Cone’s Past Success Earns Him a Start From Torre

An unexpected starter will take the mound tonight in Game 2 of the American League championship series in New York.

But no, it’s not Ramon Martinez.

It’s David Cone.

Yes, the Red Sox’s Martinez is somewhat of a surprise in that he made only four starts this year after recovering from shoulder surgery.

But at least Martinez pitched in the division series.

Cone did not.

Martinez is also desperately needed because of staff injuries and weariness.

Cone is not.

So why is Manager Joe Torre starting a 36-year-old who has not pitched in 11 days?

A guy who, despite his perfect game, finished with only 12 wins while tying Roger Clemens with a team-high 90 walks?

A guy who won only once in his last nine regular-season starts?

This is more about Torre than it is about Cone.

Torre loves the guy because of his experience and work ethic.

Every manager has his soft spot. For Torre, Cone is it.

So Torre let Cone talk him into it.

“He threatened me” Torre said, only half joking.

Actually, Torre summoned Cone into the manager’s office last week to gently tell him that team might not need him in the championship series.

Cone, citing his 6-3 record in 17 postseason starts, kept talking until he was in the rotation.

“I told him I was considering not playing him, he was really surprised at that point,” Torre said. “It’s not necessarily what they say, but how they said it. And I liked the way David was saying it.”

Cone even pointed to the coincidence that, not counting an inning he pitched in the All-Star game, he threw his perfect game against the Montreal Expos on 11 days’ rest.

Said Cone: “I’m not predicting anything, but. . . .”

Said Torre: “The one thing I always know I’m going to get from David Cone is the effort. David may not have sharpness, or his good fastball, but he always finds a way to get it done.”

*

Judging from his comments to the media in this postseason, Jimy “One M” Williams has the perfect first name.

Williams, whose legendary paranoia has somehow not affected his bubbly team, is often just plain short.

When asked about reliever Derek Lowe’s blister:

“He doesn’t have a blister.”

When asked about whether he deserves manager of the year:

“I think we have got to get to the next question.”

When asked about the legendary Yankee-Red Sox rivalry:

“I think you folks can write about the rivalry over the years a lot better than I could express it myself up here.”

*

During the postseason, even legendary clutch home run hitters are no match for guys who can come into a game in the ninth inning and steal a base or catch a grounder.

So, when the Yankees needed to add outfielder Shane Spencer to their playoff roster as insurance for Paul O’Neill’s rib injury Wednesday, they did not drop little-known infielder Clay Bellinger as some expected.

They dropped former World Series hero Jim Leyritz instead.

“I know there was a question about Bellinger, but I feel a little more secure having a pinch runner, especially Clay, who can play all around too,” Torre said.