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Yankees celebrate Stadium, not playoff berth, vs. Orioles

Sep 19, 2008 - 10:18 AM Baltimore (67-84) at NY Yankees (82-71) 7:05 p.m. EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- There will be a celebration this weekend at Yankee Stadium. It won't be because the New York Yankees are headed to the playoffs.

The Yankees begin the final series at "The House that Ruth Built" on Friday when they host the Baltimore Orioles.

New York will shut the doors to Yankee Stadium on Sunday, closing a historic venue that has seen the Yankees win 26 World Series titles since it opened in 1923 as the first ballpark with three decks.

New York had hoped to write the final chapter to the Stadium's history in the playoffs. With a 7 1/2-game deficit to the rival Boston Red Sox (89-63) in the American League wild-card race, the Yankees almost assuredly miss out on the postseason for the first time in 13 years.

Carl Pavano (3-1, 5.26 ERA) will try to keep New York's slim playoff hopes alive for at least one more game. Despite earning the win in Sunday's 8-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, Pavano was jeered by the crowd when he was removed in the sixth inning with a stiff left hip. The 32-year-old righthander has made 24 starts in the majors since signing a four-year, $39.95 million contract before 2005.

Radhames Liz (6-5, 6.90) counters for the Orioles, who have lost 14 of their last 18 and have clinched last place in the AL East for the first time since 1988.