Torre Questions Iwamura's Bat; Maddon Questions A-rod's---Bud to decide--NY Times

"(Ian) Kennedy was the eighth rookie to start a game for the Yankees this season, tying a franchise record, which was set in 1907."

• and

"With the Devil Rays’ leadoff hitter, Akinori Iwamura, at the plate, Yankees Manager Joe Torre paid a visit to the home plate umpire, Kerwin Danley. Their conversation lasted several minutes, then Danley talked with his umpiring crew and with Devil Rays Manager Joe Maddon.

• Danley and Maddon then pulled Iwamura aside, apparently to tell him that Torre was concerned about his bat. That necessitated the use of a translator, and a clearly upset Iwamura finally surrendered his red bat. He struck out on the next pitch to end the inning.
• The Devil Rays used the same tactic when Rodriguez batted in the third inning, but things never seem to work out for Tampa Bay quite as well....Rodriguez turned over his bat at Maddon’s request...."

(Both bats are being sent to His Battiness and Favorite Chris Russo sidekick, Allen "Bud" Selig).

• Clemens has some issues which may allow Mussina to pitch in his place on Monday.

"Mike Mussina, whose start was skipped in favor of Kennedy today, threw his regular bullpen session Friday and will be available to start Monday on the remote possibility that Roger Clemens, who has blisters on his right foot, is unable to make his start."

• From NY Times article by Judy Battista, 9/2/07, "Kennedy's Debut A Success for Yankees."

***Suzyn Waldman on Yankee radio mentioned Iwamura's bat had a flat top, which wouldn't necessarily mean it was enhanced, corked, or anything else. Just different.

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