YANKEE NOTES
Joe Torre and Mel Stottlemyre will likely announce that Jon Lieber will start Game 2 of the ALCS Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium against Pedro Martinez and the Red Sox.
According to GM Brian Cashman, Lieber’s minor back problem that flared up during his ALDS Game 2 start against the Twins isn’t serious. Combined with Lieber being 11-3 during the regular season at Yankee Stadium and pitching effectively against the Twins at home last week, that should be enough for Lieber to get the nod over Kevin Brown, whose back bothered him during his Game 3 outing.
“It’s not an issue,” Cashman said of the tightness Lieber talked about Saturday during the clinching celebration.
Lieber said he worked the tightness out during the game but it returned after the start. He has been playing catch but not thrown in the bullpen, something he rarely does between starts. However, to make sure the back is OK, he may throw off a mound today.
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Cashman wasn’t sure what Orlando Hernandez can give the Yankees after missing the ALDS due to a tired right shoulder.
“I don’t know,” Cashman said. “He might throw a bullpen [today] and we will make a decision.”
El Duque was at the Stadium yesterday to get treatment, but even if he doesn’t come through the session well enough to start Games 3 or 4, the Yankees may put him on the roster because the option is Jason Giambi. And according to Cashman, that’s not much of an option.
“I don’t see that,” Cashman said of the DH, who wasn’t active for the ALDS and will see a doctor today to find out why he is still suffering from dizzy spells.
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Tom Gordon getting hit with a champagne cork in the face near an eye Saturday wasn’t a big deal to the Yankees since Cashman didn’t know about it until yesterday when asked by a reporter about it.
“I saw him on the plane and didn’t hear anything from the doctor or the trainer,” Cashman said. “I wasn’t aware of it. As far as I am concerned, he is fine.”
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Yankees vs. Redsox
At a glance
Yankees vs. Red Sox
All games on WCBS 880 AM, ESPN 1050 AM *if necessary
Game Date Site Time TV
Game 1 Tomorrow at Yankees 8:00 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 2 Wed. at Yankees 8:00 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 3 Friday at Red Sox 8:00 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 4 Saturday at Red Sox 7:30 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 5* Oct. 17 at Red Sox 4:00 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 6* Oct. 19 at Yankees 8:00 p.m. Ch. 5
Game 7* Oct. 20 at Yankees 8:00 p.m. Ch. 5
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Pitching match-ups (s, lcf)
Game 1
Mike Mussina (12-9; 4.59) vs. Curt Schilling (21-6; 3.26)
Game 2
Pedro Martinez (16-9; 3.90) vs. Jon Lieber (14-8; 4.33)
Game 3
Bronson Arroyo (10-9; 4.03) vs. Kevin Brown (10-6; 4.09)
