NEW YORK - He has a pitching staff that includes Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and David Wells.
He has a lineup that includes Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada and Jason Giambi. He has perhaps the best closer in history in Mariano Rivera.
And he has an owner who is willing to spend whatever it takes to fill any and every hole.
But it isn't easy being Yankees manager Joe Torre.
That same owner, George Steinbrenner, who writes blank checks puts enormous pressure on the team to win. Just the other day, the Boss was quoted as saying that winning is second only to breathing.
This season, Steinbrenner has publicly questioned Torre, leading many to believe Torre's job was in jeopardy. It has made this season tougher than any other for Torre since the Yankees began their winning run in 1996.
"I think (the criticism) has been more public this year," Torre said. "And when it becomes more public, then my concern is how it affects the players."
Steinbrenner backed off before season's end and said Torre would be back no matter what. Torre said he now turns his attention to the Red Sox.
"I don't feel any added tension other than the competition," Torre said. "From anywhere else, I certainly don't feel any more pressure than I have in the past."
MUSCLE MAN: What has gotten into Boston's Todd Walker?
The second baseman hit 13 homers during the regular season but hit four in the first six postseason games to tie an individual club record for one postseason. Nomar Garciaparra hit four in 1999.
"I don't think I can explain and I don't think I want to," Walker said. "I'm a contact hitter, I hit a lot of doubles and if the wind is blowing right, it's going to go out of the park."
DAY TO DAMON: The Red Sox remain hopeful centerfielder and leadoff hitter Johnny Damon, out for Games 1 and 2 with a Grade 2 concussion, can return for Saturday's game in Boston. He took batting practice and, if he is feeling well, will hit again today.
HOBBLED: Yankees designated hitter Jason Giambi is doing what he can despite playing on a knee that has bothered him for a couple of seasons.
"It's (something) he has had to deal with long before he came to us," Torre said. "But he's going to play every game. ... Hopefully he catches on fire for us. He's certainly capable and we always expect it of him every time he gets in the batter's box. We know he has struggled over the last month or so, but it doesn't keep me from expecting big things, and I have every confidence that we are going to get it."
HE SAID IT: Boston pitcher Tim Wakefield baffled the Yankees in Game 1, allowing two hits over six innings. Just how tough is it to hit Wakefield's knuckler?
"It's like trying to hit a butterfly with a boat paddle," Boston reliever Mike Timlin said.
MISCELLANY: Yankee Hall of Famers took care of ceremonial first-pitch honors. Phil Rizzuto threw to Yogi Berra as the crowd gave them a raucous standing ovation. ... The Boys Choir of Harlem sang the national anthem. ... Celebrity of the night in attendance: film director Spike Lee, wearing a Yankees jacket and hat. Broadcast journalists Mike Wallace and Deborah Norville were spotted sharing a conversation.
