More Rain Would Create Some Real Problems

If the World Series opener is rained out again tonight, the two games at Yankee Stadium will be pushed back to Monday and Tuesday.

With the TV schedule thrown off, baseball officials must decide whether to take a day off Wednesday or to play in Atlanta that night.

“My understanding is that if we’re rained out (today), it will be seven days in a row,” Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

Officials from both teams and Fox discussed the possibilities during phone conversations Saturday.

“It’s up in the air right now,” said Bill Murray, the executive director of baseball operations at the commissioner’s office.

Braves DH plans

The Braves will use Ryan Klesko as the designated hitter for Game 1, even though the Yankees are starting left-hander Andy Pettitte.

Klesko, who hit only .230 with three homers and 12 RBIs against left-handed pitching this season, has been platooned during the postseason with 19-year-old rookie Andruw Jones.

With left-handers pitching for the Yankees the first two games, Jones was set to play left. But manager Bobby Cox has also decided to get Klesko’s power-hitting bat in the lineup, at least for Game 1. Cox wouldn’t commit to using Klesko in Game 2 against Jimmy Key.

Overall, Klesko hit .287 with career highs in homers (34) and RBIs (93) this season.

Just say no

Former Yankees captain Don Mattingly, who left the team after the 1995 season, turned down an invitation from George Steinbrenner to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2.

Mattingly, a six-time All-Star, joined the team one season after their last appearance in the World Series and left one year before their next one.

The popular first baseman said through his New York-based representative he was honored by Steinbrenner’s invite, but “he’s just going to sit home and root for the Yankees.”

Mattingly also said he hopes to play next year, but not necessarily with the Yankees.

Chipper’s fan

Chipper Jones hadn’t heard a former Yankees great was most anxious to meet him above all the Braves because “Chipper Jones just looks like he should be a ballplayer.”

Reggie Jackson’s comments took Jones off guard.

“Am I blushing?” Jones asked sheepishly. “What can you say about Reggie Jackson? That’s really something.”

One-hoppers

Despite playing in their 34th World Series and being the definition of baseball postseason excellence with 22 championships, the Yankees are considered underdogs… . Torre, the sixth manager in the World Series to go against a team he formerly managed, marveled at the attention his family has been getting. “I haven’t read any newspapers,” he said, “but I’m tempted when I see my sisters’ picture. The only time I’ll be on the cover is when I get fired.”