The missive

Cue the Patton theme. Herr Steinbrenner has spoken.

“The season is still very young, but up to now the results are clearly not acceptable to me or to Yankee fans,” Steinbrenner’s statement said. “However, Brian Cashman, our general manager; Joe Torre, our manager; and our players all believe that they will turn this around quickly.

“I believe in them. I am here to support them in any way to help them accomplish this turnaround. It is time to put excuses and talk away. It is time to see if people are ready to step up and accept their responsibilities. It is time for all of them to show me and the fans what they are made of.”

Phil Hughes makes his second Major League start tonight for the Bronx Nine.