Boss stirs up caldron
Alex Rodriguez insisted he wasn’t bothered by George Steinbrenner’s public criticism.
The Boss told Joe Torre he didn’t mean it.
By the way, the New York Yankees sent struggling ace Randy Johnson for an MRI exam to make sure he isn’t hurt.
Just another day at the Bronx zoo.
Johnson’s health is the most important matter, and apparently he is physically sound. Tests on his left shoulder showed nothing abnormal, the team said.
“We just wanted to get that aside,” Torre said. “Now he can focus on mechanics.”
The 42-year-old Johnson is 5-3 with a 5.01 ERA. He gave up seven runs – two earned – and five hits in 3 2/3 innings Tuesday night in a 14-3 loss to Boston, the fourth time in five starts he’s struggled. He also walked five batters for the first time since July 21, 2002, with Arizona.
“It looked like I didn’t have a clue out there,” Johnson said. “I’m throwing balls to the backstop and trying to overthrow, putting more pressure on myself.
“I can’t remember the last time I pitched a good ballgame.”
But Johnson was pleased with the test results.
“More than anything, getting a positive result from the MRI gives me a peace of mind,” he said. “I’ll be working over the next few days, physically and mentally, to put my best foot forward in my next start.”
Johnson is scheduled to pitch again Sunday against Oakland.
“There’s no medical issue. It’s basically normal. What we’re trying to do is eliminate possibilities. Now that medical is eliminated, it’s down to player-coach,” general manager Brian Cashman said.
The issue for Rodriguez is player-owner.
After a sloppy game Tuesday night, Rodriguez, the two-time American League Most Valuable Player was singled out in quotes attributed to Steinbrenner in New York newspapers. Rodriguez made two key errors against the rival Red Sox, and Steinbrenner voiced his displeasure as he left Yankee Stadium.
“I’m upset at a lot of them,” he was quoted as saying. “The third baseman!”
But Torre said Steinbrenner called and told him his comments were misinterpreted. Torre said The Boss told him he never meant to “get on” any of his players.
Clearing the bases
Philadelphia plans to call up top pitching prospect Cole Hamels to make his major league debut Friday against Cincinnati. The 22-year-old left-hander is 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA in seven minor league starts this year. … Milwaukee recalled left-hander Dana Eveland from Triple-A Nashville after placing Ben Sheets on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis in his right shoulder. … Texas Rangers manager Buck Showalter was ejected by plate umpire Mark Wegner in the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes. … The Chicago White Sox recalled knuckleballer Charlie Haeger from Triple-A Charlotte to start in place of Jose Contreras, who went on the 15-day disabled list with sciatica in his right leg. … The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Jason Repko on the 15-day disabled list and recalled infielder Willy Aybar from Triple-A Las Vegas.