ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Angels’ offer was sincere. And California is CC Sabathia’s home. Nevertheless, he picked the Yankees.
“It was serious,” Sabathia said of the Angels’ offer, believed to be in the five-year, $100 million range. “They made it a week or two after the first Yankee offer. I was trying to feel it out because I knew I wasn’t going to sign until after the Winter Meetings [in early December].”
Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million deal with the Yankees.
So why didn’t Sabathia sign with the Angels?
“It just didn’t feel right,” said Sabathia (8-5, 3.70 ERA), who starts against the Angels tomorrow. “I was at the point where I wanted a chance to win every year and it’s kind of hard not to pick [the Yankees].”
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The combination of Derek Jeter having played shortstop in 11 straight games and the fact that he will practice with the AL All Stars on Monday and start in the All-Star Game on Tuesday led manager Joe Girardi to use his leadoff hitter as the designated hitter last night against Angels lefty Joe Saunders. Jeter went 4-for-5 and scored a run in the Yankees’ 10-6 loss last night.
Jeter’s second DH stint forced regular DH Hideki Matsui to the bench for the second straight game. Alex Rodriguez was the DH on Thursday against Twins lefty Francisco Liriano.
“We needed to get Alex and Derek [half days off],” said Girardi, who started Cody Ransom at shortstop. “Matty will play Saturday and Sunday and if we face a lefty after the break he will be the DH.”
Girardi said it was difficult to sit Matsui since he was riding an 11-for-23 (.478) hot streak.
“I didn’t want to give him two days off but it’s something we need,” Girardi explained.
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The Yankees got two big breaks when they checked into Angel Stadium. That’s when they were informed Angels outfielders Torii Hunter (groin) and Vladimir Guerrero (knee) were on the disabled list. The Angels called up infielder Brandon Wood and catcher Bobby Wilson.
Hunter, an MVP candidate, is hitting .305 and leads the Angels in homers (17) and RBIs (65). Guerrero is batting .290 with four homers and 21 RBIs in just 46 games.
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The Yankees promoted right-handed reliever Mark Melancon last night and optioned reliever Jonathan Albaladejo to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Melancon.
With Alfredo Aceves not available until after the All-Star break because he threw 65 pitches in Thursday’s start and Phil Hughes having been used Wednesday and Thursday, the Yankees needed bullpen help.
It’s Melancon’s second stint in the big leagues this year. In four games, he worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and two runs.
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Mark Teixeira was booed in Baltimore, his hometown, for not signing with the Orioles. He was booed in Texas, where he began his career. He was booed in Atlanta, where he was traded by the Rangers before being traded to the Angels.
So, because Teixeira left the Angels for the Yankees via free agency this past winter for $180 million, it was expected he was going to hear it from the crowd at Angel Stadium last night since he turned down eight years and $160 million to stay with the Angels.
Teixeira’s stance has never changed. Wherever he goes he accentuates the positives: Baltimore has great fans, he made lasting relationships in Texas and Atlanta. And through it all, Teixeira has enjoyed his New York experience.
“I feel comfortable in New York and the team is exactly where we need to be,” said Teixeira, easily the Yankees’ first-half MVP. “I feel good to be part of it.”
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Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage and Reggie Jackson will headline the Yankees’ 63rd Old Timers’ Day a week from tomorrow at Yankee Stadium.
First-timers include Tony Cloninger, Chad Curtis, Lindy McDaniel, Jerry Narron, Mike Easler and Charlie Hayes.
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Andy Pettitte (8-4, 4.53 ERA) will face RHP Jered Weaver (9-3, 3.15) today and CC Sabathia (8-5, 3.70) will oppose RHP John Lackey (3-4, 5.18) tomorrow. … Jose Molina made his first start behind the plate since coming off the DL earlier this week.