Where the Stars come out (plus Yanks notes & Papelbon quotes)

Once again, Yankee Stadium is the center of the baseball universe. They did a great job, having the players in the starting lineup jog out for introductions next to Hall-of-Famers. And it was a kick to see Goose, Yogi, Reggie and Whitey throw out the first pitch to Jeter, A-Rod, Mariano and Girardi.

The George Steinbrenner golf cart tour was a bit deflating. He never stepped on the field, and accepted hugs and kisses from his Hall-of-Fame Yankees in the cart. Hal was in the car, no Hank.

Among the pitchers and reserves, the great Mariano Rivera's introduction was saved for last - and it had impact. The place went absolutely nuts. As you can imagine, Jon Papelbon wasn't received very warmly (all the Red Sox were booed heavily), but Papelbon struck back at today's tabloid story that he - and not Rivera- should close tonight's game (a sentiment he changed in the same hour on Monday).

"I don't (expletive deleted) pitch, I don't care,'' Papelbon said. The Sox closer was booed during today's Sixth Avenue parade, and said his pregnant wife didn't feel safe riding in the car. "How would you feel?'' Papelbon asked.

In Yankees news - well, it doesn't look very promising for Hideki Matsui. He developed more inflammation and soreness, and is coming back to N.Y. for another exam. Surgery is a real possibility (Barry Bonds' acquisition seems far less so, but do you ever rule anyone out around here?)

Johnny Damon's shoulder is still barking and he won't be activated Sunday. Whether he's delayed up to a week is hard to say, but the Yankees still figure to have him back fairly soon. Brian Bruney (foot) was assigned to Class AAA Scranton, and needs 8-9 appearances, Cashman said, before he's activated.