MLB

BOSS KEEPS LIPS ZIPPED

Since serving Joe Torre with an ultimatum this past weekend that his manager didn’t heed, George Steinbrenner has zipped his lips in regards to Torre’s future.

Sunday, he refused to comment about Torre’s status. Last night after the Indians eliminated the Yankees from the ALDS with a 6-4 victory, The Boss refused to answer questions.

Looking weak and pale, The Boss was supported by his daughter on his right arm as he exited the Stadium and headed for a car that would bring him to his Manhattan residence.

Steinbrenner is expected to ax Torre in a few days, according to several people who are familiar with The Boss’ thinking.

Earlier in the evening Steinbrenner didn’t comment during his walk from car to entrance in which his eyes were behind sunglasses.

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Hitting coach Kevin Long and Alex Rodriguezshared a long embrace as Rodriguez headed for the clubhouse exit.

“Keep your head up,” Long said to Rodriguez, who credits his MVP-worthy season to Long’s guidance.

Rodriguez then stepped into Torre’s office for a short chat.

“We have the most prepared coaching staff and the best manager,” Rodriguez said. “We [players] are more responsible than anyone else. This is 100 percent not Joe’s fault.”

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Joba Chamberlain took a line drive off his right arm during batting practice but said he was available to pitch if needed. In fact, he warmed up in the seventh.

“I was in there, I was up,” said Chamberlain, who explained he was standing in the outfield when hit by the liner. “It wasn’t a problem.”

Hoping that Chien-Ming Wang was going to keep the ball out of the air better than he did in Game 1, Torre went back to Doug Mientkiewicz at first base last night for Game 4 against the Indians. Wang recorded three ground-ball outs in the first inning, but didn’t get out of the second.

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Indians GM Mark Shapiro had no problem with the Yankees taking advantage of a new rule that allowed them to delete Roger Clemens from the ALDS roster in the middle of the series and replace him with Ron Villone.

“You shouldn’t be penalized. If you lose your starting second baseman in a series, you shouldn’t be penalized,” Shapiro said. “You should be able to replace him in that series, especially if you’re not going to have him back for the next series. That’s not how the regular season works, why would the post season work differently?”

Shapiro would prefer a starter for a starter.

“You could say if a starting pitcher is out of Game 2, probably add a clause like that . . . you’re not going to use another starting pitcher so you’re not going to replace that guy,” Shapiro said. “I’m not that upset about it. Just so you guys are clear I’m not that upset. It’s just unusual, it’s the first time.”