YANKEE NOTES
ST. PETERSBURG – It started in the morning at a nearby gym where he asked his bruised right hamstring to stand up to the punishment of leg squats. Later in the day, the wheel was put through a rigorous running program at a local outdoor track in searing heat.
So, when Roger Clemens arrived in the Yankees’ Tropicana Field clubhouse yesterday afternoon soaked in sweat, it was a pretty good indication that the Rocket will make his scheduled start tomorrow against the Devil Rays.
“Slowly but surely, it’s working it’s way out,” Clemens said of the blood and soreness that was caused when a Brad Ausmus grounder hit him in the back of the right leg Saturday, caused internal bleeding and forcing the Yankees to wonder if he would be right when the postseason starts Tuesday. “I plan on pitching.”
“Roger will pitch Thursday and that’s such good news,” Joe Torre said of his best pitcher who will likely start Game 1 of the ALDS Tuesday against an un-named opponent. “I had a feeling [Monday] after he threw and he had a good day so it didn’t surprise me. He told me there was no problem and that’s good news.”
Since Clemens pitches tomorrow night and Tuesday would be his normal day to pitch after four days’ rest, it’s easily assumed Torre will hand the Rocket the ball for Game 1. And considering Clemens has been the Yankees’ best pitcher since early July, it’s certainly not a reach. Yet, Torre is mum.
“When we get to the point where we know who [the opponent is], that’s when I will do it,” Torre said of naming his Game 1 starter.
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Torre sure sounded like a man ready to put David Cone on his 10-man post-season pitching staff in a bullpen role.
“I still trust him,” Torre said of Cone.
Torre said Cone will get another chance to work in relief before the end of the regular season Sunday in Baltimore. He also said that Dwight Gooden, who was battered by the Tigers Monday night, is back in the bullpen.
Denny Neagle has informed agent Barry Meister that he doesn’t want his mind cluttered with contract details during the final week of the season or for however long the postseason lasts.
“I told Barry if there isn’t a whole lot to report, then don’t call me other than to say hello,” said Neagle.
