Yankees clinch, top the East once again
The New York Yankees needed help to clinch their ninth consecutive American League East title Wednesday night. That didn’t stop them from celebrating like first-timers.
New York clinched another division championship when the second-place Boston Red Sox lost 8-2 to the Minnesota Twins. The Yankees began the day needing one win or a Red Sox loss to wrap up the East – and their 12th straight playoff berth.
New York was beaten 3-2 in Toronto, but Boston’s game went final about 30 minutes later, setting off a wild champagne celebration in the Yankees’ clubhouse.
“It doesn’t get old,” Derek Jeter said, just before getting drenched by a swarm of teammates. “This is something that’s not easy to do. If it was easy then everybody would be doing it.”
The Yankees became the second team to qualify for the playoffs, overcoming major injuries to multiple players. The crosstown Mets wrapped up their first National League East title since 1988 on Monday.
“It didn’t look good at the beginning, but these guys persevered,” said Gary Sheffield, who came off the disabled list Tuesday. “I’m just so happy.
“We can’t leave nothing on the table this time,” he added. “This is the year.”
The race between the Red Sox and Yankees was close much of the season until New York swept a five-game series at Fenway Park from Aug. 18-21, increasing its lead to 6 1/2 games over Boston.
“The good part is that these guys can rest up a little bit,” manager Joe Torre said.
The Yankees lineup got a major boost when the team acquired right fielder Bobby Abreu in a trade with Philadelphia on July 30, while Boston was hurt by a rash of injuries to key players and illnesses this summer.
Last season, New York clinched the East title with a win in Boston on the penultimate day of the regular season.
Washburn may be done
Seattle Mariners pitcher Jarrod Washburn will probably miss the rest of the season because of a torn right calf muscle.
Washburn left Tuesday night’s start against the Texas Rangers in the third inning after feeling a sharp pain in his lower leg. Tests revealed the torn muscle.
Asked if Washburn is done for the season, manager Mike Hargrove said, “I would think probably. I can’t say for certain, but I would say things are pointing that way.”
Team medical personnel told Washburn that surgery will not be necessary. Washburn said the healing process is two to six weeks.
“I want to pitch because it’s my job,” he said. “If it’s possible, I want to be out there. I don’t want to end my season on a question mark. That’s not what I want. But I don’t think they’re going to let me.”
If Washburn’s season is over, he will finish 8-14 with a 4.67 ERA. The Mariners signed Washburn as a free agent in December, and he’s signed through 2009.
Clearing the bases
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Rick Helling will have season-ending surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee. … Third baseman Miguel Cabrera was scratched from Florida’s starting lineup against the New York Mets because of a sore left shoulder. … Bob Wickman and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a $6.5 million, one-year contract extension for 2007, ensuring the team won’t have to go through another futile off-season search for a closer. … Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay left in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees with a strained forearm. … Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz hit his 50th home run of the season, tying the franchise record that stood since Jimmie Foxx set it in 1938. … Kansas City Royals manager Buddy Bell is taking a leave of absence to treat a growth discovered near his left tonsil. … ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons made his first television appearance since he had a brain aneurysm three months ago – filing a report from Fenway Park on “SportsCenter” and “Baseball Tonight.”