Torre Breaks Bad News to Martinez

Yankee Manager Joe Torre said after Game 2 Monday night that Tino Martinez would remain at first base, but Cecil Fielder, the team’s designated hitter, started at first Tuesday night.

“I must admit I lied to you [Monday] night, and please forgive me,” Torre said before Game 3. “I didn’t want anyone to talk to Tino before I did. I wanted to be the first one to tell him he wasn’t going to play.”

Martinez has been the Yankees’ cleanup batter all year, hitting .292 with 117 RBIs, but he has struggled in the postseason, batting .205 with no RBIs. Fielder began Game 3 with a .243 playoff average, three homers and 12 RBIs.

“I think Tino has been putting a lot of pressure on himself, and Cecil has been swinging the bat really well,” Torre said. “I still feel very loyal to Tino, but you’re at a point now where you talk to Tino and he understands. I just wanted to make sure he was the first one to find out.”

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Brave third baseman Chipper Jones was interviewed by “Late Show With David Letterman” correspondent Calvert DeForest, better known as Larry “Bud” Melman, who asked these three questions: “What the heck kind of name is Chipper? Do you plan to spit on an umpire tonight? Can I give you a hug.” Jones obliged and gave Melman a hug.