--RHP Joba Chamberlain will draw Red Sox ace Josh Beckett in the opening game of the Yankees' key series with rival Boston. It will be a great test for the Yankees rookie, whom team co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner labeled as possibly being "our Beckett" earlier in the year. While those lofty standards can't necessarily be met just yet and there's no guarantee of the future, Chamberlain has adjusted well to the starter's role. He has a 2.64 ERA and has struck out 54 in 47 2/3 innings as a starter.

--CF Melky Cabrera, like his friend and teammate Robinson Cano, has started the second half with an eye on forgetting his lackluster first half. While Cabrera hasn't been on the same blistering pace as Cano, he has batted .333 after hitting .241 before the All-Star break.

--RHP Edwar Ramirez has joined RHP Kyle Farnsworth in efficiency, shutting down opponents and keeping them hitless in his last 11 1/3 innings pitched. Ramirez has also shown good taste in tutors, picking the brains of Pedro Martinez in the offseason and teammate Mariano Rivera during the year.

--DH Johnny Damon gives the Yankees an element they were missing from the leadoff spot, freeing up other players to return to their normal spots. With Damon back, SS Derek Jeter can move back to the No. 2 slot and struggling hitters such as rookie OF Brett Gardner can slide down to the bottom rather than have to endure the pressure of batting leadoff.

--LHP Andy Pettitte could be the key to the Yankees-Red Sox series this weekend. Former Yankees manager Joe Torre always valued the No. 2 starter in a short playoff series. In a three-game set, the No. 2 takes roughly the same pivotal role. With Pettitte pitching well lately, he will need to either pick up his team after a loss Friday or pick up steam heading into Sunday's series capper when the Yankees face Jon Lester.

BY THE NUMBERS
27 -- Regular-season games left to be played at Yankee Stadium, after the game of July 22.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This stadium deserves the attention. This stadium deserves this sort of going-away party." -- SS Derek Jeter, on the All-Star Game festivities at Yankee Stadium.

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