In 2003, Roger Clemens took the mound for the Yanks in a potential elimination game in the ALCS. While Clemens struggled, the Yankees won the game in grand fashion. That game would be one of the last elimination games the Yankees would win in the playoffs this deceade.
Today, the Yanks find themselves again facing elimination and again turning to Roger Clemens as a savior. Clemens has long been expected to fulfill that role for the 2007 Bombers, and this is the biggest stage for one of the game’s all-time greats.
Ideally, Clemens would have thrown more than 10 innings since September 1 and more than zero in the last 23 days. But such is the state of the Yankees pitching.
Meanwhile, it’s win or face changes for the Yankees. If the lose today, Joe Torre is gone and so are many coaches. Brian Cashman, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera may see their days in the Bronx numbered, and no one knows what the future holds for Alex Rodriguez.
Right now, it doesn’t matter. Win today; play tomorrow. It’s that easy. Just win today.
The lineups:
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Posada C
Giambi 1B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Clemens P
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