Schadenfreude 135 (A Continuing Series)

Tim Smith, Daily News:

This was supposed to feel like a pennant race weekend in the Bronx, but now it feels more like a stalking.

The Orioles aren't going away, and the only reason the Yankees aren't tied with them right now is because the Bombers got a game Saturday that Eric Chavez admitted "we were lucky to win."

After Sunday's 8-3 loss at the Stadium, it felt like the Yankees are just forestalling the inevitable.

Yes, the Orioles (74-59) are for real and the Yankees (76-57) can hear the footsteps. ...

Whether they want to admit it, this 10-game, 11-day trip through Tampa, Baltimore and Boston that starts Monday is make or break for the Yankees. ...

The Yanks said all the right things, appearing to remain calm despite the walls closing in on them.

Don Burke, Post:

The Yankees will get Alex Rodriguez back today.

But unless he brings Mantle, Maris and Mattingly along with him, it might not matter all that much.

Joe Girardi's bunch managed just six hits against five Orioles pitchers — none of whom will ever be confused with Jim Palmer — as Baltimore left town with two wins in three tries following an 8-3 win yesterday at Yankee Stadium.

Kevin Kernan, Post:

The stuck-in-reverse Yankees desperately need a savior.

And here comes Alex Rodriguez to fill that role. It's time for him to earn some of those zillions the Yankees are paying him and to help save this sinking ship. ...

Rodriguez will be back in the lineup today as the Yankees travel to Tampa Bay to begin a huge three-game series with the Rays. Then there is a four-game set in Baltimore. ...

The Yankees need all the help they can get. They are staggering. ...

If A-Rod can't help turn this around, a total collapse is just around the corner.

Anthony McCarron and Kristie Ackert, Daily News:

This weekend [Rodriguez] saw his first game action in over a month. In his two minor-league appearances, one as a DH, he went 0-for-7 with four strikeouts, a walk and a run scored with the Class-A Tampa Yankees in Lakeland. ...

"I feel comfortable up there," A-Rod said.