Yankees' frequent trips to mound get league office's attention

Last update: November 2, 2009 - 11:34 PM

PHILADELPHIA - All those meetings on the mound called by catcher Jorge Posada and the Yankees are giving Major League Baseball pause, too.

Posada and pals visited pitcher CC Sabathia eight times -- in a single inning -- Sunday, grinding Game 4 of the World Series to a standstill. Agitated Phillies fans booed each trip.

MLB Vice President of Umpiring Mike Port said frequent mound meetings by all teams likely would be discussed by baseball officials this offseason. "It would fall under the province of pace of game," he said. Baseball has tried speed-up rules and guidelines in recent years, with varying results.

One trip to the mound is allowed per inning by a manager or coach before a pitcher must be pulled. There is no limit, however, on players-only meetings.

The Yankees held six in the first inning of their 7-4 victory Sunday. Then came eight more -- four alone with Jayson Werth hitting -- in the fifth. Damaso Marte relieved Sabathia in the seventh. After two pitches, Posada made the trudge yet again.

"It's just part of the game," Posada said. "We want to talk with each other so we know what we're doing."

Former Phillies manager Larry Bowa said in a radio interview Monday that Philadelphia has a reputation for stealing signs -- another possible reason the Yankees have held so many mound meetings.

Etc.

• Shane Victorino put a scare into the Phillies after he was hit by an A.J. Burnett fastball in the first inning Monday. Though X-rays were negative, the center fielder was clearly in discomfort the rest of the way and was replaced by Ben Francisco after going 0-for-3.

• Outfielder Melky Cabrera was replaced by infielder Ramiro Pena on the Yankees roster. Cabrera left Game 4 in the sixth inning because of a slightly strained left hamstring. Brett Gardner started in center Monday.

• Game 4 was the highest-rated World Series game in five years, drawing a 13.5 fast national rating and 22 share on Fox.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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