Johnson has herniated disc — playoff status uncertain, AP, September 30, 2006

Those pesky back spasms that have been plaguing the 43-Year-Old Man turn out to be symptoms of a herniated disc. On the day after the Yanks secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason, we have to ask: how devastating is the potential loss of the 43-Year-Old Man anyhow? Is it really the ’significant blow’ that the NY media believes it to be? Perhaps it could be a huge loss in a short series. But, like the Mets and Pedro, the Yanks have managed to (mostly) win with his inconsistency all season long.

“You don’t know what you’re going to get when he pitches,” Torre said earlier this week.

So, while no one really likes the idea of seeing Cory Lidle or Jaret Wright, either can probably be as effective (or ineffective) as an ailing Unit.

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Baltimore 7, NY Yankees 1, AP, September 29, 2006

• After Wednesday’s laugher, Murderers’ Row discovers how things can be against quality pitching. Torre tells the Daily News:

“You hear people talking about, ‘Wow, what a lineup,’ but it just takes that guy in the middle of the field to completely shut you down.”

Of course, if The MVP had been in the lineup, we all know the Yanks would have pulled this one out.

• And in today’s NY Post (check out the nice site redesign), there’s some anti-Yankee sentiments coming from an unlikely source: Twins owner, Carl Pohlad. Why does Carl want the Yankees in the first round?

“Because I know we can beat them.”

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NY Yankees 16, Baltimore 5, AP, September 28, 2006

The Bombers pound on the mediocre and lifeless Orioles and declare themselves unbeatable. Torre says it’s the ‘deepest lineup’ he’s ever had. And Johnny Damon is downright ebullient:

“Wow! I haven’t seen a lineup like this.”

Sorry Johnny, but we have to disagree. You have seen a Yankee lineup like this — every season since 2001. Sure, it’s the best team — on paper. But somehow, every year, it has gone down in flames.

Still, the Yankees keep raising the stakes this season, even as pitching questions continue to rise. It’s these kind of expectations that can make the winter especially harsh in Yankee Land.

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NY Yankees 16, Tampa Bay 1, AP, September 26, 2006

• Just in time for October, the 43-Year-Old Man is out for the remainder of the regular season with back spasms:

“My back is locked up right now. Let’s get it taken care of, and obviously the regular season start doesn’t mean much. So we’ll get ready for the postseason game. With the rest we’ll hopefully get it well.”

• At least the ‘Do It For Donnie’ campaign made a successful return last night as the Yankees destroyed the D-Rays. Even A-Rod came back to life, breaking his 0-13, post-SI slump.

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• The Yankees are banning season-ticket holders that resell their seats on StubHub from the playoffs. Nice timing, right? But wait, there’s more. Next year, the Yankees will set up their own StubHub for fans to resell and buy tickets! Don’t cry Yankee fans. With all the extra cash the team rakes in, they just might be able to sign Barry Zito.

• Torre lectures Pavano in the Yankee clubhouse. Who put him up to it this time? Jason Giambi? Click here to read the story.

• The Post is also mentioning that A-Rod to the Los Angeles Angels rumor. A-Rod can shoot down any trade. But if the Yankees tell him he’s not wanted, then all bets are off.

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Boss: Yanks And I Both Feeling Fine, NY Post, September 22, 2006

No, he didn’t have a stroke. In fact, he’s working out daily. And look out, he’s making some bold postseason predictions:

“We’re going to win it. We’re going all the way.”

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Do It For Donnie, NY Post, September 22, 2006

What’s the lamest rallying cry for the playoffs this year? Give that award to the Yanks for ‘Do it for Donnie’. He doesn’t have an incurable disease. He didn’t come painfully close to winning any championships (only to fall short). It just so happens that the current Yankee hitting coach played on mediocre teams throughout his career with the Yanks.

“There would be nothing better than to get one for Donnie,” said Giambi. “…That would be another link in the Yankees mystique and the World Series.”

Jason, get off your Yankeeography trip. How about winning one for yourself? We realize that the Yanks are desperate for compelling story lines in October. But why should Mattingly have to endure a prolonged stint as the object of Yankee pity?

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• Ever wonder how the A-Rod drama appears to the rest of the majors? This story about Frank Thomas from today’s Times gives a little insight. The already infamous Giambi ‘you call those hits’ line has apparently caught on in the A’s clubhouse:

…It is hard to believe he (Thomas) could find a more comfortable situation. He need only look at Giambi and Rodriguez, once icons and now soap opera stars. For the rest of this season and possibly beyond, they will have to endure variations on the taunt: “You call those hits?”

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Toronto 3, NY Yankees 2, AP, September 21, 2006

• The normally stoic Yankees celebrate like they’ve never been there before. They call it a tough year even with a double-digit lead in the division. Meanwhile in the Daily News, Torre puts a fatherly spin on the fallout from A-Rod’s SI comments:

“I’m not sure any family is going to put a smile on your face 365 days a year. There’s going to be issues. … I don’t have a concern because I know the people in the clubhouse.”

• Mike Lupica calls out Jason Giambi in today’s Daily News:

Giambi isn’t the conscience of the Yankees, isn’t the voice of the Yankees. Isn’t a better Yankee than Alex Rodriguez. He’s just been here longer.

We disagree. What the SI article makes clear is that the Balco Bomber is indeed the voice of this team. That is what happens when the ones that should (Derek Jeter) do not step up. Jeter has unfortunately let his personal issues with A-Rod get in the way of his duties as captain. Now Giambi, a known cheater who has no championship pedigree, evidently has Torre’s ear.

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Notes: Pavano likely out for season, Yankees.com, September 20, 2006

Believe it or not, there is other news in Yankee Land today. Sadly, the 2006 Carl Pavano campaign is about to come to an end:

“He’s still not able to throw without experiencing discomfort in his shoulder because of the injuries he sustained,” Cashman said Tuesday night. “We’re talking about it; we’ll make a decision tomorrow. [Shutting him down] is the way we’re leaning.”

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