YANKEE NOTES
Give George Steinbrenner another gold star for getting the most publicity for his dollar. Roger Clemens will present the Yankee jersey he wore in Monday’s record-breaking start to the Hall of Fame on April 26 in a ceremony at the Stadium. Red Sox fans will love looking at that one when they visit Cooperstown.
The Rocket roared past the Big Train on Opening Day with five strikeouts, giving him 3,509 Ks for his career, one ahead of Walter Johnson for the most in AL history. Johnson’s grandson will be at ceremony.
Clemens goes for win No. 2 today against Toronto righty Steve Parris (0-1, 9.00). Clemens was pushed back one day to rest his sore right wrist, which had been hit by a batted ball in the opener. “I guess he’s fine,” Joe Torre said yesterday. “He threw the other day and he was fine. He’s starting tomorrow, there’s no question mark there.”
Clemens has 261 career victories, 34th on the all-time list. His 8.1 innings pitched were the most by a Yankee starter on Opening Day since Rick Rhoden pitched a complete game 13 years ago. Clemens is 17-10 against his old club.
*
Already this season, Torre’s 1-0 making big decisions. Torre opted to keep Derek Jeter down in Florida to make extra sure that when Jeter joined the club, Mr. Yankee would be healthy. “The decision I made I felt was for the best when we left him in Florida,” Torre said. “I’m glad I made that decision. I’m also glad I don’t have to second-guess myself because we won three out of four games.”
To make room for Jeter the Yankees optioned infielder D’Angelo Jimenez to Triple-A Columbus.
*
Torre made it a point to talk to rookie right-hander Christian Parker, who lasted only three innings in his first start, surrendering seven runs in a 13-4 loss Friday night.
“I don’t think the kid is hiding anywhere,” Torre said. “I saw him on the way home, and I said, ‘The sun will come out tomorrow.'” Looking at the clouds and taking in the 47-degree temperature yesterday, Torre said, “I lied to him, but I didn’t mean it literally. I think you really have to discount what happened [Friday night] due to the fact that it was his first start. It’s tough, unless you’re a robot. We’ll see the next time he starts.”
*
The bullpen is a work in progress, Torre said. Not the closing part, of course, the setting up part with Jeff Nelson in Seattle. “What are the best matchups going to be? That may take us a little time,” Torre said.
Torre admitted he will lean on Mariano Rivera more than ever, but will not over-use his closer. “Rivera is always going to get the extra hitter,” Torre said. “He did last year. Circumstances are going to dictate it, as far as how much we use Rivera, if we have an off-day, just a lot of things. We’re not going to empty his tank at this point in time. I’ve told pitchers don’t ever be embarrassed if the guy coming in for you is Rivera. That’s not something that you should take personally.”
*
Torre is impressed with the Blue Jays, noting: “They’ve got some speed, they can hit the ball out of the ballpark with ease, it’s going to come down to what the question mark has been every year, are the young pitchers ready to do the job on a regular basis?
“[Esteban] Loaiza could be a real big bonus for them, no question,” Torre said. “He’s got veteran status. He’s only been a pitcher who has the potential to do big things. We saw them a lot this spring and they were impressive.”
