Au revoir, Detroit

But we'll be back again, on July 24. Or Sept. 1, whichever date MLB decides. (yes, Labor Day was originally an off date for both the Yankees and Tigers. Nice work).

Today's rain out was mercifully decided at just after 1 p.m., and Mike Mussina said the Yanks wouldn't have a problem playing on Labor Day -- as long as it's Labor Day. Because, on Sept. 2, the Yanks begin a nine-game road trip to Tampa, Seattle and Anaheim, with no off dates.

The Yankees play home day games on July 23, and Aug. 31, so travel going to Detroit is not a problem. The Yanks have a three-game series at Boston starting July 25, but they come right back home on the 28th.

While the July 24 date might be preferable for the Yanks, it might not be the case for Detroit. The Tigers have a day game at KC on July 23. On Labor Day, the Tigers would be in the middle of a nine-game home stand.

If the game is made up on July 24, it would be in conflict with the rule about teams not being required to play more than 20 straight dates. But Mussina indicated that the Yankees might waive that right.

"We'd rather have a night game in July than a night game on Labor Day,'' Mussina said. But if MLB were to reschedule the makeup as a day game, either date would work.