New Schedule May Be as Messy as the Field

The storm that washed out Game 1 of the World Series between the New York Yankees and Atlanta Braves and caused widespread flooding and power outages in the New York area may also threaten tonight’s game.

The forecast calls for heavy rain through this morning with a chance of thunderstorms tonight. Cloudy, windy weather is expected Monday, with a 40% chance of light rain or drizzle.

“Hopefully the weather will cooperate somewhat,” Yankee Manager Joe Torre said. “The field could be in bad shape.”

If today’s game is rained out, Games 1 and 2 would be played Monday and Tuesday in New York, with Games 3, 4 and 5 pushed back to Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Atlanta. Friday’s off day would likely be eliminated, meaning the teams could play seven days in a row.

In that scenario, Atlanta Manager Bobby Cox said he would consider using a five-man rotation, with left-hander Steve Avery or right-hander Mike Bielecki, a former Angel, starting Game 5. Torre would likely stick with a four-man rotation, with each starter going on three days’ rest.

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Yankee outfielder Darryl Strawberry, suffering from a hairline fracture in his right big toe, should benefit from the rainout.

“I’m not sure Darryl could have played [Saturday] even if the field was dry,” Torre said. “He didn’t look as good Friday as he did Thursday. If he feels better [today], if he’s moving around better, we’ll see where he is.”

Strawberry, who hit three home runs in the American League championship series, said he will try to play tonight. If he can’t go, Tim Raines would play left field and bat leadoff.

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Baseball’s labor negotiators met for nine hours, with the culmination of their three-year pursuit of a bargaining agreement possibly hinging on acting Commissioner Bud Selig joining the process today.

Selig, owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, has said he is willing to do that, but he was unable to reach New York Saturday because of the rain that forced postponement of Game 1.

A source said the union is at a point where it wants Selig present for the final give-and-take. Management negotiator Randy Levine refused comment on that, but said, “There’s still some sticking points we have to get through, but nothing out there should be a deal breaker.”

Sources said Selig is prepared to call an owners’ meeting immediately after the World Series to vote on a completed deal, providing he can help close it.

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Cox said Ryan Klesko, the Braves’ regular left fielder, would be the designated hitter and bat in the No. 8 spot for Games 1 and 2. Andruw Jones, a better defensive player and a promising young hitter, will start in left.