Afternoon Baseball

The parallel with the 2001 World Series isn't exact for the New York Yankees, however -- Byung-Hyun Kim isn't closing for the Indians (though Joe Borowski is close).

Roger Clemens is starting Game 3 against a clearly inferior pitcher, now that the two aces have thrown for the Tribe. Of course, 2001 Roger Clemens was a 20-game winner; this one is 30 pounds heavier and didn't even make 20 starts.

Among others, Derek Jeter's hit for crap. Of course, in 2001, he had a myriad of injuries. He may well now -- it's tough to tell.

There's still optimism. The games at Yankee Stadium, just as they were then, are eminently winnable even without a great offense. Get to Game 5, and who knows?

But I can't imagine that happening without some contribution from Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada. Two more-terrible postseason players of late I can't think of (outside of Kenny Lofton pre-2007). Those two need to wake up and pretend it's September, or any other month. Do it for yourselves, the fans, your wives or any chance of Joe Torre staying as manager. Just find a way.

BTW...if there's anytime a Red Sox home run didn't bother me, it was Manny Ramirez's redefining "no-doubter" last night. Why? Because K-Rod has the most insufferable celebration ever. To have that shoved back at him by another legendary showboater is sweet justice.
A rare mistake for Mike Scoscia, though. With two outs and a base open, walk Manny, too. Lose to any other hitter, not Ortiz or Manny.