Barring a setback today when Roger Clemens rejoins the Yankees in Cleveland, Joe Torre plans on starting Clemens in Game 3 when the ALDS moves from Jacobs Field to Yankee Stadium.
Clemens threw a 69-pitch simulated game in Tampa yesterday and Torre received encouraging news from Billy Connors, who watched the workout that also included fielding ground balls.
“The reports were good,” Torre said. “He did all his stuff. He pitched to right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters and covered the bases.”
Asked if Clemens was his Game 3 starter, Torre said, “As of right now. Of course, we have to see how he feels in Cleveland (today).”
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Torre didn’t tip his hand about what his lineup will look like against Indians ace C.C. Sabathia or what the back end of his bullpen will be for Game 1 tomorrow night. However, there are strong indications Torre will use the right-handed hitting Shelley Duncan as the DH against the left-handed Sabathia, who has handled Jason Giambi (2-for-11; .182) and Hideki Matsui (0-for-9).
Monday, Torre said he “might include Duncan.” Yesterday, Torre didn’t back off of that, though he didn’t say Duncan would start.
“I haven’t been told anything,” said Duncan, who hit .257 with seven homers with 17 RBIs in 34 games. “The only thing I can do is prepare for whatever happens.”
Torre said when Giambi does play it will be strictly as the DH. With Matsui limited to DH duty because of his balky right knee, which was drained Monday, Torre will have to decide daily between Matsui and Giambi as DH.
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Add Andy Pettitte to the growing list of players who believe somebody else in Joe Torre’s chair would look awkward.
“He treats you like a man, like the way you want to be treated,” Pettitte said of Torre, who could be managing his last games for the Yankees since his contract is up at the end of the season. “Joe doesn’t get enough credit. (Torre leaving) would be tough, no doubt. How can you argue about taking the team to the postseason every year? It would be certainly weird not to see him.”
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Torre and his staff met yesterday, but scouting reports consumed most of the time and according to the manager no decision was made on the back end of the bullpen or the final roster. Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras and Ron Villone are being considered for two spots.
Rosters have to be in by 10 a.m. tomorrow.
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George Steinbrenner isn’t traveling to his home state for Games 1 and 2 of the ALDS tomorrow and Friday in Cleveland, but The Boss is expected at Yankee Stadium Saturday and to be on hand for Games 3 and 4 Sunday and Monday.