Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published September 25, 2001
7:05 tonight, 7:05 Wednesday
SCOUTING REPORT: The Yankees are gearing up for yet another run in the postseason, and very much look the part. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte (who are pitching against the Rays) are joined in the powerful rotation by Mike Mussina and Orlando Hernandez. Scott Brosius returned from a hand injury to make the infield complete. Closer Mariano Rivera has been his usual dominating self. The Yankees have not only been hitting home runs like usual, but stealing bases too. They could end up leading the majors in steals for the first time since 1938.
THE PAST WEEK: The Yankees went 3-3 on their trip to Chicago and Baltimore after the resumption of play. They are 29 games better than .500 and as soon as tonight can clinch their fifth AL East championship in the past six years.
RAYS-YANKEES CONNECTIONS: Gerald Williams hasn't done much better for the Yankees than he was doing when the Rays released him in June, hitting .186 with 2 RBI in 34 games for New York. ... Reliever Victor Zambrano was released by the Yankees after two unsuccessful minor-league seasons as an infielder.
ALL-TIME SERIES: It isn't pretty no matter how you look at it -- the Yankees lead 36-13 overall and are 20-5 at Yankee Stadium, including eight wins in a row. This season, the Yankees are 10-2 against the Rays and have out-homered them 23-3.
WHO'S HOT: 1B Tino Martinez is on an 8-for-17 tear.
WHO'S NOT: DH David Justice is in a 3-for-27 skid.