what).

But the city is growing on me very quickly. Safeco does a nice job of incorporating the elements even while shielding you from the rain -- as in, if it's a cold day and raining, it's still cold but the Mariners are playing ball. Hit you guys with more later.

Hello on a cool September evening here at Yankee Stadium, where I have hugely erred by failing to bring a jacket and declining to wear long sleeves. There are no heaters in the open-air press box like at the old Stadium. A very important tidbit to remember for when the playoffs roll around.

The big news today revolves around the penalties which were so quickly handed down after last night's benches-clearing incidents in the eighth inning. Jorge Posada and Jesse Carlson each agreed to begin serving their three-game suspensions tonight, while Shelley Duncan is appealing a three-game suspension.

In addition, three fines have been handed out - to Blue Jays catcher Rod Barajas, Yankees coach Kevin Long and reliever Edwar Ramirez. Barajas told reporters in the Jays clubhouse that his fine was for $1,000.

Here's a thought -- Posada is making $13.1 million this year. Does a $3,000 fine (as was reported) really hit him that hard? That's the equivalent of taking $11 out of the wallet of a guy who earns $50,000 a year in the 'real world.' But I digress.

Here are the lineups:

BLUE JAYS (66-79)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Encarnacion 3B
Barajas C
Bautista RF
Snider LF

Pitching: LHP Brian Tallet (7-9, 5.26).

YANKEES (93-53)
Jeter SS
Hairston LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 3.42)

From Major League Baseball:

Discipline has been issued to four members of the New York Yankees and two members of the Toronto Blue Jays as a result of the on-field incidents that occurred during the Tuesday, September 15th game at Yankee Stadium in New York. Bob Watson, Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.

Yankees catcher Jorge Posada and Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Carlson each have been suspended for three games for their aggressive and inappropriate actions leading up to and during the bench-clearing incidents in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Both players will begin to serve their suspensions tonight, when the two clubs continue their series at Yankee Stadium. Yankees first baseman/outfielder Shelley Duncan also has received a three-game suspension, but he has chosen to file an appeal. Thus, the discipline issued to him will be held in abeyance until the process is complete.

In addition, Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long, Yankees pitcher Edwar Ramirez and Blue Jays catcher Rod Barajas have received undisclosed fines for their actions during the incident.

The umpiring crew stayed late into the night at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday reviewing multiple angles of video of the incident between Jorge Posada and Jesse Carlson for their official reports, and Major League Baseball will be looking into the matter more deeply as well.

Carlson and Posada were the only players ejected from the game, and it appears that both will face possible fines and disciplines for their roles in the second clearing of benches in the eighth inning on Tuesday.

Posada was relatively contrite with his comments after the game, but said that Carlson was "right there on the line to go to the dugout" and did not acknowledge throwing an elbow in Carlson's direction.

Asked if he was worried about a suspension, Posada replied, "I hope not. I didn't start anything."

Joe Girardi was not pleased with his team after the game and held a meeting to remind them what is important -- winning the World Series, not exacting revenge on a 28-year-old middle reliever.

"We've already had a discussion," Girardi said. "I told them, there is a lot at stake here and we can't afford to get anyone hurt or lose anyone or get people suspended. We can't do that."

This all began with two seemingly unintentional hit-by-pitches from Yankee hurlers, Sergio Mitre on Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Melancon on Aaron Hill.

Carlson zipped a 89 mph fastball well behind Posada earlier in the inning, and order appeared to be restored after warning the benches. Girardi called the later clearing an ugly incident that shouldn't have happened. Can we blame Brett Gardner for driving in Posada and creating the opportunity?

"Jorgie took objection to him throwing behind him," Girardi said. "We know those things are going to happen in the game. You kind of wish everything would have just died there.

One funny moment - Alex Rodriguez was talking to a cluster of reporters by his locker and was in the middle of a sentence talking about how when the game is getting out of hand late, players are just trying to have good at-bats. Posada emerged from a back room and A-Rod was instantly abandoned, which he didn't seem to mind a bit.

A pool reporter headed down to the umpires room to check with Derryl Cousins and Jim Joyce after Tuesday's benches-clearing fracas. The men in blue stayed late into the night at Yankee Stadium reviewing tape from every angle on the Jorge Posada-Jesse Carlson play for their reports. From the sounds of it, it certainly does seem that Posada is in line for upcoming discipline.

Here's the full text provided:

INTERVIEW WITH UMPIRES DERRYL COUSINS and JIM JOYCE

Q: How were you injured and what is it's status?
COUSINS: I was hit in the knee with a thrown bottle from out of the stands. It was a bottle full of Pepsi. Doctor checked it out. Nothing is broken. There's going to be a bruise. It's just painful.

Q: How did you determine intent when Hill was hit?
JOYCE:  Hill hadn't done anything all night in the game. At that point in the game, there was no reason for anything. (Melancon) threw the exact same pitch to a left-handed batter three hitters or so before that. It went to the same spot. He did not throw at Hill at all in my opinion.

Q: How did you determine intent on the pitch that hit Encarnacion?
JOYCE: There was absolutely no intent. It was a cutter that broke in on him and hit him in the wrist as he was striding forward. No intent. None at all.

Q: How did you see the pitch that went behind Posada?
JOYCE: It was way behind him. As a matter of fact it was something like a slider. The ball spun like crazy. To be honest with you, I was not looking for anything with Posada or anything like that or any sort of retaliation anywhere. When the pitch was thrown, it kind of caught me off guard. I thought we'd better put in warnings.

Q: Describe what you saw that prompted you to eject Posada?
JOYCE: As he ran past Carlson, he gave him a little shove with his elbow. It was very unsportsmanlike. The pitcher wasn't looking for anything like that and he ran past him, didn't say anything and just gave him a shove with his elbow. It was very unsportsmanlike. It was cheap shot.

Q: Why only two ejections?
JOYCE: We're going to review the tape. We've got it up and loaded. We're going to review the tape and if we need to take appropriate action, we'll take appropriate actions. We would call the league if we saw something.
We hope we see enough on tape so we understand if there's something we need to report.

Q: Why was Carlson ejected?
JOYCE: They went toward e ach other. We can't have that.

Q: Do you anticipate disciplinary actions?
COUSINS: We won't decide that. We report the facts, what we see on the field, what we see on this tape. When you've got 50 guys all together, you can't see everything. We'll look at it again to see if anyone did anything inappropriate. We make the report and Bob Watson decided what will happen. We have nothing to say about who should be punished.

Not much in the way of pregame notes today - Brett Gardner gets rewarded for his daring stolen base last night with a start as Melky Cabrera gets a day off - except for this: Andy Pettitte will not start tomorrow vs. the Blue Jays, getting a full turn through the rotation to rest his aching left shoulder.

The Yankees don't seem to think Pettitte's situation is all that serious, and it's not nearly as bad as it was last season when he sucked it up and logged a win in the final game across the street. But they have the luxury to let him rest until Monday in Anaheim, so they shall. Chad Gaudin gets the ball tomorrow instead.

Speaking of Gardner, here's a fun fact from the Yankees game notes: Gardner has stolen 21 bases in 26 attempts this season...over the last 50 years (since 1960), only three other Yankees rookies have stolen at least 21 bases in a season - Alfonso Soriano (43SB in 2001), Willie Randolph (37SB in 1976) and Jerry Kennedy (25SB in 1969)...Gardner has been successful in 34 of his first 40 career attempts (85.0%).

And will the Yankees be more successful tonight against Roy Halladay than they were at the Rogers Centre, when Halladay threw a one-hitter that might have been the best pitching performance we've seen all year. We shall see...

BLUE JAYS (65-79)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Wells CF
Overbay 1B
Encarnacion 3B
Barajas C
Bautista RF
Snider LF

Pitching: RHP Roy Halladay (14-9, 3.03).

YANKEES (93-52)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Gardner CF

Pitching: RHP Sergio Mitre (3-2, 7.02).

Hello on a beautiful late summer evening here in the Bronx, with temperatures in the very comfortable seventies and clear skies beginning to turn to dusk over Yankee Stadium.

As you'd imagine, part of the pregame discussion concerned the novelty of playing a one-game series here against the Angels, making up a May 3 rainout. The Yankees probably lucked out on that one -- it was five days later that Alex Rodriguez returned and helped them become the best team in the big leagues since then, going 79-31 (.681) to lead the circuit.

But these Angels, with their pesky, push-the-envelope approach, are no pushovers -- you might say the Yankees have the same questions to answer with the Angels that they did with the Red Sox. The Angels' record since May 8 is the second best in the big leagues at 73-42, and they enter play here trailing the Yankees by just six wins for the best record in the Majors. There's still a lot that can happen between here and October, so yes, this is an important game.

How far will Joba Chamberlain go tonight? You'd imagine it'll be more than the three innings he pitched in his last three starts, and that's certainly the plan. But we'll have to see if he can find his efficiency and handle an Angels lineup that knows what to do against tough pitching.

ANGELS (86-56)
Figgins 3B
Izturis 2B
Abreu RF
Guerrero DH
Hunter CF
Morales 1B
Rivera LF
Aybar SS
Mathis C

Pitching: RHP Jered Weaver (15-5, 3.76).

YANKEES (92-52)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-5, 4.45).

The Yankees made a roster move earlier Monday, promoting speedy outfielder Freddy Guzman from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In a corresponding move, right-hander Anthony Claggett was designated for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster.

Guzman might not get a whole lot of playing time, save for the odd pinch-running appearance and defensive duty, but the Yankees are watching him closely. Joe Girardi said the scouts ranked him at about a 70 on the traditional 20-80 scale used to gauge speed, and since he was acquired from the Orioles on August 31, Guzman would be eligible to be used on the postseason roster if they want to. Don't be surprised if you start seeing Guzman popped into a few games.

Yes, the Yankees already have a speedy outfielder who could pinch-run in the American League Division Series. His name is Brett Gardner. But it never hurts to take a look.

By the way, a little strange to only have the Angels here for one game, but it is a good chance for the Yankees to see how they stack up against a tough team. Girardi spent a lot of the pregame fielding questions about possibly facing the Angels next month. He acknowledges that this is a club that likes to put pressure on pitchers and push the envelope.

You would think by the final score, a 13-3 blowout over the Orioles, that yesterday's game up at Yankee Stadium was relatively stress-free. Not so. The Yankees lost both Alex Rodriguez and Joe Girardi to ejections in the fifth inning as they once again clashed with home plate umpire Marty Foster.

Rodriguez was thumbed after playing the top of the fifth inning and called Foster "unprofessional" in his postgame remarks. That was a word that Derek Jeter teetered on the edge of using but never actually did back on July 6, when Foster supposedly told Jeter he was out on a play at third base and did not actually need to be tagged with the baseball (Foster later denied saying this).

"I don't know what his deal is with the Yankees," Rodriguez said. "To tell Jeter to get off the field and to throw me out without a warning -- I think in the heat of the moment, not arguing balls and strikes, I think there should be a little room for error where you can actually argue, take out your frustration and let the game go on."

The ejection was A-Rod's first since July 24, 2004 at Fenway Park, the day that he and Jason Varitek fought and conspired to launch a billion t-shirts and eBay listings.

Bryan is returning tomorrow. I promise. Until then, while he relaxes on a beach somewhere sipping a frozen drink with an umbrella in it, I give you the Sunday lineups:

ON EDIT: That's just false. BH

ORIOLES (58-83)
Roberts 2B
Izturis SS
Markakis RF
Reimold LF
Wigginton 1B
Wieters DH
Turner 3B
Moeller C
Fiorentino CF

Pitching: RHP Jeremy Guthrie (10-13, 4.96).

YANKEES (91-52)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (16-7, 3.40).

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER FOR YANKEES UPDATES @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

The afterglow of Derek Jeter's hits record was still heavy this morning at Yankee Stadium, where players drifted in late and Joe Girardi spent most of his pregame session discussing No. 2. The fans gave Jeter a rousing standing ovation upon his first at-bat and Jeter, naturally, responded with the 2,724th hit, 301st stolen base and 1,565th run scored of his career.

One bit of pregame news: Girardi said that Damon's back felt much better and that he would be available to pinch-hit Saturday if needed. Damon could be back in the starting lineup as soon as Sunday.

ORIOLES (57-83)
Roberts 2B
Fiorentino CF
Markakis RF
Reimold LF
Scott DH
Wieters C
Wigginton 3B
Aubrey 1B
Andino SS

Pitching: RHP Brian Matusz (4-2, 5.26).

YANKEES (91-51)
Jeter SS
Hairston, Jr. LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Swisher RF
Cano 2B
Duncan DH
Cabrera CF
Molina C

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (11-8, 4.19).

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER FOR YANKEES UPDATES @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

Hey there baseball fans, Anthony DiComo filling in for Bryan at the Stadium, where, contrary to what I thought possible, the Yanks and Orioles are going to attempt to play a game in the slop. It's still raining here and probably will all night, but not hard enough to affect things.

Couple pregame notes: first, Johnny Damon is out of the lineup after his back "locked up" on him. He's not sure how he did it, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the bench Saturday, as well. There's just no need to take chances at this point of the season.

David Robertson is back in town after his visit with Dr. James Andrews. Andrews reviewed his MRI and found nothing wrong, and Robertson will resume throwing in 5-7 days.

Then there's Derek Jeter. He's excited to play tonight. Imagine that.

ORIOLES (56-83)
Roberts 2B
Izturis SS
Markakis RF
Reimold LF
Mora 3B
Scott 1B
Wieters DH
Pie CF
Moeller C

Pitching: RHP Chris Tillman (1-3, 4.66).

YANKEES (91-50)
Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera LF
Gardner CF

Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (13-6, 4.10).

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER FOR YANKEES UPDATES @ANTHONYDICOMO.

--Anthony DiComo

From Anthony DiComo:

They now stand in succession, according to accomplishment: Derek Jeter and Lou Gehrig up top, followed by Babe Ruth, and then Mickey Mantle. That is how the Yankees' all-time hits list reads after Wednesday's 4-2 win, a game in which Jeter tied Gehrig for the most hits in team history.

Jeter said Wednesday night that the milestone had been on his mind, and how could it not? It seemed like he was being asked about it every 25 seconds. But now that he's there:

"It means a lot," Jeter said. "I'm a Yankees fan, was a Yankees fan growing up. Coming up through this organization, I know a lot about the history and what [Gehrig] stood for. Being a captain, he's probably one of the classiest people to ever play the game. To be alongside him -- at least for a day in pretty much anything that you can do -- to have your name next to his is quite an accomplishment."

To consider that Derek Jeter and Lou Gehrig (for at least a day) stand tied at the top of the Yankees' hit list really is remarkable. One of my favorite interviews in leading up to this milestone was with Jonathan Eig, who wrote the acclaimed 2005 Gehrig biography "Luckiest Man." Here's what he had to say about how Gehrig might have felt this morning:

"I think Gehrig would have loved Jeter -- personally and professionally," Eig said. "Gehrig didn't have a lot of friends, but I suspect Jeter's the kind of guy Lou would have invited home to have dinner with the folks. And he certainly would have been proud to see Jeter step in as captain and handle the job so gracefully."

RAYS (72-66)
Bartlett SS
Crawford LF
Longoria 3B
Zobrist CF
Burrell DH
Richard 1B
Zaun C
Gross RF
Iwamura 2B

Pitching: LHP David Price (7-7, 4.75).

YANKEES (89-50)
Jeter DH
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Swisher RF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Hairston SS

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 4.08).

Hey fans, I'm on vacation this week catching a breather before the playoffs, and we have our usual all-stars filling in capably. But for those of you heading to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, I wanted to make you aware of this important press release from Ed Randall's 'Bat For The Cure...'

In the first-ever effort during a New York Yankees game, Ed Randall's Bat For The Cure charity will help fans fight the battle against prostate cancer by partnering with the New York Yankees in an unprecedented effort to save lives by providing free, simple prostate cancer screenings for any adult man attending the game at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, September 9, 2009. 
 
The free tests will begin at 3 PM when the Yankees open the Stadium gates a full hour earlier than they normally would for an evening game. The screenings will take place at the First Aid Office located on the Main Level behind home plate. The tests will continue throughout the Yankees' game against the Tampa Bay Rays. In addition, the Yankees have agreed to continue the screenings for as long as any fan at the game wants to take advantage of the free tests.
 
This is the first time prostate cancer screenings will be conducted during a game at Yankee Stadium and provides a no-cost opportunity for men at the game, especially men over 40, to have their PSA levels tested for any indication of prostate cancer. High PSA levels are a recognized warning of prostate issues.
 
Doctors and medical technicians from St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center have joined with Ed Randall's Bat For The Cure to provide the safe and simple screening. Men will be notified of the results within 2 weeks.
 
"It is an honor for my organization to partner with the most famous sports franchise in history at the most storied sports venue in the world for this lifesaving initiative," Ed Randall, the Chairman and Founder of Ed Randall's Bat For The Cure said. "I owe a debt of gratitude to New York Yankees' Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost for suggesting the idea for the screenings. It's a debt I won't be able to repay. But I know the greatest reward for the entire Yankees' family will be the lives saved because of this partnership."
 
More at www.batforthecure.org.

Hi guys- I'm making a guest blog per Bryan's request. Since he works so hard and I've filled in a few times, I thought it would be okay to reach out to the loyal Bombers Beat readers....


The Yanks are back after a quick turnaround to try to sweep the Rays in the second game. Tampa Bay is reeling from the loss of Carlos Pena, who was placed on the 60-day DL after being plunked in the finger on a checked swing in the Yanks' 4-1 win this afternoon.

Jeter, who was 0-for-4 this afternoon, continues his quest for Gehrig's record. While four hits might be out of his reach, he could definitely go for the tie  (which is three hits) against RHP Andy Sonnanstine. While Jeter's definitely in line to get the record, what do you guys think of Pete Rose's all-time mark of 4,256?

And Burnett (with Molina, since Posada caught the first game) tries to get out of a funk that's been over a month now...


Here are the lineups..


YANKS
JETER SS
DAMON LF
TEIXEIRA 1B
MATSUI DH
CANO 2B
CABRERA CF
HAIRSTON, Jr. 3B
MOLINA C


RAYS
IWAMURA 2B
GROSS RF
LONGORIA 3B
BURRELL DH
AYBAR 1B
ZAUN C
UPTON CF
BRIGNAC SS
PEREZ LF

--Brittany Ghiroli

The last day of a week-long road trip here as the Yankees brought their bags to the park, ready to jet on home for a long Labor Day doubleheader against the Rays.

As Joe Girardi said today, "Leading your division on Labor Day is better than not leading your division," and no matter what happens here today, they'll leave Toronto doing just that.

A couple of days off here as Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada are watching this one from the bench. A-Rod had played five straight games, including three on this hard artificial turf.

Derek Jeter came into today's game needing six hits to tie Lou Gehrig (2,721) for the most all-time in Yankees history and promptly singled in his first at-bat off Toronto lefty Brian Tallet.

Here's an interesting tidbits off of the game notes: Yankees relievers are 11-0 with 9 saves (in 10 chances) and a 3.28 ERA (98.2IP, 36ER) since 8/5, striking out 97 batters...according to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 11-game winning streak by the Yankees bullpen matches the franchise record (also 1940, 1961 and 1999-2000) and is the longest for relievers on any Major League team since the 2006 Angels (also 11 in-a-row).

Now, on to the lineups...

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).

YANKEES (86-49)
Jeter SS
Swisher 1B
Teixeira DH
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Hairston LF
Cabrera CF
Hinske RF

Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (12-6, 4.03 ERA)

BLUE JAYS (60-74)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Wells CF
Millar 1B
Ruiz DH
Encarnacion 3B
Bautista RF
McDonald LF
Chavez C

Pitching: LHP Brett Cecil (6-3, 5.42)

Josh Towers spent a lot of time at the Rogers Centre wearing a Blue Jays uniform, and now he will get at least a couple of days wearing a Yankees uniform. The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday morning to help out in case of emergency.

The Yankees were going to make that move for Monday's doubleheader but figured it'd be a good idea now, with Chad Gaudin and Joba Chamberlain having pitched short in the first two games.

Speaking of Monday, CC Sabathia will pitch Game 1 vs. the Rays and A.J. Burnett has Game 2. Mariano Rivera threw about 20 pitches in the bullpen here and said he feels "excellent."

There should be your consolation after last night's 6-0 loss to the Blue Jays, from the mouth of Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

Not that the Yankees were going to win this one, not with Roy Halladay recapturing his vintage form in a one-hit shutout, but there should be legitimate concerns about Chamberlain's growth right now in the rotation. He hasn't been particularly good since that spurt coming out of the All-Star break, and it's difficult to judge his progress when you're only seeing it in three-inning stints.

"You treat it like any other start," Chamberlain said. "You prepare yourself and try to get better. I go in thinking I'm going to go six or seven, because if you try to go in for three, it gets a little more frustrating. You've got to go in and take it like a normal start."

Girardi didn't want to talk about the possible playoff rotation, not on September 4. But you'd have to think that Chamberlain will be in the bullpen if everything holds for the AL Division Series (against the Tigers?) and then would be one of New York's four starters if they advance to the League Championship Series.

Bottom line -- as they open the roof here at the Rogers Centre -- the Yankees have a little bit of time to get things right. But make no mistake, they do need to get it right, preferably back to the way it was coming out of the break.

"He was able to get out of jams in those other starts, and he has not done as good a job at that," Girardi said. "When a couple of guys got on, he was able to get the big out. He has not done that in those three starts, but I still really believe in him. At the end of September, you're going to see a guy throwing the ball well."

• • Yanks silenced by Halladay, fall to Jays
• • Pettitte eyes repeat performance vs. Jays
• • Aceves thriving in relief role for Yankees
• • Jeter gets scheduled day off for Yanks
• • Duncan, Yanks clinch IL division title

It's Flashback Friday here under the open roof of the Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays are breaking out their powder blues in all their 1980s goodness behind the 2009 American League All-Star Game starting pitcher, Roy Halladay.

Pre-game news out of the Yankees clubhouse includes the fact that Derek Jeter is not in the lineup tonight, which makes you think Lou Gehrig's record just might be safe until the Yankees get home. Not that nine hits is completely out of the question in two games for Jeter, but I'd say if you have tickets for one of the Labor Day contests at Yankee Stadium, you might be in good shape.

I cobbled together an early story on Alfredo Aceves, who has vultured his way to a Major League-leading 10 victories as a reliever this season. Joe Girardi called him "unflappable" and to be honest, it was amazing to see him hardly react to a thrown baseball from the stands whizzing by him on the mound last night.

Aceves later said it was no big deal -- he shrugged and said he's seen bottles and footballs rain down on the fields of the Mexican League.

Along with Jeter, who has a jammed right pinky finger that isn't considered a big deal, Nick Swisher also has the day off. Judging by Eric Hinske's play in right field in the bottom of the first inning, that might not be a great thing. As an outfielder, Hinske is a great home run hitter.

The lineups:

YANKEES (85-48)
Damon LF
Hinske RF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Pena SS

Pitching (briefly): RHP Joba Chamberlain (8-4, 4.38).

BLUE JAYS (59-74)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind DH
Millar 1B
Wells CF
Barajas C
Snider RF
Inglett LF
McDonald 3B

Pitching (longer): RHP Roy Halladay (13-8, 3.13).

Joba Chamberlain is on the mound tonight for the Yankees against Roy Halladay, though we don't know exactly for how long. Seeing as that he went for three innings last time out against the White Sox and threw 35 pitches, it's safe to say that the Yankees would be OK with him throwing about four innings and 50 pitches.

The pitches really aren't the main concern - it's the innings, as the Yankees figure it all averages out over the long run. And yes, there's a point to this post. It seems like every time we get around to Chamberlain in the rotation, there's a segment of the fan base that becomes outraged (and then floods my e-mail box).

That's OK, that's what it's there for. But I'll reply in bulk and say once again, to recap, this is all about protecting the Yankees' investment for the future in Chamberlain. He's not a disposable type pitcher - if Chamberlain hurts his arm and goes the route of the Mets' Big Three in 1996 (the example Chamberlain keeps bringing up), it'll be a significant setback.

With his body type and injury history, it's safe to say that there is a serious risk involved with Chamberlain. But this is Year 3 of the Joba Rules and slowly but surely, they are easing off the training wheels, and next year should be a pretty full season for him with 180 or so innings.

The thinking was that 160 innings of him as a MLB starter in 2009 would be more helpful than zero. And with a 7 1/2 game lead in the American League East, the Yankees have the luxury to play with such things. If Chamberlain goes four innings tonight and the Yankees lose, it's not going to be the end of the world.

With Jorge Posada's 20th home run of the season in the ninth inning tonight off Toronto's Jason Frasor, the Yankees now have seven players with 20 or more home runs.

That sets a new franchise record and ties a Major League record also shared by the 1996 Orioles, 2000 Blue Jays and 2005 Rangers (credit: Elias Sports Bureau).

The Yankees with 20 or more: Mark Teixeira-32, Johnny Damon-24, Alex Rodriguez-24, Hideki Matsui-23, Nick Swisher-23 and Robinson Cano-22. The old Yankees  franchise record of six players with 20 or more home runs was set in 1961 and tied in 2004.

Updates for you from the Rogers Centre, as the Yankees and Blue Jays get set to play the first of four here with the roof open on a very pleasant evening for baseball...

RHP Jonathan Albaladejo is here from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre sporting not one but two very nice shiners courtesy of an Edwar Ramirez thrown ball during batting practice on Tuesday. The swelling is going down and Albaladejo pitched an inning yesterday, which is good because the Yankees might need a little help with Chad Gaudin going tonight and Joba Chamberlain on the 'Rules' tomorrow.

RHP Mariano Rivera played long toss and felt better, and thinks he will be able to throw a light bullpen tomorrow to test his sore left groin. If all goes well, Rivera would be available, but more likely Joe Girardi will play it safe and try to use Rivera on Saturday if needed. Girardi acknowledged, "It's uncomfortable not having Mo."

Down at Triple-A, Brett Gardner went 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base. He felt OK, which is good news to the Yankees, who plan to re-evaluate him on Sunday. Gardner will probably be in New York for Monday's Labor Day doubleheader against Tampa Bay.

Oh, by the way, Derek Jeter needs only eight hits to tie Henry Louis Gehrig on the Yankees' all-time list. They'd love for Jeter to get them all in Toronto, but if he does it at home that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world either.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m.: George Steinbrenner spoke to the AP's Mark Didtler down in Tampa, Fla. and had this to say: "Let's keep it going." Big Stein is planning on attending playoff games in the Bronx in October.

YANKEES (85-48)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cani 2B
Swisher RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: RHP Chad Gaudin (1-0, 3.21)

BLUE JAYS (59-73)
Scutaro SS
Hill 2B
Lind LF
Overbay 1B
Wells CF
Ruiz DH
Snider RF
Bautista 3B
Chavez C

Pitching: LHP Ricky Romero (11-6, 3.95)

Hello from under the closed, dark roof at the Rogers Centre ... though the weather outside is terrific. There are jets from an air show buzzing the sky on practice runs every few minutes getting ready for this weekend's festivities in Toronto. Basically, it's like the entire city is Shea Stadium.

Baseball always takes a back seat in Toronto. I was reading the Toronto Star over lunch on Yonge Street and buried in the back of the sports section were a couple of stories on how J.P. Ricciardi is disappointed in the season and how the Blue Jays need Cito Gaston back for 2010.

Needless to say, as I walked through the hallways of the 300 Level with the fading poster-size photos of Joe Carter, Dave Stieb, Ernie Whitt and John Gibbons, it was a stark reminder that it's page-turning time here once again up north.

Here are the pitching matchups for this series:

• Thursday: Yankees (Chad Gaudin (5-10, 4.90) at Blue Jays (Ricky Romero (11-6, 3.95), 7:07 p.m. ET
• Friday: Yankees (Joba Chamberlain, 8-4, 4.38) at Blue Jays (Roy Halladay, 13-8, 3.13), 7:07 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Yankees (Andy Pettitte, 12-6, 4.03) at Blue Jays (Brett Cecil, 6-3, 5.42), 1:07 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Yankees (Sergio Mitre, 3-1, 5.65) at Blue Jays (Brian Tallet, 5-9, 5.17), 1:07 p.m. ET

• • A-Rod, CC carry Yanks to sweep of O's
• • Mariano to rest with tightness in left groin
• • Jeter's work with kids gets Clemente nod
• • A-Rod notches 2,500th career hit
• • Home-field advantage on Yanks' minds
• • Yankees, Rays to play two on Labor Day
• • Gardner starts rehab assignment Thursday
• • Girardi gives Teixeira a breather

YANKEES (84-48)
Jeter SS
Damon LF
Swisher 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Hinske RF
Molina C

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (15-7, 3.56).

ORIOLES (54-79)
Roberts 2B
Izturis SS
Reimold LF
Markakis RF
Mora 3B
Wieters C
Scott DH
Wigginton 1B
Pie CF

Pitching: RHP Jason Berken (4-11, 6.33).

One note to catch you up on: The  Yankees today announced Labor Day gate opening times for their day-night doubleheader vs. the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, September 7. Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. for the 1:05 p.m. scheduled game and at 5:00 p.m. for the second game at 7:05 p.m.

From the Yankees:

The first community service project in the new Yankee Stadium takes place when the New York Yankees and Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center embark on a borough-wide effort to immunize children ages 5 -13.

On Thursday, September 3, 2009 the Yankees and Lincoln will host their fourth collaborative "Back-to-School Immunization Fair" at the new Yankee Stadium Banquet and Conference Center. Enter at Gate 6 located on the corner of River Ave. and 161rd Street from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Vaccinations protect children now and for years to come against serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and hepatitis. Both institutions are highlighting the importance of vaccinating children of the Bronx.

"The Bronx is doing more than ever to ensure that our children are receiving the highest quality health care. Whether its immunization or education, this borough is at the forefront of addressing critical health issues," said José R. Sánchez, Executive Director of Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center. "It is important to make immunizations available to as many children as possible."

All children must be accompanied by an adult. For your child to receive vaccinations (and free gifts), please bring: proof of guardianship (NYS Photo ID and child's birth certificate), Immunization Card, proof of address, and a Health Insurance card if one is available.

Hello from Oriole Park at Camden Yards on another unseasonably cool evening in the Inner Harbor, as A.J. Burnett and David Hernandez get set to go at it.

The Yankees made five moves before today's game, calling up C Francisco Cervelli, LHP Michael Dunn, RHP Mark Melancon, IF Ramiro Pena and RHP Edwar Ramirez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. There could be more on the way when the Minor League season comes to an end, but Joe Girardi said he doesn't want to have players taking up space on the bench if they aren't going to play.

As expected, the Yankees aren't taking any chances with RHP Sergio Mitre (right forearm) and will start RHP Chad Gaudin on Thursday at Toronto instead. The thinking is that, coming off Tommy John surgery, they don't want Mitre to do anything that might set him back again.

Just a day off for Hideki Matsui as the Yankees continue to try and rest their players whenever possible. Brett Gardner took BP on the field here today and will do so again tomorrow. If everything goes well, he could be shipped out for a rehab assignment on Thursday.

YANKEES (83-48)
Jeter SS
Damon DH
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher LF
Hinske RF
Cabrera CF

Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (10-8, 4.10 ERA)

ORIOLES (54-78)
Roberts 2B
Pie LF
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Reimold DH
Scott 1B
Mora 3B
Wieters C
Izturis SS

Pitching: RHP David Hernandez (4-6, 4.24 ERA)

This just in from Major League Baseball:

SEPTEMBER 27th RED SOX-YANKEES GAME TO BE PLAYED AT 1:00 PM ET

Major League Baseball and ESPN have agreed to move the September 27th Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees game in New York from 8:00 p.m. (EDT) to 1:00 p.m. (EDT) so as to not conflict with Yom Kippur.

"I am pleased we were able to resolve this sensitive issue that impacted many baseball fans and are able to move the game at Yankee Stadium to 1:00 p.m. (ET)," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "I want to thank our broadcast partners at ESPN, especially ESPN President George Bodenheimer, for their support and for working with us to adjust the timing of this game which has allowed us to solve this conflict."

The game will be shown exclusively on ESPN.

RHP Chad Gaudin will start Thursday at Toronto instead of RHP Sergio Mitre, the Yankees have announced. They want to be cautious with Mitre as he comes off Tommy John surgery. They'll revisit the rotation when that Sept. 7 doubleheader gets a little closer. Mitre tossed on the field today and said he felt OK, but acknowledged he was "questionable" to start vs. the Blue Jays.

"Our biggest concern is, coming off the injury he came off of, we don't want him favoring that," Girardi said.

The Yankees have promoted Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena, Mark Melancon, Edwar Ramirez and Mike Dunn as their Sept. 1 callups, according to Chad Jennings of the Scranton Times-Tribune. We'll have more updates and information from the clubhouse here at Camden Yards.

It was captivating to watch Andy Pettitte make a serious bid last night for a perfect game at Camden Yards. Personally, I sounded the panic alarm when he got through six innings. Through the fifth, even he was beginning to give it a little bit of thought.

"After the fifth inning, I really felt good and I was throwing everything for strikes and putting it where I wanted to," Pettitte said. "You're just like, 'Heck, maybe it could happen.' But in the back of my mind I'm thinking, 'I've never done it.' I joke around, saying I'm throwing pies in there now at this point in my career."

Pettitte was doing nothing of the sort last night, spinning a gem at an Orioles team that was playing like they were double parked on Cal Ripken Way. His curveball felt really good and he was throwing that a lot, but it wasn't all perfect - Pettitte said he wasn't burying his cutter like in some previous starts, and his fastball wasn't getting in on righties, so he elevated it.

Pettitte had only worked four two-ball counts by the time Adam Jones stepped in with two outs in the seventh inning, hitting his hard smash off Jerry Hairston, Jr.'s glove at third base that broke up the perfect game bid. In person, it appeared to be a clear error, and it was ruled as such.

"I wish I could have that one back," Hairston said. "Nobody feels worse than I do. It's kind of tough to swallow but I've played long enough to know things happen. It's unfortunate. It's a shame."

Pettitte retired the first 20 Orioles to face him before then, and Nick Markakis broke it up a batter later with a clean single down the third base line. Afterward, Pettitte had no regrets about the lost opportunity -- there's plenty of other things to achieve down the stretch as the Yankees gun toward October.

"It feels good to be healthy," Pettitte said. "It feels good that my elbow after surgery doesn't hurt anymore when I pitch. At this time last year my shoulder was absolutely killing me. It just feels good to feel healthy. I just hope I can hold it and keep it for another two months."

Here's video of Andy breaking down his start from YESNetwork.com.