Manager Joe Girardi is in the first season of a three-year deal so even in the Yankees’ crazy universe he isn’t in danger of being let go one quarter of the way into the schedule, even if his club has underachieved at 20-24 and is last in the AL East.
That’s not the case in Queens, where there is growing speculation that Willie Randolph could be fired by the Mets, who are 22-19 after beating the Yankees 11-2 last night.
According to Girardi, feeling the heat is part of doing business in New York.
“I knew before, I don’t think I needed a reminder,” said Girardi of the New York market’s thirst for instant gratification. “You understand that when you take the job. When you don’t win games it’s going to be that way. I have been part of it and I understand it. You can’t get wrapped up in it.”
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Randolph said his feelings about instant replay are changing after the obviously blown call last night that robbed Carlos Delgado of a three-run homer in the fourth.
“I’m starting to come around on that,” Randolph said of replay. “A few years ago, I probably would have said no. I’m old school, and umpires are part of the game. This isn’t football, but after [last night], it’s definitely something to consider.”
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Mike Mussina wasn’t on hand last night, granted permission to miss the game.
“He’s been excused, nothing serious but he had something to take care off,” Girardi said of his starter tomorrow night.
Catcher Jose Molina had a chest X-ray taken last night because of a lingering cough.
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Pedro Martinez remains on track to pitch another simulated game today in Port St. Lucie. He is expected to throw about 70 pitches, then make at least one minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the Mets later this month or in early June.
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Girardi said Jorge Posada‘s right shoulder felt so good yesterday that he wanted to increase his throwing program but wasn’t allowed.
Later in the day Posada caught Ian Kennedy‘s bullpen session.
In a perfect world Posada will start a minor league rehab assignment a week from today but that isn’t etched in stone.
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The Mets are off today before beginning a seven-game road trip that starts with a day-night doubleheader tomorrow in Atlanta and ends this weekend at Colorado. After enduring a 3-4 homestand last week that included the turmoil of losing three of four to the Nationals, the Amazin’s suddenly feel energized again.
“After what we went through at home, to beat the Yankees two games here is a big lift,” David Wright said. “We have a chance to build some momentum.”
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Derek Jeter extended his consecutive-game hitting streak against the Mets to 17 with a fourth-inning single. Jeter is a career .386 (98-for-254) against the Mets.