Yankees announce Old-Timer’s Day lineup and no ‘Core Four’ members on roster

The New York Yankees on Thursday announced the lineup of former Bronx Bomber greats expected to attend Old-Timer's Day on June 20 when Willie Randolph will be honored with a plaque in Monument Park.

This year's Old-Timers' Day will feature its usual share of former icons and legends. Seven Hall of Famers will be involved, including Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, Whitey Ford, Rich "Goose" Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson and Joe Torre. 

But none of the "Core Four" members — Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada — are on the list.

The quartet did reunite on May 24 when Bernie Williams' number was retired and they could get together again at Yankee Stadium in late August when Posada and Pettitte have their numbers retired on Aug. 22-23.

Even without them, it's still the greatest collection of players from one team every year.

Knoblauch rips Yankees’ Pettitte ceremony over HGH use: Report

Andy Pettitte will have his No. 46 retired by the New York Yankees this summer and one bitter, former Yankee player thinks it's a farce.

The Yankees plan to honor the popular lefthander with Andy Pettitte Day on Aug. 23 at Yankee Stadium, in a ceremony prior to a game against the Indians, during which he will receive a plaque in Monument Park and have his No. 46 removed from future assignment. It will be the 17th number so honored in franchise history.

But Pettitte’s former teammate, Chuck Knoblauch, mocked the move on Twitter Sunday night. The retired second baseman tweeted:

Congrats to 46. Yankees retiring his number. Hopefully they don't retire it like his HGH testimony.
— Chuck Knoblauch (@chuckknoblauch) February 16, 2015

The troubled Knoblauch, like Pettitte and other notable players, was mentioned in the Mitchell Report and eventually admitted to using HGH. The lefty's admission did little to tarnish his image in the eyes of Yankee fans, while Knoblauch has gone on to be sort of an outcast.

Pettitte joined Mariano Rivera in retirement following the 2013 season. In 18 big league seasons, Pettitte went 256-153, including 219-127 in 15 years as a Yankee. He also pitched three seasons with the Astros.

Yankees to retire Andy Pettitte's No. 46 this summer: Report

The New York Yankees might have to start using triple-digit numbers after source confirmed Sunday night that they plan to retire Andy Pettitte's No.46 this season, which would make his uniform number the 17th made unwearable by anyone the team.

The ceremony will reportedly take place Aug. 23 at Yankee Stadium before the Yankees' game (time undetermined) against the Indians. Pettitte also will receive a plaque in Monument Park that day.

Pettitte, who went 219-127 in two stints with the Yankees — the lefthander pitched for the Astros from 2004-06 — retired after the 2013 season, going out along with Mariano Rivera. Pettitte is the second of the Core Four to have his number retired, following Rivera's No. 42.

Although the organization has not made an official announcement, one of Pettitte's sons, Josh, broke the news on Twitter late Sunday afternoon.

"Heard it here first," he wrote. "Yankees are making August 23rd Andy Pettitte day. Retiring #46 and honoring him with a plaque in Monument Park!!"

Heard it here first. @Yankees are making August 23rd Andy Pettitte day. Retiring #46 and honoring him with a plaque in Monument Park!!
— Josh Pettitte (@JPettitte21) February 15, 2015

Pettitte — 256-153 overall and baseball's all-time leader in postseason victories with 19, — won five World Series titles with the Yankees and was a three-time All-Star.

Jeter reunites with ‘Core Four’ for final Yankees home opener (VIDEO)

The Core Four are back together — at least for a day — as Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte threw out the first pitch to Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter at Yankee Stadium on Monday.

Under overcast skies, New York Yankees fans got their first chance at home to say goodbye to the retiring captain and they did it with a standing ovation.

Jeter's final opening game in the Bronx had a special feel to it, thanks to his old teammates.

Rivera threw the ceremonial first pitch to Jeter, while Pettitte delivered to Posada. 

Luckily, both pitchers' tricky cutters didn't cross up their catchers.

Derek Jeter announces 2014 season will be his last

Derek Jeter will officially retire from Major League Baseball as a New York Yankee after the 2014 season.

Jeter posted a lengthy letter to fans on his Facebook page Wednesday, informing the world that he plans to hang up his cleats after the upcoming season.

"I want to start by saying thank you," the iconic Yankee captain's letter began before saying, "Now it is time for the next chapter."

Just months after watching Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte retire, the last active member of the famed Core Four announced that he will walk away from the game wearing the same pinstriped uniform he wore his whole storied career.

Casey Close, Jeter’s long-time agent, confirmed in an e-mail to the NewYork Daily News that the post did indeed come from Jeter.

“Last year was a tough one for me,” Jeter wrote as part of the post. “As I suffered through a bunch of injuries, I realized that some of the things that always came easily to me and were always fun had started to become a struggle. The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward.

“So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last. As I came to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold off saying anything until I was absolutely 100% sure.

“And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball.”

Jeter, who will turn 40 in June, has been the Yankees’ starting shortstop since 1996. He was named Captain by George Steinbrenner during the 2003 season, becoming one of the most iconic players in franchise history and the face of Major League Baseball.

Statement from Commissioner Selig on Derek Jeter: pic.twitter.com/8cBwV3eUFO
— MLB Public Relations (@MLB_PR) February 12, 2014

Mariano thinking he could play centerfield was all 'in his mind' says Jeter (VIDEO)

The Yankees’ five-time World Series champion “Core Four” — Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte — were all on hand for a celebration Monday night at Manhattan's Cipriani Wall Street, where 600 high rollers paid up to $4,000 for VIP packages to meet their heroes.

At one point, Rivera was asked about never completing his quest to play centerfield and The Sandman admitted turning down an offer from manager Joe Girardi to fulfill that dream in his final series in pinstripes against the Astros.

Jeter said that Mo's longtime quixotic pursuit might have been impossible anyway.

"In his mind, he thinks he could play centerfield," joked the captain.

It was all in good fun and even Rivera zinged his old teammate Bernie Williams, whom the four Yankees thought should be included in their exclusive club.

"Not the sleepy Bernie," grinned Rivera. "But the wide-awake Bernie who got so many big hits on four championship teams!" 

The mellow Williams was well-known in the Bombers clubhouse for taking a snooze almost up to game time.

Champions from the 1977-78 World Series team were also in attendance, including Reggie Jackson, Lou Piniella, Goose Gossage, Mike Torrez, Sparky Lyle, Willie Randolph, Bucky Dent and Roy White.

Jeter always thought Cano would be a lifelong Yankee

Nobody was probably more surprised at Robinson Cano signing with the Seattle Mariners than the Yankees captain himself — Derek Jeter.

Deep down inside, Jeter believed his former teammate would join him and Mariano Rivera as lifelong Yankees before Cano opted to sign with Seattle last week.

“I thought he would,” Jeter said. “I think a lot of people thought he would. But I don’t know all the details of what happened.”

Perhaps not, but the 10-year, $240 million contract the Mariners offered — one the Yankees declined to come close to — explains a lot.

Jeter —who has spent his entire 18-year career in pinstripes — didn’t try to convince Cano to stay, but said he spoke with him after the agreement was reached and the 31-year-old was pleased with his move out West — or at least one aspect of it.

"I've never called anyone to try and convince them to come," Jeter said. "There's nothing to sell Robbie on or sell anyone on. I think you know what it is. I'm sure he had enough people in his ears. I speak with Robbie, I speak with him a lot, but I would never try to convince anyone.

“He’s happy,” claimed Jeter. “Wouldn’t you be happy? That’s a lot of money.”

And now Jeter and the Yankees look to life without Cano.

“I played with him for nine years, so he’s the second baseman I spent the most time with,” Jeter said. “I’m going to miss him a lot. It’s a business on both sides and I wish him the best. I would have liked to have played with him longer, but it's a business and guys move on”

Jeets wasn’t alone in presuming Cano would stay a Yankee.

“You just thought some way, somehow, it would work out with Cano,” said the retired Andy Pettitte, who left the Yankees for Houston as a free agent following the 2003 season. 

“Obviously, Seattle anted up big-time. Big-time. When someone shows you they want you like that, in Robbie’s situation, it’s very flattering.”

Flattering in $240 million ways.

Andy Pettitte got a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium too (VIDEO)

Almost lost in all of the unforgettable show of love during Mariano Rivera's last moments as a player at Yankee Stadium Thursday night was the fact that another Yankee great was spending his last days in pinstripes as well.

Andy Pettitte — who announced his retirement last week in the midst of all the Mariano hoopla — finally got chance to play the of reliever of sorts to his long time teammate. The Yankees pitcher emerged from the dugout to his own curtain call and warm ovation from Yankees fans one last time.

At the urging of the crowd, Pettitte stepped out and tipped his hat to the sold-out Yankee Stadium while the overwhelmed Rivera — lost in his own emotional moment — stood and gave him a hand.

Pettitte will get one more chance to take the mound when he starts against the Astros on Sunday. Expect one final tribute for Pettitte when he leaves the mound in his hometown of Houston.

'Tears and perfection' as Mariano says goodbye to Yankee Stadium for the last time (VIDEO)

Mariano Rivera's last ever appearance on the mound at Yankee Stadium lived up to the emotional Exit Sandman hype it was built up to be Thursday night.  The beloved New York Yankees closer threw four outs of no hit ball before Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte — the two other last remaining members of the famed Core Four — came out to make a pitching change with two outs in the ninth.

Rivera smiled when he saw manager Joe Girardi summon both Jeter and Pettitte to make the walk over the infield grass and pull the closer from his familiar perch one last time in front of the sold-out crowd. He broke into tears when his longtime teammates hugged him as cheers and chants of MA-RI-AN-O MA-RI-AN-O filled the Bronx stadium.

As Jeter approached Rivera — after Mo's symbolic relief outing was through— he simply said to the 19-year veteran, "Time to go."

As YES announcer Michael Kay put it, "Tears and perfection."

Rivera then slowly walked to the dugout, tipped his cap to the adoring crowd and embraced his former battery-mate Girardi before walking through a gauntlet of hugs and heartfelt well-wishes from other teammates standing along the bench as the ovation continued.

Farewell Sandman.

Andy Pettitte's retirement signals end of Yankees era

The official statement announcing Andy Pettitte's retirement simply signals the end of a great New York Yankees era. With Mariano Rivera already riding into the sunset, it will leave Derek Jeter as the only remaining member of the original Core Four on the roster next year.

A sad day for Yankees fans and baseball in general.

Statement from Andy Pettitte. pic.twitter.com/OKsDaY5NhH
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) September 20, 2013

Jeter told bone is '100% healed,' will talk to Girardi about playing

Derek Jeter has worked hard at rehabbing his surgically repaired left ankle and, after he was told by his doctor that it was "100% healed," the New York Yankees shortstop believes it's time to give it a test run — literally.

Jeter indicated that he doesn't have to run the bases at full speed before appearing in a game but, after getting clearance from his surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson on Thursday, the Captain plans to talk with manager Joe Girardi about making his 2013 spring debut on the field.

"Last time I was there it wasn’t completely healed; now it is," Jeter said, referring to an appointment a week or two before spring training. "It’s always reassuring when someone says something that’s broke is not broke anymore. Now it’s just getting through the normal aches and pains that come around it. As long as you know the break has healed, then the aches and pains, that goes away on its own."

Jeter, who spoke with reporters after facing Andy Pettitte in a simulated game Friday at Steinbrenner Field, didn't elaborate on his spring return and said he would talk with Girardi first about playing Saturday.

"Could be tomorrow, it could be the next day," he said of testing his legs. "But I don't think I have to run them full speed before I play. If you go back to spring trainings in the past, I don't think anyone is running the bases at full speed before the first game. As long as I can get around, then that's fine."

There was some thought that Jeter might put off his debut until Monday because of Mariano Rivera's anticipated retirement announcement Saturday morning, but Girardi claims that won't be a factor in any decision.

"I don't know if Mo would expect him to do that," Girardi said. "We still have a season to get ready for."

Jeter downplayed Thursday's trip to Dr. Anderson's Charlotte, N.C. office.

"He said everything's healed, 100% healed," Jeter said. "It was a scheduled visit. It was scheduled before I started playing games. To get the final OK. There's been a process of a few doctors and tests to see how it was coming along. Last time I went there, it wasn't completely healed, but now it is. I figured it would be. I thought it would be. So that's was what I was expecting . . . He gave me clearance, but I don't know if I needed it.'' 

If Jeter does see any game action, expect it to only be from the DH spot for a few games before he takes his regular position at shortstop.

Either way, it'll be nice to see one of the Yankees' walking wounded back on the field in some capacity.

Mariano Rivera 'really happy' after throwing BP for first time

Andy Pettitte threw batting practice this morning before Mariano Rivera came to the mound and  — like he has so many times before — watched the closer breeze through batters in an important situation.

Unlike much of his career, Rivera wasn't sewing up a win for the Yankees, but baby-stepping his way back from knee surgery last season.

In front of GM Brian Cashman, manager Joe Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild and former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, Rivera threw his first batting practice of spring training and, according to Rivera, everything went as planned.

"It was the first batting practice I threw this year and I am really happy with the results," Rivera said following a 25-pitch batting practice session at George M. Steinbrenner Field Friday morning. "And it will get better."

While no date has been set when the 43-year-old will pitch in a game, all signs tell the Yankees everything is going according to schedule.

"I felt real good. The big thing will be to do the real thing, running to first base and fielding bunts,'' Rivera said. "I have done that on the back field but that's not the same as a real game."

Rivera even joked with the minor league batters he faced and told New Jersey native Rob Segedin, "You better swing," before tossing the first pitch in his direction.

"I wanted to see hitters. I didn't do nothing different than from the bullpen [workouts]," Rivera said. "It helped me to see how the ball was moving, location and how they are swinging."

The all-time saves leader realizes he is coming back from a serious knee injury and will take it one day at a time.

"I am excited to feel the mound and see hitters. It was great,'' said Rivera, who hadn't thrown to a batter since last April 30 when he secured a 2-1 win over the Orioles. "I always appreciate it, that's why I love the game of baseball. You don't know when the last day you play (comes)."

From the looks of things, that might be the biggest question surrounding Rivera this year.  So, when is the last day?

"I don't know, I will let you know,'' said Rivera, who has said he does know but, like his cutter, is hard to see coming.

Swisher, Soriano, Kuroda pass on Yankees qualifying offers

Hiroki Kuroda, Rafael Soriano and Nick Swisher have all rejected qualifying offers from the New York Yankees by Friday's 5 p.m. deadline.

All three players had until today's deadline to inform the club of their final decisions after the Yankees had made the one-year, $13 million offers last week to ensure draft compensation if any of the three free agents sign elsewhere.  They can still negotiate deals to stay with the team.

"Let's put it this way: I don't believe anybody's going to accept," said general manager Brian Cashman after the General Managers Meetings were finished on Friday.  "But I would be happy if they did."

Kuroda and Soriano are the most likely to re-sign — either for more years or more money.  Swisher appears to be ready to test the free-agent waters where he's sure to attract attention.

If the Yankees re-sign Mariano Rivera, Kuroda would the most important of the three to keep in pinstripes.  Kuroda was last season's most consistent Yankees starter and finished the year strong.  If Andy Pettitte decides to retire, he would become a significant part of the Yankees rotation in 2013.

Whether or not Kuroda returns to Japan, as he has suggested, is one option Kuroda has but the 37-year-old could also  end up with the Red Sox or back with the Dodgers as well.  Either way, the righthander will cost more than the $10 million he made with the Yankees last year.

Soriano is looking for a multi-year deal and, if Rivera comes back as the closer, the surly Soriano's price tag might be a little high for the Bronx — where the Yankees want to keep under the $189 million payroll tax in 2014.

Mariano Rivera has doubts about returning in '13

The New York Yankees are well aware that the team has to get younger this offseason and there are already signs that change may start with some of the franchise's most historic players voluntarily not coming back.

Yesterday, general manager Brian Cashman said that he doesn't know if baseball's all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera is definitely returning next season.

"He said he doesn't know what he is doing yet," Cashman said, referring to a conversation he had with his 42-year-old closer on Tuesday.  "I asked him what his plans were and he said, 'I haven't decided yet.'  He said he was working his way through about 2013 and he would let me know soon."

Combine that with the similar talks the Yankees are having with 40-year-old Andy Pettitte and the retirement of Jorge Posada last year, and the Core Four could become the One-and-Done with a hobbled Derek Jeter left as the only link to the Yankees glorious 17-year run.

When Rivera suffered his season-ending torn ACL on May 3 in Kansas City, he vowed to return in 2013.  He even gave some thought to getting back this season, but was convinced otherwise.

"I'm coming back," Rivera said the day after he fell in the Kauffman Stadium outfield, clutching his right knee. "Put it down.  Write it down.  Write it down in big letters.  I'm not going down like this.  God willing and given the strength, I'm coming back."

Cashman isn't holding Rivera to his words and will take a wait and see attitude on his future Hall of Fame pitcher.

"He might retire, he might play.  he doesn't know yet." said Cashman.  "I told him when you know where you are at let us know."

Rivera has been working hard to rehab the knee and says he will be healthy enough to pitch again but the Yankees have to be concerned about him coming back from a serious injury at such an advanced age.

Asked if the Yankees want Rivera back in pinstripes, Cashman was adamant. "Yes," he said.

But the GM and free-agent still haven't talked money.  Rivera made $15 million last season and may be using his indecision as leverage in negotiations.

Cashman knows Rivera — the most consistent closer in history — wants to end his career as a Yankee and isn't interested in pitching anywhere else.  The same with Pettitte.  Both legendary Yankee players will be free agents immediately after the final out in the World Series.

"I talked to them because they are unique," said Cashman.  "I don't have to ask [free agents] Russell Martin and Nick Swisher if they are going to play [next season]."

It's hard for the Yankees to get younger when they still cling to so many emotional ties to the past.  It's the old story — youth vs. experience.  But we're talking about a lot of success in those tired bones.

For now, Cashman may hoping to steal one more year from the aging Key Three — Jeter, Pettitte and Rivera. 

Yankees power outage continues on train ride home

The New York Yankees have experienced numerous power outages at the plate this season — stranding runners all over the bases — turning fans hopes into disappointment.  Now the Yankees got a sense of that frustration on their train ride back to New York.

Following Monday night's 3-2 ALDS Game 2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, the team's Amtrak train that was taking the players back from Baltimore early Tuesday morning experienced a breakdown, delaying the team's arrival in New York until 6 a.m..

The train experienced an electrical power problem after arriving at Baltimore-Penn Station at 1 a.m..  After leaving, the train encountered the same issues and coasted into a station in Aberdeen, N.J., where the millionaire ballplayers boarded a bus for the remainder of the journey home.

"Well, I think our guys made the best of it and kind of laughed at it," manager Joe Girardi said."It's something you have to deal with, similar to getting in from the West Coast some days is what it's like."

It's still sounds way better than a jam-packed No. 4-Train to Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees reportedly lucked out because their bus company had available buses headed to Atlantic City and they were able to meet up quickly.

The Orioles were not so fortunate.  The team had to order buses and finally reached New York at 8 a.m..

"We got here," manager Buck Showalter said.  "Reminded me of those days of riding buses.  Everyone took it well."

Both teams were forced to make adjustments in their schedules because of the late arrivals.

The Orioles cancelled Tuesday's workout at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees turned their pressers with Girardi and Game 3 starter Hiroki Kuroda into conference calls.

Yankees president Randy Levine said the team was never in danger.

"Andy Pettitte said he smelled smoke," said Levine.  "But there was no smell in our car."

Yesterday that smell came from a third rail, today it's from the third spot in the lineup.

Yup. That whiff of smoke swirling around the Yankees today is coming from A-Rod burning out.

Pettitte's return from rehab has possible setback

Andy Pettitte's return from a fractured left ankle has hit a snag and could delay the return of the lefthander to the New York Yankees— but it all depends on who you listen to.

Conflicting reports surrounding Pettitte's recovery run then gamut that he is right on schedule for a September return according to general manager Brian Cashman or x-rays didn't show the amount of healing that was expected from the the team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad.

Pettitte, himself, pointed to his workout program on the recent West Coast swing that started in Oakland and ended in Seattle as a reason for the slow healing.

"In Seattle, it swelled up," Pettitte said.  ""I did a little too much in Seattle.  Now I'm laying low."

The 40-year old pitcher threw off flat ground with his foot in a boot in Oakland and wasn't seen working out at all in Seattle.

An x-ray taken Friday didn't satisfy Dr. Ahmad's expectations Pettitte revealed.

"Obviously, it's healing up, but it hasn't healed up as much as [Ahmad] thought," Pettitte told the New York Post before last night's game against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

"[Ahmad] didn't see the healing in weeks two to four that he saw in the first two weeks," Pettitte said.  "I have to take it easy."

Cashman has a rosier outlook for Pettitte just as the July 31 trade deadline approaches and still believes his comeback kid will still return in September as planned.

"He is fine — ebb and flow of rehab," Cashman said in a text message.

Pettitte suffered the fracture after getting his by a comebacker on his left ankle on June 27.  The Yankees' all-time playoff victories leader was 3-3 with a 3.22 ERA in nine starts after coming out of retirement during spring training and would be comforting to fans to know he'll be around in October.

His competitive spirit and work ethic are legendary and— in his haste to return on Sept. 1— he could have contributed to his own setback— too much too soon.

The Yankees claim they are not looking to pick up another starting pitcher before the trade deadline although there are a some good ones out there— the Rays' James Shields and the Marlins' Josh Johnson come to mind— but these are the Yankees, so anything is possible.

Reggie Jackson says A-Rod's records are 'clouded' by PED use

New York Yankees' great Reggie Jackson sounds like he has a warning for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens or any other players linked to steroids and will be on the ballot for the Hall of Fame next year— don't expect to make it to Cooperstown in the near future.

If Mark McGuire is any indication— Bonds, Clemens and any other players associated with PEDs will not make the cut and, if they do get into the Hall of Fame, Mr. October won't be there to welcome them.

"If any of those guys get in, no Hall of Famer will attend," Jackson told Sports Illustrated.

That list of players with their names tainted by PEDs and headed towards a Hall of Fame ballot will probably one day include Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez— who passed Jackson on the all-time home run list.

"Al's a very good friend, but I think there are real questions about his numbers," Jackson said.  "As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records."

Rodriguez admitted in 2009 to using PEDs earlier in his career.

It's sounds like a complete 180-turn from what Jackson told USA Today last month.  He said Clemens deserved to be in the Hall of Fame after he won his perjury case.

While Jackson— who still works for the Yankees organization as a special adviser— ripped A-Rod's numbers as not being legit, he said he might make an exception for Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte— who also admitted using PEDs.

"The question is going to be a guy like Andy Pettitte, who admitted  that he got involved for a while, but who is so universally respected in the game," said Jackson.  "I think he'll get in, but there will be a lot of [members] who won't go."

Asked if Pettitte was inducted, would he attend?

"I've know Andy since he was 20," he said.  "I'll leave it there."

The former A's, Angels and Yankees slugger didn't hold back when it came to a number of players recently inducted into Cooperstown who he feels are undeserving of the honor.

"I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer," Jackson told Sports Illustrated.  "I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer.  I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer.  I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer.  As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not sure he's a Hall of Famer.

Jackson once claimed he was the straw that stirred the drink when he was with the Yankees during the turbulent '70's.  It looks like he's shaking things up these days.

Pettitte takes line-drive to ankle, leaves game

Andy Pettitte took a comeback line-drive to his left ankle in the fifth-inning against the Cleveland Indians and had to leave the game.  Indians Casey Kotchman's hard shot nailed Pettitte just above his left ankle and knocked him to the ground during Wednesday's game at Yankee Stadium .  The New York Yankees pitcher looked like he was in a lot of pain and couldn't even chase down the ricocheted ball.

Pettitte— who had a 2-1 lead and gave up only two hits— tried to stay in the game but, after one pitch, manager Joe Girardi pulled him from the game when he didn't like how Pettitte was coddling his planting foot.

Only two weeks ago, the leftie took a hard shot to his throwing hand when he tried to barehand another hard hit line drive.

The popular Yankee starter just came off his worst start of his 2012 comeback season, when he allowed five first-inning runs against the New York Mets last Friday night.  Pettitte (3-3, 3.29 ERA) has lasted at least six innings in all eight of his starts this season.

After being checked out by the Yankees trainers, Pettitte sat in the dugout with a frustrated look on his face. It seems like he's been used as target practice and dodging balls all season.

Better to be safe than sorry.

Russell Martin gets doused after Yankees' walk-off home run sweeps Mets

Russell Martin smacked a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth inning— his second long ball of the game— as the New York Yankees beat the New York Mets in dramatic fashion completing a three-game sweep over their cross-town rivals.

Martin's arching solo shot off losing pitcher Jon Rauch came on a full-count pitch with the score tied 4-4.

After the Yankees' catcher rounded the base and hopped on home plate, he was surrounded by his jubilant teammates who doused the red-hot Martin with bottles of water.



Martin's blast gave Rafael Soriano some relief after the closer blew his first save in 10 chances this year— after Lucas Duda and Ike Davis hit back-to-back doubles to tie the game in the top of the ninth.

Andy Pettitte turned in his third straight quality start after coming out of retirement.  The 39-year old threw the Yankees quite a scare when he barehanded a Scott Hairston chopper up the middle and tossed to first base for the out in the sixth.

Pettitte was examined on the mound and stayed in the game for two more batters.  He allowed five hits on 95 pitches, walked two and truck out eight.

It was a long weekend in the Bronx for the Mets after they took it on the chin for three straight losses.  This one had to hurt the most.

Man uses kid to catch out of reach foul ball

A man in Cincinnati red— surrounded by New York Yankees blue—lifted a young boy over his head to snag a foul ball hit by Reds' slugger Joey Votto during a game at Yankee Stadium.  It might have been the  only good thing any Reds fan could take away from the game as Andy Pettitte baffled the visiting team with eight scoreless innings for a 4-0 victory.

There were 42, 014 other fans in the stadium who would have used their own left-handed kid to snag the ball if they had the chance.

The 39-year old Pettitte fanned nine hitters in eight innings in his first  post-retirement win. The Yankees also ended an offensive drought with home runs by Robinson Cano and Raul Ibanez off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo.

More importantly, Pettitte proved his comeback is no fluke.