The Master Craftsmen Pre-Game Show

No, we haven't turned in WCBS radio. We just thought it was an appropriate title for a pitching match up that pairs two guys who can't break a pane of glass. Cleveland Indians starter Paul Byrd, yes Michael, we know he looks like Kelsey Grammar, has basically always pitched that way. But it's all new to Mike Mussina, who used to be able to pop a 93-mph fastball in his catcher's mitt. The two battle it out in the Bronx today as the Yankees try to salvage the final game of the 3-game series.

Byrd (1-2, 3.74) has already beaten the Yankees once this season, on April 25 in Cleveland. He wasn't very good that night, allowing 4 runs in 5 innings, but Andy Pettitte was worse in the Tribe's 6-4 win. The game is the sole win on Byrd's resume this season in his 6 starts.

Jason Giambi will most certainly be back in the lineup today, having homered twice off of Byrd in that April 25 contest. Two players that were in that game won't in today's afternoon soire. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada went a combined 1-8 against the Byrd man of Ohio.

Mussina (4-3, 3.23) has also beaten his opponent once already this season. He seemed to struggled at times, but allowed just 2 runs in 5 innings in the Yankees April 28 5-2 win. Moose comes into today's game with a 3-game winning streak.

Franklin Gutierrez had 2 of the 7 hits allowed by Mussina in the previous meeting. Travis Hafner and Jason Michaels, who has since been designated for assignment, drove in the Indians runs.

Alex Rodriguez worked out yesterday and is expected to go for an MRI at the beginning of next week. If doctors give him the go ahead, he's expected to play in one or two extended spring training games before rejoining the Yankees on May 15.

Share