YANKEE NOTES
WASHINGTON, D.C. – When Larry Bowa walks into Citizens Bank Ballpark for tonight’s game against the Phillies, a lifetime of fond Philadelphia memories will be locked inside.
However, what Phillies management had to say when he was axed following the 2004 season as manager still has a bad taste for one of the most popular names in Phillies history.
“If you’re going to make a change, say you’re going in a different direction,” the first-year Yankees third base coach said. “I don’t want to use the word ‘sour,’ but I am disappointed that the front office said the team was batter than it was, that we didn’t play up to our potential. When I took over (2001) they hadn’t had a winning season (since 1993) and we had winning seasons three of the four years and were fighting for the pennant or a wild card spot.”
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Due to early exits by Jaret Wright and Shawn Chacon Friday and Saturday, respectively, the duo won’t pitch back-to-back in the Yankees’ rotation for now.
“With the off day (Thursday) we’re going to get somebody in between them until they are comfortable giving us more innings,” said Joe Torre, who will likely start Chien-Ming Wang Friday night after Wright goes Wednesday and before Chacon pitches Saturday.
When the Yankees designated Aaron Small for assignment Saturday to make room for T.J. Beam, Torre said he didn’t want to carry 13 pitchers. However, after using five relievers in Saturday’s disaster, the Yankees promoted reliever Jose Veras from Triple-A Columbus in time for yesterday’s game. Outfielder Kevin Thompson was optioned to Columbus.
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The Yankees hope Randy Johnson can build on his best outing of the season last Wednesday when he gave up one run and four hits in 6 1/3 innings and was ejected for throwing at Cleveland’s Eduardo Perez.
Johnson, 8-5 with a 5.32 ERA, is expected to drop his the appeal of his five-game suspension after tonight’s game.