Can Vazquez turn it around at home Saturday?

Javier Vazquez is running out of chances to prove he belongs.

The harder he tries to win over Yankees fans, the faster he self-destructs, leaving a trail of burning questions in his wake. Vazquez (1-3, 9.00 ERA) gets a chance to turn it around Saturday against the team he pitched for from 2006-08.

But while patience may be running thin among fans, manager Joe Girardi refuses to see Vazquez as an American League dud or a pitcher who can't handle the pressures of playing in pinstripes.

"I don't say, 'What's our alternative?' because that's a negative thought and I can't do my job as a manager that way," Girardi said. "He's struggled this year, but four starts, or five starts, or six, doesn't make a season."

It's almost fitting that Vazquez will face Chicago and former manager Ozzie Guillen, who criticized his lack of heart and said he wasn't a "big-game pitcher."

Apology accepted

Jorge Posada said he harbors no ill will toward Jeremy Guthrie, who plunked the catcher behind the right knee Wednesday night.

The Orioles starter apologized Thursday, but Posada said he has no issues with Guthrie, whom the Yanks will face again next week in the Bronx. "I didn't see anything wrong with what he did and I don't think he needed to say what he said but it's good that he said it," said Posada, who pinch hit and struck out in the bottom of the seventh Friday night.

Posada said he expects to be in the lineup Saturday.

Johnson staying put

Girardi said he likes Nick Johnson batting in the No. 2 spot, despite his .138 average. "You don't give up on a guy because of a month," he said of Johnson, who has a team-high 21 walks. "Nick's played at a high level and he's still getting on base. And that's what we're asking him to do."