Perhaps it was being back at home, perhaps it was in response to Steinbrenner’s threat against Joe Torre, perhaps it’s because there weren’t any freaking bugs from Lake Erie to worry about.
Whatever it was, the Yankees pulled it together last night and beat the Indians 8-4:
NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Torre knew it. Johnny Damon knew it. And the fans at Yankee Stadium certainly knew it, too.
With one more loss, Torre’s run as manager might end after 12 championship-filled years.
When Roger Clemens was chased in the third inning and the Yankees fell behind by three runs, it appeared the end of an era was drawing near. Then, the Yankees awoke to save their season and perhaps Torre’s job.
Damon lofted a go-ahead, three-run homer in the fifth inning, rookies Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain rescued the Rocket and the Yankees rallied past Cleveland 8-4 Sunday night, closing within 2-1 in their first-round AL playoff series.
“We all love Joe Torre, and we would love for him to win another championship,” Damon said. “I think Joe Torre is a guy who commands a lot of respect. He’s meant so much to the Yankee organization. And, you know, we get to play for him at least another day and, hopefully, longer.”
So the Yankees, and Joe Torre, live to fight another day.
On that note, I think Mike Mussina sums it up well:
“I think he’s done a tremendous job,” the 38-year-old righty said. “He’s the guy who took me out of the rotation (in September), and I still think very highly of him. It worked out. Pretty smart guy.
“It really is not easy to play six months and still be one of the four teams left in our league. It’s really not easy to do that year after year after year. When he’s done it (12) times in a row, I don’t know what more you want. But that’s my opinion. I’d play for the guy any time. We’re the ones who go out there on the field and have to perform. If we don’t perform, it shouldn’t be a reflection of his ability.”
Well said.
