Yankee doodles

PHILADELPHIA -- Here's the key points that have emerged from the Yankees' workout and Joe Girardi's session with the media.

1). No decision on a Game Four starter. It might be CC Sabathia, it might be Chad Gaudin, it may not totally rest on the Yankees leading or trailing the series, 2-1. The Yankees are carefully gauging how Sabathia feels. I think he'll be out there.

2). Forget about Hideki Matsui in the outfield. He says he's been taking grounders, Girardi said it's not an open-and-shut case but realistically it's not going to happen. Johnny Damon will be in left. Girardi will be choosing between Nick Swisher, Jerry Hairston and Brett Gardner in right. Matsui will pinch-hit when needed.

3). The Yankees are going to monitor Mariano Rivera closely. He threw 39 pitches Thursday -- his most ever in a postseason game. Girardi didn't know if he'd be able to go two innings Saturday and, in fact, said he probably won't. For the first time this postseason, the Yankees are playing three days in a row so I'm thinking Rivera is going to be four outs at most. And Girardi so much as admitted it's unlikely Rivera would pitch all three games.

---Mike Harrington

(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)

Comments

[Mr. Kevin H. Hodge]

Sir, Good Evening and Great to Anticipate Series In Philadelphia. Sir, With Mr. Riveria, Pitching 2 Innings On Thursday Evening, The Joba Rules Have to Be Addressed..We Need You Joba Chamberlein, Mike, To All Baseball Fans Making Trip to Philadelphia, At Midnite Saturday Morning..Possible Major Transit Strike In Philadelphia, Bus and Trolley, May Go On Strike, Which Would Really Be Difficult for Phillies Baseball, Sixers Basketball and All Hard-Working Fans of Flyers Hockey...Again Possible Metro Bus and Rail Transit Strike..Starting Midnite Saturday..Which May Effect Students at Temple University In Late Dental Classes..Believe In Mr. Giradi..and 3-Ring-Binder-Program, Believe In Yankee Tradition, Dream Of 3 More Wins, For The Boss and Old New York...Mr. Kevin H. Hodge