Yankees Diaries

If you had told Yankee fans that the Red Sox were going to score 11 runs Friday, most would've said the chances of winning were slim. But win was exactly what the Yankees did, dominating the Red Sox 20-11 to increase their lead in the American League East to 7 1/2 games. This was never close after the second inning when the Yankees increased their lead to 6-1. Derek Jeter set the tone with three hits and increased his streak of multi-hit games to five. Alex Rodriguez went 4 for 4.

It was a huge win for the Bombers, but the bigger news Friday, at least before the game, was what new Hall of Fame inductee Jim Rice said about the left side of the Yankees infield. This rivalry never lacks any extra motivation, but that is exactly what this series got when Rice spoke about how Little Leaguers shouldn’t use today’s big leaguers as role models. When speaking to a group of kids, he said “You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod, you see Jeter. Guys that I played against and with, these guys you’re talking about cannon compare.”

Rice said that players today are more focused on individual goals and big contracts than the game and winning. No one has been criticized more for his lack of clutch hitting and huge salary than A-Rod, but this year he is doing his best to stay focused on baseball. Maybe the comments are warranted for A-Rod but they are unfair and utterly untrue for Jeter. Jeter is the poster boy of class, playing his position well every day and never opening his mouth. Although he makes a handsome paycheck, you can’t blame him, you have to blame the era. If there is a player that deserves his contract, plays his hardest everyday and represents baseball exceptionally well, it is Derek Jeter.

Aside from the offensive explosion, another encouraging development for the Yankees was the return of Damaso Marte, who had not pitched since April 25. He came in and retired both batters he faced. The game may have been out of hand by the time he got in but it was nice to see Marte get hitters out as he will slide into the main situational lefty for Joe Girardi down the stretch. Last but certainly not least was Hideki Matsui’s great game going 2 for 6 with two home runs and seven runs batted in. The Yanks look to push the lead to 8 1/2 with A.J. Burnett getting the call in this Fox matinee. --- Andrew Cohen.