Bitter rivals meet again in opener

By wire services
Published April 3, 2005

NEW YORK - Yankees-Red Sox: Ring the bell for Round 3. After 52 games the past two years, the rivalry resumes tonight in the season opener as Randy Johnson makes his New York debut against ex-Yankee David Wells.

"I don't think the intensity can get any higher for an opener," New York's Tino Martinez said Saturday.

That's partly because the roles are reversed. Boston finally came out on top last October, becoming the first major-league team to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the postseason. The Red Sox won the AL pennant in Game 7 at Yankee Stadium and went on to sweep St. Louis for their first World Series title in 86 years.

"It feels like we were here yesterday," Boston outfielder Johnny Damon said.

The last time the Red Sox opened a season as defending champions, they routed the Yankees 10-0 at the Polo Grounds on April23, 1919. Babe Ruth homered, and Carl Mays pitched a four-hitter. By 1920, Mays was traded to the Yankees and Ruth sold to them.

"This is going to go on forever," Damon said.

Meanwhile, Kevin Brown will miss his first start for the Yankees and could go on the disabled list with a stiff back. Jaret Wright will replace him on Friday at home against Baltimore with Brown expected to start April15 at Baltimore.

Brown, 40, who has had previous back problems, left his final spring training start Friday after only three innings.

And Boston ace Curt Schilling said he likely will make his season debut April13 against the Yankees. In 81/3 innings of a minor-league intrasquad game Saturday, Schilling allowed one run, four hits, struck out eight and walked two.

Schilling, recovering from surgery to repair a torn tendon and a cartilage defect in his right ankle, is scheduled to start Triple-A Pawtucket's opener April7 and might be joined by Wade Miller.

Miller faced batters for the first time since going on the DL June26 with right shoulder tendinitis. He didn't allow a hit in three innings.

A'S: Right-hander Rich Harden signed a $9-million, four-year deal. Harden, 23, entering his third season, went 11-7 with a 3.99 ERA in 2004.

ASTROS: Roger Clemens said he doesn't expect to miss time after being hit on the left (nonthrowing) wrist by a line drive hit by Kansas City's Matt Stairs.

BLUE JAYS: Third baseman Corey Koskie, recovering from a strained groin, went 0-for-4 and struck out twice in a rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse.

BRAVES: Right-hander Tim Hudson's start was pushed back a day to Thursday. He gave up 14 runs (11 earned) in his last two starts, including eight hits and seven runs in four innings and 85 pitches Saturday. Manager Bobby Cox said he wanted to give Hudson an extra day of rest.

BREWERS: GM Doug Melvin said Mike Adams will be the closer.

GIANTS: Barry Bonds was placed on the DL for only the third time in his career. He is recovering from two surgeries on his right knee and has said he might miss half of the season.

INDIANS: Shortstop Brandon Phillips, among Cleveland's top prospects, was sent to Triple A. Phillips hit .303 in 135 games there last season but .125 (5-for-40) this spring.

METS: Outfielder Mike Cameron has tendinitis in his left wrist and is day to day. It is unrelated to his wrist surgery in December. Also, the contract of ex-Devil Rays closer Roberto Hernandez was purchased from Triple-A Norfolk.

PHILLIES: Right-hander Vicente Padilla threw four shutout innings in a minor-league game. Padilla, recovering from right triceps tendinitis, allowed one hit and struck out five in 48 pitches.

TWINS: The contract of left-hander Terry Mulholland was purchased from Triple-A Rochester. Entering his 19th year, he will be a long reliever and spot starter.

TRADE: The Tigers traded left-hander Steve Colyer to the Mets for right-hander Matt Ginter. Coyler, 26, was 1-0 with a 6.47 ERA in 41 games last year. Ginter, 27, went 1-3 with a 4.54 ERA in 14 starts and one relief appearance last year.

[Last modified April 3, 2005, 00:10:19]