Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 14, 2001
7:05 tonight, 7:05 Wednesday, 1:05 Thursday
SCOUTING REPORT: They're still the Yankees and they still have the best record in the majors southeast of Seattle, but they have not exactly been dominating. Pitching has been a key, and two of their big three starters -- Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens -- are scheduled to work this series. David Justice has given the offense a boost, joining Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and Tino Martinez as the top contributors. They miss third baseman Scott Brosius, who is out with a hairline fracture of his left hand.
THE PAST WEEK: It was a lost weekend for the Yankees, who were swept at Oakland. The two wins over the Rays last week were the Yankees' only victories in their past eight games. They are 7-8 since an eight-game winning streak and 17-15 since the All-Star break.
RAYS-YANKEES CONNECTIONS: Gerald Williams hasn't played much since being released by the Rays and signed by the Yankees, making just four starts. ... Rays reliever Victor Zambrano was first signed by the Yankees as an infielder and released in 1996.
ALL-TIME SERIES: The Yankees lead 33-13 overall, with an 8-2 edge this season. The Rays are 5-17 at Yankee Stadium, including a four-game New York sweep six weeks ago.
WHO'S HOT: Jeter, who hit .524 last week, is at it again with 16 hits in his past 42 at-bats.
WHO'S NOT: Chuck Knoblauch is in another slump, this time 3-for-27.