The Better Late Than Never World Series Preview

With the start of Game 1 of the 2008 World Series less than an hour away, though the actual start will depend on how long FOX can drag things out, here is our much anticipated World Series preview.

Joe Maddon and Charlie Manuel are both managing their first World Series, and of course this is the first for the Tampa Bay Rays. But the Philadelphia Phillies don't have much more experience. They've only been to the series five times previously, and have just one title, won in 1980.

Lets take a look at the position by position match ups to see who has the edge.

First Base

Ryan Howard vs. Carlos Pena

There is no question that Howard is the superior hitter, putting monstrous numbers up year after year in his young career (Averaging 51 home runs and 143 RBI over the last three seasons). Pena had a huge contract year (.282-46-121, all career highs) last season and struggled early on with injuries. But he still led the team with 30 home runs and 103 RBI in '08. Howard's a liability defensively, so Manuel could DH him on the road.

Pena is clearly the better defender, an underrated gold glove caliber first baseman. But the edge has to go to Howard for his ability to be a game changer. He has not hit for power in the post-season and the Rays better hope that trend continues.
ADVANTAGE - Howard, PHI

Second Base

Chase Utley vs. Aki Iwamura

You know how good Chase Utley is. He's the guy you wish Robinson Cano was like. Utley has been a model of consistency at the plate, averaging 28 home runs and 103 RBI over the last four seasons. Like Howard, he's looking to bust out after hitting just .250 with one home run so far in the post-season.

Iwamura is an outstanding defender. He made a smooth transition from third base to second base this season. The Rays lead off man may have a swing similar to his fellow countryman, Ichiro Suzuki, but that's where the similarity ends. Iwamura led the Rays in average with just a .274 mark. He did hit .295 at home, but the advantage here easily goes to the Rays.
ADVANTAGE - Utley, PHI


SHORTSTOP

Jimmy Rollins vs. Jason Bartlett

Rollins is the heart and soul of this team and its vocal leader. He won the NL MVP last year after boasting the Phillies would win the NL East and then backed it up with his play. Injuries caused him to miss 25 games and his production was down considerably from his 2007 career best numbers. He did still manage to swipe a career high 47 bases and committed just 7 errors.

Jason Bartlett was acquired, along with Matt Garza, from the Twins during the off-season for Delmon Young. Bartlett provides speed (20 stolen bases during the regular season), but doesn't have much pop in his bat. He hit just one home run in 454 at-bats this season. However, Bartlett crushed right handed pitching to the tune of a .379 mark. Bartlett is a decent defender (16 errors, .970 FPCT in '08) who made a costly error in game 6 of the ALCS and nearly had another in game 7. The Phillies get another one.
ADVANTAGE - Rollins, PHI


Third Base

Pedro Feliz vs. Evan Longoria

Feliz won't hit much for average (.252 lifetime), but he does have an underrated power stick. He averaged 21 home runs over the prior four seasons and then hit 14 in 133 games in his first year in Philadelphia. Feliz is also a pretty good defender, having made only 19 errors over the last two seasons.

What can you say about the AL's rookie of the year (in our opinion) that hasn't been said already. The numbers don't lie. Longoria started the season in the minors then missed a load of games down the stretch with a broken arm. He still managed 27 home runs and 85 RBI in 122 games, with 31 doubles and an .874 OPS. He made 12 errors this season while compiling a .963 fielding pct., but he's got the goods to be a solid hot corner man. Any guess who gets the edge here?
ADVANTAGE - Longoria, TB


Left Field

Pat Burrell vs. Carl Crawford

Wow, this is a good one. You've got one of the better power guys in the game against one of the best all around players and athletes in the game. Burrell heard trade rumors during the season, but it didn't seem to effect him. He hit slightly below his career average, .250., but the rest of his numbers were comparable to his prior years - 33 home runs, 86 RBI, and 102 walks. Burrell has been big thus far in the post-season, hitting .300 with 3 home runs and 7 RBI.

Like Longoria, Crawford missed a big chunk of time due to injury, playing in 109 games, the least since his rookie season in 2002. Everyone talks about Crawford's speed, but he's also got power and has a .293 career average. He matched his career high for errors this season with....just 4! You won't see too many balls fall between him and B.J. Upton in center field. Crawford's all around play gets the edge here.
ADVANTAGE - Crawford, TB


Center Field

Shane Victorino vs. B.J. Upton

Another good match up of a pair of spark plugs. Victorino's emergence allowed the Phillies to let Aaron Rowand wander off to the bay area. The Hawaiian native set career marks with a .293 (team high) average, 14 home runs, 58 RBI, 102 runs scored, 167 hits, and had one less steal (36) than 2009. He's also done a very good job replacing the gold gloved Rowand in the outfield.

Upton emerged last season as the player the Rays organization was counting on. Though in comparison to last season (.300-24-82, 22 SB), his '08 numbers (.273-9-67, 44 SB) don't look very good, and he had some discipline problems, the 24-yr old can still be counted on. He's been on fire in the playoffs, hitting .304 with 7 home runs, 15 RBI, and a whopping 1.191 OPS. Though he's still learning the position, Upton put together a .983 FPCT. These two mean so much to their teams, that we really can't separate them.
ADVANTAGE - DRAW


Right Field

Jayson Werth vs. Gabe Gross/Rocco Baldelli

The 29-yr old Werth had a break out season with 24 home runs and 67 RBI, and made only 2 errors in playing all three outfield positions, primarily right field. Though he has hit in 7 of 9 playoff games, he's just .243 with 1 home run and that one lone RBI.

Rocco Baldelli came back from the brink of going nowhere to playing a significant role down the stretch for Tampa. Fighting off a mitochondrial disease that zaps his strength, Baldelli hit .263-4-13 with 12 run scored in 28 games. He has struggled (3 for 14) in the post-season, and played in just two games in the ALCS, but did have a big 3-run home run in game 5.

Gross came over from Milwaukee in an in-season deal, and hit .242-13-38 in 127 games. He's a decent right fielder, though nothing that legends are made of. As of this writing, there was talk Eric Hinske could replace him on the roster.
ADVANTAGE - Werth, PHI


Catcher

Carlos Ruiz vs. Dioner Navarro

Ruiz was impress at all with his bat, .219-4-31, but he calls a good game and plays a strong all-around defensive game. The Phillies will benefit from road games when they won't have both Ruiz and the pitcher batting in the bottom of the order.

Navarro has emerged as the type of catcher the Yankees were hoping they would see, except not with another team. A first time All-Star, Navarro, still just 24-yrs of age, hit .295-7-43 in 120 games. He also become one of the best defensive catchers in baseball and clearly gets the edge in this head to head match up.
ADVANTAGE - Navarro, TB


Starting Pitching

Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Jamie Moyer, Joe Blanton
vs.
Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstine

Hamels is clearly the best of the lot and could be a series changer, especially if he were to go three times. He could even have an impact out of the pen like Randy Johnson had for Arizona. Though Hamels is the best of this lot, the Rays staff is deeper. Garza is the hottest pitcher on the staff right now, Kazmir is still a borderline stud, and Shields emerging as a top notch young pitcher. Sonnanstine is nothing to sneeze at either even if his name is hard to pronounce.
ADVANTAGE - TB

Probable Pitchers

Game 1 - Hamels vs. Kazmir
Game 2 - Myers vs. Shields
Game 3 - Garza vs. Moyer
Game 4 - Sonnanstine vs. Blanton
Game 5 - Kazmir vs. Hamels
Game 6 - Myers vs. Shields
Game 7 - Moyer vs. Garza

Bullpens

The pen, always a horror for Tampa in the past, was a strength this season. But injuries to closer Troy Percival has put more pressure on a team that now has no true closer. Joe Maddon mixed and matched to perfection in game 7 of the ALCS, but will it always work out so well?

Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson have formed a formidable 1-2 punch out of the Phillies pen, though we still don't trust Lidge (46-46 in save situations during the regular season). Though we don't trust him, we still will give Philly a slight edge in their ability to close out a game.
ADVANTAGE - PHI


And the winner is........in 6 games, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays starting pitching is the difference maker here, especially if it were to come down to a game 7. Matt Garza is on fire right now and Jamie Moyer is looking like he's 85 not 45. It should be an entertaining series, but the Rays will take it. Who the "Devil" would have thought it? ;)

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Deep in the Heart of Texas

The Yankees (61-50) open a three game road series this evening with the Texas Rangers (58-54). Temperatures are expected to be near 100 at game time at the Ballpark in Arlington for each game.

Texas has a lineup full of fire power, but they probably will be without one of their main parts for the series. Milton Bradley has missed the last 5 games with a quad injury and is probably headed to the DL. The Rangers still have the majors league RBI man in Josh Hamilton, who has driven in 106 runs this season.

Second baseman Ian Kinsler has 38 doubles, a .508 slugging percentage, and has stolen 25 bases in 26 attempts. Rookie first baseman Chris Davis has 11 home runs and 22 RBI in just 122 at-bats, and is sporting a .989 OPS. Another rookie David Murphy is one of the top first year players with 14 HR and 71 RBI. And of course, shortstop Michael Young is a perennial All-Star.

The Rangers' pitching is still their Waterloo. Their 5.25 ERA is the worst in the major leagues. They're without veteran Kevin Millwood, though his ERA is over 5, who is on the DL with a groin strain. Closer C.J. Wilson has 24 saves in 28 tries, but is sporting a 5.28 ERA that balloons to 6.49 at home.

The two teams met June 30 - July 2nd with the Rangers winning a pair of pitcher's duels before the Yankees won in an 18-8 blowout.

Here are the matchups for the series:

Monday - Joba Chamberlain vs. Vincente Padilla
Tuesday - Andy Pettitte vs. Matt Harrison
Wednesday - Sidney Ponson vs. Tommy Hunter
Thursday - Mike Mussina vs. Scott Feldman

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Yankees vs. Reds - June 20

The Cincinnati Reds come to the Bronx tonight for the first time since 1976 and that forgettable (except for the fact we finally got back there) World Series. The 3-game series is the first time the two teams have met since 2003 when they played at the Great American Ball Park in Cincy. The Yankees lost the first 2 games of that series, 6-2 and 4-3, before winning in a laugher, 10-2, in the finale. Al Osuna and Mike Mussina took the losses while Jose Contreras picked up the lone win.

On to today- the Reds are struggling. They sit 8 games under .500 and 12.5 games back of the Cubs in last place in the NL Central. They are currently mired in a 5-game losing streak. This comes a season after they finished 72-90 and cost Jerry Narron his manager's job. Dusty Baker was hired to turn things around, but so far that has not happened, mainly because of the same problem most teams have. A lack of pitching.

The Reds do have some good young players to build with though. Pitcher Edinson Volquez, who starts tonight's game, was acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade. He leads the NL in ERA and strikeouts. Fellow pitcher Johnny Cueto opened the season with a 10 strikeout performance, but has had the ups and downs of most rookie seasons. And then there's super prospect Jay Bruce, who made a fantastic splash in his first dozen games in the bigs- a .457 average with 3 home runs and 11 RBI, and a 1.293 OPS. But he's come back a bit to Earth since then, going 7-42 (.167) with 1 HR and 1 RBI. They also have highly touted pitcher Homer Bailey who struggled in a brief call up.

As for the veterans, Ken Griffey Jr. is struggling with some aches and some poor hitting. He attained his 600th career home run, but is hitting just .244-7-30 and has a .746 OPS. The Reds would love to find a taker for him, but Jr. may not want to be moved, even if its a contender.

Adam Dunn is having his typical year. Mediocre average, lots of strikeouts, and lots of home runs (.228, 18, 72). So much so that Blue Jays G.M. J.P. Ricciardi insulted him the other day. Dunn's 43 RBI lead the ball guy club, while Joey Votto has the highest average for a regular at just .278.

The Reds also have former Yankee Andy Phillips on their squad.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday: Edinson Volquez (9-2, 1.64) vs. Mike Mussina (10-4, 3.87)
Saturday: Daryl Thompson (0-0, 0.0) vs. Dan Giese (1-1, 1.23)
Sunday: Johnny Cueto (5-7, 5.19) vs. Andy Pettitte (7-5, 4.29)


Tonight's lineup via Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF

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Yankees vs. Padres - June 17

The Yankees begin a 3-game series this evening with the San Diego Padres at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees are 3-2 in interleague play thus far, with all the wins coming against the Astros and the two losses against the Mets. The Padres, under second year manager Bud Black are playing better of late after a bad start.

The Padres have been perennial NL West division contenders since the new millennium, but they started this season with an 11-17 April. The dropped 7 of their first 8 games in May and were 23-34 at the end of the month. But after a 3-game losing streak start this month they've won 8-11 to get back to 9 games (31-40) under .500 and 6.5 games back of the Diamondbacks in the NL West.

The Padres starting rotation was supposed to be among the best in the NL and all of baseball lead by Jake Peavy, Chris Young, and Greg Maddux. But both Peavy and Young, who was hit in the face by an Albert Pujols line drive, have missed significant chunks of time due to injury. Peavy recently returned and picked up a victory. Guys like Randy Wolf and Josh Banks have recently stepped up to help the Padres start to turn things around.

On offense, Adrian Gonzalez is quietly having one of the best seasons in baseball. He's hitting .293-19-62 with 25 walks. His OBP/SLG is .358/.555/.913. Shortstop Khalil Greene hit 27 HRs and drove in 94 runs last year, but has struggled this season, with just 6 home runs and 27 RBI in 69 games. Second year 3rd baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff is putting up numbers similar to his rookie year (.275-18-74). His play has allowed the Padres to move stud prospect Chase Headley to left field. Headley is expected to get his major league call up tonight.

Brian Giles is the biggest name at the plate, but his numbers aren't reflective of his ability. His power continues to decline (4 home runs in 67 games) and there are rumors he could be moved.

The Padres bullpen has not performed as well it has in the past, though in a typical Trevor Hoffman season, there are plenty of big saves and plenty of blown ones.

* * *

The Yankees last faced San Diego in 2004 when the Yankees took 2 of 3 at the Stadium. The Yankees lost the opener 10-2 after Mike Mussina had to leave after 3 innings with a groin pull. The All-World trio of Felix Heredia, Paul Quantrill, and Gabe White (whose mustache would fit in today) got lit up.

The Yankees took the second game 3-2 behind good ol' Johnny Lieber's 6 innings. The angry old man, Gary Sheffield, drove in 2 runs against one of his many former teams. The Yankees came back not once, but twice to win the finale 6-5 in 12 innings. Hideki Matsui and Kenny Lofton hit back to back 2-out home runs in the 9th off of Trevor Hoffman (remember what we said) to tie it. Then down 3 runs in the 12th the Yankees came back again. A walk by Bernie Williams, a double by Derek Jeter. Alex Rodriguez's ground out drove in one run and it was 5-3. Sheffield's single put men on the corners for Jason Giambi who delivered an RBI single to center to cut it to 5-4.

Then manager Bruce Bochy sent for a guy we all hated in NY, Jay Witasick or Witasuck as he was known. He delivered as usual. Jorge Posada tied things up with a double, and after an intentional walk to Matsui, Ruben Sierra brought home the winning run with a sac fly.

Of course the most famous meeting of the two teams was the 1998 World Series when the Yankees finished off their magnificent season with a series sweep.


Pitching Probables

Tuesday: Randy Wolf (5-3, 3.83) vs. Andy Pettitte (6-5, 4.64)

Wednesday: Jake Peavy (5-3, 2.64) vs. Darrell Rasner (3-4, 3.64)

Thursday: Josh Banks (2-0, 1.29) vs. Joba Chamberlain (1-2, 2.48)


Yankees vs. Wolf

Damon 1-6
Jeter 0-3
Moeller 3-6 1 HR 2 RBI
Joe Girardi may want to grab a bat. He was 3-9 against Wolf.

Padres vs. Pettitte

T.Clark 5-28 1 HR 3 RBI
Gerut 1-3
Giles 3-13 1 RBI
Gonzalez 1-5
Greene 2-10
S. Hairston 3-9 1 HR 2 RBI
Iguchi 0-2

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Houston, We Have Lift Off

Sounds a lot better than, "Houston, we have a problem". The Yankees player their first ever regular season series in Houston when they start a 3-game series tonight. The Yankees haven't played the Astros since June 10-12, 2003. The Yankees took two of three in the series, but in the one game they lost they were no-hit.

The Houston Astrodome was a tough place to hit home runs, but that is not the case in Minute Maid Park, which opened in 2000 and, at the time, unfortunately had its naming rights owned by Enron. The Brewers and Astros combined for 15 home runs in the latter two games of their series on Wednesday and Thursday.

The park includes a retractable roof, and an annoying replica train filled with replica oranges. The craziest part of MMP is the uphill slope in center field, which can trip up the best defender. MMP holds just under 41K and its dimensions, per mlb.com are as follows:

Distances from plate:
Left field - 315 feet
Left-center - 362 feet
Center field - 435 feet
Deepest point - 436 feet
Right-center - 373 feet
Right field - 326 feet

Height of wall:
Left field - 19 feet
Left-center - 25 feet
Center field - 10 feet
Deepest point - 10 feet
Right-center - 10 feet
Right field - 7 feet


The Yankees did play one game here, back on March 30, 1999. It was an exhibition game prior to the regular season, with the Astros winning it 6-5. Jason Grimsley took the loss, while Paul O'Neill and Ricky Ledee each homered in the first game in the park's history. The Yankees also played the first exhibition game in 1965 prior to the Astrodome opening. Mickey Mantle hit the first home run and the Yankees lost 2-1.

The Yankees have already made a roster move and it's a good one. They've sent little used Shelley Duncan down to Scranton and recalled infielder Alberto Gonzalez. The latter's defense and mobility will make him a much better fit in the NL parks.

Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday - Joba Chamberlain (1-2, 2.67) vs. Shawn Chacon (2-2, 4.96) 8:00 EDT
Saturday - Mike Mussina (9-4, 3.82) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (2-2, 1.99) 7:00 EDT
Sunday - Chien-Ming Wang (7-2, 4.30) vs. Roy Oswalt (5-6., 5.06) 2:00 EDT

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Yankees vs. Blue Jays - June 3

Like you don't already know that Joba Chamberlain is pitching tonight. There's even more pressure on him since Roy Halladay is going for the Blue Jays. And it's a really big buzz night for NY baseball since Pedro Martinez returns tonight for the Mets in San Francisco.

The Yankees and Blue Jays haven't met since the opening week when the Yankees took 2 of 3 at the Stadium. Halladay lost that night in a tough showdown with Chien-Ming Wang. Chamberlain won the final game of that series after a good start by Phil Hughes (you remember him, right?). A.J. Burnett beat Mike Mussina in the lone game won by the Blue Jays.

The Jays seem to be hit by injuries every year and this year is no different. They had lost set up man Casey Janssen before the season even started, and closer B.J. Ryan started late due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery. May 10 was a tough day in Toronto. That's when start centerfielder Vernon Wells (broken wrist 6-8 weeks) and last year's closer Jeremy Accardo (right forearm tightness) went on the DL.

Defensive wizard John McDonald went on the DL with a badly sprained on May 7, and starting catcher Greg Zaun recently joined the growing list with a strained right elbow. Despite all of that, the Blue Jays are 31-28 and 5 games behind the Rays in the AL East.

They've done it all with pitching. Halladay (6-5, 2.93), A.J. Burnett (5-5, 4.32), Jesse Litsch (7-1, 3.18), Shaun Marcum (5-3, 2.63), and Dustin McGowan (4-4, 3.95) make up, arguably, the best rotation in baseball. Their 3.32 ERA is the best in the AL, and it had better be, because the Blue Jays offense stinks.

Lyle Overbay is the leading hitter at just .278. Wells missed the last 3 weeks, but still leads the team with 24 RBI. Matt Stairs is the top home run hitter with just 6. The Blue Jays, money ball disciples, are starting to do things a little different...finally. Alex Rios has 12 steals in 15 attempts. Overall though, they have the 4th fewest runs in the AL, and only the Royals have hit less home runs.

The pitching probables for the series:

Tuesday: Roy Halladay vs. Joba Chamberlain
Wednesday: Jesse Litsch vs. Mike Mussina
Thursday: Dustin McGowan vs. Chien-Ming Wang


Yankees vs. Halladay

Abreu 4-15 (.267)
Betemit 0-7
Cabrera 5-18 (.278) 1 HR 1 RBI
Cano 6-16 (.375) 2 HR 4 RBI
Damon 22-70 (.314) 1 HR 2 RBI 8 BB 7 SB
Duncan 0-1
Giambi 17-56 (.304) 3 HR 7 RBI 6 BB
Jeter 17-65 (.262) 4 RBI 18 K
Matsui 7-37 (.189) 1 HR 3 RBI
Moeller 0-3
Molina 1-8
A-Rod 15-50 (.300) 10 RBI

and Joe Girardi was 0-1 with 1 walk. ;)

Blue Jays vs. Chamberlain


Eckstein 0-1
Hill 0-3
Overbay 0-1
Rios 1-4
Stairs 1-1
Stewart 0-1
Thigpen 0-2


Tonight's lineup from Peter Abraham:

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Cabrera CF

Chad Jennings reports that Jason Lane has not made any decisions as to whether he will opt out of his contract or not.

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Yankees vs. Twins - May 30

The Yankees open a 4-game series tonight with the Minnesota Twins in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes". It's the first time the Yankees have faced the Twins, who have changed quite a bit since the last time the two teams met, this season.

Johan Santana is across the Hudson at Shea, Francisco Liriano is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in the minors, and the heart and soul of the team, Torii Hunter, is in Anaheim/LA. But the Twins are known for developing good players and that continues this year.

The Twins don't have scoring power, but their starting pitching and bullpen have helped them to a 28-25 record, 2 games behind the even more surprising Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. The starting rotation has one veteran, Livan Hernandez, and a bunch of kids.

El Duque's kid brother started out like a house afire, going 6-2, 3.88, but he's been pounded in his last 2 starts, both no decisions, against the Royals and Rangers.

Rookie right-hander Nick Blackburn tops the team in ERA, 3.39, while posting a 4-3 record. He's walked just 11 hitters in 71.2 innings.

Glen Perkins, tonight's starter, was worked in as a reliever for his first 23 big league appearances over the last 2 years, but he's back as a full-time starter now. Perkins was called up due to injuries and has been the goods thus far, going 2-1, 2.77 with 16 strikeouts and 4 walks in 26 innings.

Kevin Slowey returned from the DL last night to record his first complete game. He's only 2-4 despite a 3.38 ERA. Slowey is another Twins starter with a great K/BB ratio of 4:1.

Boof Bonser is the lone Twins starter to struggle, so it would seem he would be the likely casualty when Scott Baker comes back from the DL. Bonser has 2-6, 6.16

The Twins still have one of the best closers in the business in Joe Nathan, but they lost super set up man Pat Neshak for the season.

Offensively, the Twins still rely on their two big JM's, Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, and Michael Cuddyer. Morneau is on pace for his usual type of season, .305-9-40, but although Mauer is hitting .324, he has just 21 RBI and has yet to hit a home run. Cuddyer is hitting just .228-1-19 and spent some time on the DL.

Carlos Gomez, acquired in the Santana trade, is the spark plug at the top of the lineup. He's hitting .293-4-22 with 31 runs scored, 9 doubles, 3 triples, and 17 steals in 22 attempts. Earlier this season he became the first Twins player since Kirby Puckett to hit for the cycle.

Delmon Young, acquired for Matt Garza, started out strongly, but has been treading water since, hitting just .258 with no home runs and 14 RBI.


Pitching Probables for the Series

Friday: Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.39) vs. Glen Perkins (2-1, 2.77)
Saturday: Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 3.82) vs. Boof Bonser (2-6, 6.16)
Sunday: Darrell Rasner (3-1, 1.80) vs. Nick Blackburn (4-3, 3.39)
Monday: Andy Pettitte vs. Livan Hernandez (6-2, 4.60)


Mike Mussina is looking to get back on path after 2 straight rough outings, one of which he won. He's 20-6, 3.18 in 30 career starts against the Twins.

Twins vs. Mussina

Casilla 1-1
Clark 1-3
Cuddyer 2-13 1 RBI
Harris 1-4 1 RBI
Kubel 1-7 1 HR 2 RBI
Lamb 6-16 1 HR 3 RBI
Mauer 0-6
Monroe 2-8
Morneau 4-11 1 RBI
Punto 0-2
Young 2-11

Glen Perkins will be facing the Yankees for the first time.

UPDATE 5:57 PM EDT

Tonight's lineups

Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui LF
Giambi DH
Duncan 1B
Cano 2B
Molina C
Cabrera CF

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Yankees vs. Rays - April 4

With a 60-70% chance of rain all evening, it's going to be difficult to get this one in. But if they do, Andy Sonnanstine will make his 3rd career start against the Yankees and Ian Kennedy will go against the team he won his first major league game against. The Yankees and Rays are set to start a 4-game, weekend wrap around series in the Bronx. The bad blood that boiled over during spring training is hopefully in the past (Elliot Johnson did indeed make the Rays roster).

Sonnastine lost 8 of his 9 decisions in his rookie year, but bounced back to finish 6-10, 5.85. He was 1-1, 3.14 against the Yankees.

IPK made his major league debut against the Rays last September 1 and picked up the victory after allowing 1 run in 7 innings.

The Yankees have struggled against the Rays the last few seasons, losing 8 times in both 2005 and 2007.

Carl Crawford comes into the series needing 7 hits to reach 1,000 for his career.

Yankees vs. Sonnastine

Bobby Abreu 1-6
Melky Cabrera 0-3
Robinson Cano 0-6
Johnny Damon 1-6
Jason Giambi 0-3
Derek Jeter 3-7
Hideki Matsui 2-6
Jorge Posada 1-6
Alex Rodriguez 1-6

Rays vs. Kennedy

Carl Crawford 1-3
Jonny Gomes 0-3
Akinori Iwamura 0-3
Carlos Peña 0-3
B.J. Upton 1-2

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Let the Games Begin

3 of the 4 division series start today, so we'll take a quick look at each and give our predictions (disclaimer - never, NEVER bet based on our predictions).

Things kick off at 3:00 EDT with 2 teams that looked like they didn't have a prayer in hell of making the playoffs just a short time ago.

Phillies vs. Rockies

In Philly
Game 1 - Jeff Francis (17-9, 4.22) vs. Cole Hamels (15-5, 3.39)
Game 2 - Mark Redman (2-4, 7.62) vs. Kyle Kendrick (10-4, 3.87)

In Denver
Game 3 - Jamie Moyer (14-12, 5.01) vs. Josh Fogg (10-9, 4.24)

Great pitching match up in game 1 between a couple of big lefties. Francis has struggled in his 3 career starts against the Phillies and was knocked around in his only appearance against them this season. Hamels has never faced the Rockies. He has an excellent 3.24 ERA in the friendly confines of PNC Park. This game could really be the key to the series as the Game 2 match heavily favors the Phillies.

If the series goes to game 4, the Phillies sent Kyle Lohse out against the Rocks Ubaldo Jiminez. Francis and Hamels would face-off again if a 5th and deciding game is necessary. You can definitely see this going the full 5, especially if the Rockies gain a split in the city of brotherly booing.

Prediction: Phillies in 5


Angels vs. Red Sox
Things start tonight at 6:30 EDT and you don't need to ask who we will be rooting for against.

In Beantown
Game 1 - John Lackey (19-9, 3.01) vs. Josh Beckett (20-7, 3.27)
Game 2 - Kelvim Escobar (18-7, 3.40) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-12, 4.40)

In Disneyland
Game 3 - Curt Schilling vs. Jered Weaver

What a great match up to start the series. Both of these guys had great regular seasons and both have pitched successfully in the post-season spotlight. The key to this series could be the game 2 starter, Kelvim Escobar. This guy has really blossomed since joining the Angels. Dice-K has struggled mightily in the 2nd half, with the innings, travel, and schedule apparently catching up to him. Smart move though by Terry Francona to give him the start at home.

With off days on Thursday and Saturday, the game 1 and 2 starters will come back if a game 3 and 4 are needed. The Red Sox don't have Tim Wakefield due to a back injury and the Angels will be without Gary Matthews Jr. (knee) and Bartolo Colon).

This could very well come down to a battle of the bullpens. Are Okajima and Papelbon well rested? Was Scott Shields 2nd half an aberration or now the norm?

Prediction: Red Sox in 5


Cubs vs. Diamondbacks

The 2nd NL battle gets underway at 10 pm EDT and has 2 teams that battled their way to division titles, fighting off teams that at one time had the lead.

In AZ
Game 1 - Carlos Zambrano (18-13, 3.95) vs. Brandon Webb (18-10, 3.01)
Game 2 - Ted Lilly vs. Doug Davis

In the windy city
Game 3 - Livan Hernandez vs. Rich Hill

Another series starting with a battle of Cy Young contenders. Zambrano had an up and down season, but will be tough. Webb's sinker is among the best in the game and he can easily shut a team down. He's 4-1, 2.53 lifetime against the Cubbies. Just as the game 2 pitcher could be the key in the Sox-Angels series, Ted Lilly could be huge here. The free agent acquisition is what put the Cubs over the top.

The game 3 starters are a wash. If the series goes 4 games, the Cubs will bring Zambrano back on 3 days rest, while the Dbacks will hold out Webb for a game 5 match with Lilly. We don't have confidence in either team's bullpen and that's probably what will decide the outcome. That being said...

Prediction: Cubs in 4

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Uh O

The Yankees open a 3 game series tonight with the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles that allowed 30 runs in 1 game to the Texas Rangers. The Orioles that bullpen has imploded in the 2nd half. The Orioles that are 64-84, 2 million games out of 1st place. And alas, the same Orioles that won 4, count 'em 4, best 2 of 3 series from the Yankees this season.

The good news is that the Orioles ace, Erik Bedard, will miss this one with a badly strained oblique. The bad news is that we have to watch Mike Mussina on the mound again tomorrow.

Here are the pitching probables for the series:

Monday - Daniel Cabrera (9-16, 5.37) vs. Phil Hughes (3-3, 4.91)
Cabrera did his best Armando Benetiz imitation recently, pissing off his manager and teammates. Hughes has posted back-to-back solid outings and the Yankees need to get this series off on the right foot.

Tuesday - Jon Leicester (2-1, 6.32) vs. Mike Mussina (9-10, 5.28)
Leicester has never faced the Yankees and we've seen how those games go. Mussina needs to build off his last start or pitch poor enough so that Torre is never tempted to put him in again.

Wednesday - Brian Burres (6-5, 5.47) vs Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.89)
Burres is 1-0, 2.53 in 5 appearances (1 start) against the Yankees. Pettitte will be looking for career victory #200.

Here are the lineups for tonight's game. Doug Mientkiewicz gets rewarded for his stellar 2-way play last night.

Orioles

B. Roberts 2b
T. Redman cf
N. Markakis rf
M. Tejada ss
K. Millar 1b
A. Huff dh
M. Mora 3b
L. Hernandez c
J. Payton lf

Yankees
J. Damon cf
D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
H. Matsui lf
J. Posada c
J. Giambi dh
R. Cano 2b
D. Mientkiewicz1b

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Yankees Weekend in Beantown

Sorry for the late entry today. Catching up on all we missed while out of town. Last night's loss was a tough one. Ian Kennedy threw a masterful 7 innings of 1-hit ball (on a ball that Melky probably should have caught) , only to see Chris Britton lose it to the Jays in the 9th 2-1.

We won't get into a long diatribe here, but enough with saving your closer on the road. Going by the book sometimes is as dumb as it gets. Also have to be concerned about the lack of hitting the last 2 nights, though props to A.J. Burnett for one helluva performance.

Here's the pitching for this weekend's series and there are some good ones.

Friday - Andy Pettitte (13-8, 3.78) vs. Daisuke Matsuzaka (14-12, 4.44)
Dice-K 2-1 against the Yankees, but a 6.98 ERA

Saturday - Chien-Ming Wang (18-6, 3.69) vs. Josh Beckett (18-6, 3.27)
Cy Young Square off?

Sunday - Roger Clemens (6-6. 5.45) vs. Curt Schilling (8-7, 3.93)
Will the Rocket's arm hold up? For that matter, will Schitbag's?


And here are tonight's starting lineups

Yankees

D. Jeter ss
B. Abreu rf
A. Rodriguez 3b
J. Posada c
H. Matsui lf
J. Giambi 1b
R. Cano 2b
M. Cabrera cf

Red Sox
J. Lugo ss
D. Pedroia 2b
D. Ortiz dh
M. Lowell 3b
K. Youkilis 1b
J.D. Drew rf
J. Varitek c
B. Kielty lf
J. Ellsbury cf

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Motown Weekend

The Yankees open a 4 game wrap-around weekend series with the Detroit Tigers tonight. The Yankees took 3 of 4 from the Tigers last weekend and would love to again this weekend. Here's the must - they must win 2 of the first 3, because the Monday finale matches Mike Mussina and Justin Verlander. The odds of winning that one are slim to none.

Gary Sheffield will miss the series and could land back on the DL with shoulder issues. Gee what a shame :-|

Peter Abraham is reporting that Brian Bruney will be returning this weekend with Ron Villone or Sean Henn taking the roster hit.

The Contenders: The Red Sox and White Sox were rained out last night in the 1st of their 4 game series. They'll make it up as part of a day-night doubleheader. The Mariners beat the Rangers last night to drop the Yankees 2 back in the Wild Card race. That series continues tonight. The AL Central leading Indians travel to KC to take on the Royals.

Pitching Probables for this weekend

Friday - Roger Clemens (5-5, 3.92) vs. Andrew Miller (5-4, 4.42)
Miller is coming off the DL and has only pitched 1 inning against the Yankees. And you know how we handle pitchers we haven't seen before. Clemens has to be happy that Sheffield is out of the lineup since the angry one is 11-18 against him.

Saturday - Chien-Ming Wang (14-6, 4.10) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (10-6, 4.65)
A rematch of last Sunday's game. Wang has suddenly become the subject of criticism by some reactionary Yankees fans. "He's not a true ace" and other garbage. He's 41-17 lifetime. That's all I care about. Bonderman has lost his last 5 decisions.

Sunday - Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.96) vs. Jair Jurrjens (1-1, 3.29)
The same crazy fans that are criticizing Wang, are attacking Hughes for not being Joba Chamberlain. Am I the only Yankees fan sick of whiny, spoiled fellow fans? Probably not. Jurrjens is just 21 years old and has not faced the Bombers.

Monday - Mike Mussina (8-9, 5.22) vs. Justin Verlander (13-5, 3.94)
This was the disastrous match up in the 1st game of the series at Yankee Stadium. After Mussina's horrendous start against the Angels the next time out, Joe Torre sat him down for a long talk. Torre has said publicly that Moose could lose his spot in the rotation if the trend continues. The problem is, who do you go to? Ian Kennedy or Steven White and see if the young buck trend continues? Please, not Jeff Karstens.

...

The Yankees Double-A affiliate in Trenton is going to new uniforms next season. They will be replacing the "Thor"-like symbol with a cloud holding a thunder bolt.

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Going Back to Cali

The Yankees are going to have to keep playing hard and keep winning if they want to make the post-season. This week could have a big say in the outcome. Before going to Detroit for 4 games (who makes up these ridiculous schedules?), the Yankees face a big test with their nemesis, the LA Angels. The Angels just split a 4 games series in Boston that either team could have won, but both team's bullpens blew leads.

The Yankees were swept in a May, 3 game series the last time they visited Anaheim. The Yankees took 2 of 3 at home in July, and scored 26 runs in the 2 wins. This time around, the Angels will be facing a much tougher team than they did in either of those previous meetings. Tonight's 1st game is huge with tough right-handers, Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey started the next 2 games for the Halos.

Pitching Probables

Monday - Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.44) vs. Dustin Moseley (4-2, 4.84)
Tuesday - Mike Mussina (8-8, 4.76) vs. Kelvim Escobar (13-6, 2.68)
Wednesday - Andy Pettitte (10-7, 3.80) vs. John Lackey (15-7, 3.32)


To add some depth to their Triple-A outfield, the Yankees signed veteran Jose Cruz Jr. to a minor league contract. The 11-year veteran has played with 8 different teams in the last 8 years, and was released earlier this month by the Padres.

Sunday's NY Daily News had a great article on Joba Chamberlain and his Dad, Harlan. It's a must read.

The NY Post's Phil Mushnick, never shy to criticize, ripped ESPN in today's column concerning the handling of Phil Rizzuto's death. Mushnick, felt, and rightly so, that ESPN radio used the Scooter's passing as a chance to self promote by having Joe Morgan, who barely knew him, as a guest with Michael Kay.

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Tigers in the Tank?

We should only be so lucky. The Yankees and Tigers open up a HUGE 4 game series tonight at Yankee Stadium. The Tigers won the first 2 games of a series with division rival Cleveland before dropping the finale yesterday. That left the Tigers and Indians tied for the Central division lead, and 1 game back of the wild card leaging Yankees and Mariners.

Here are the pitching probables for the series:

Thursday - Justin Verlander (12-4, 3.58) vs. Mike Mussina (8-7, 4.50)
Friday - Nate Robertson (7-9, 5.01) vs. Andy Pettitte (9-7, 3.93)
Saturday - Chad Durbin (7-5, 4.68) vs. Roger Clemens (4-5, 4.00)
Sunday - Jeremy Bonderman (10-5, 4.65) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (13-6, 4.09)

The Red Sox are off today before starting a 4 game series with the Angels (the Yankees next opponent), that included a day-night doubleheader on Friday. Sox stud prospect Clay Bucholz is expected to start the 2nd game.

The Indians are also off today and then host the Devil Rays for 3. You guessed it. The Mariners are off today too, before starting a 3 game series at home with the White Sox.Y

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The Week Ahead

The Birds of Baltimore shocked us, taking 2 of 3 from the Boston Red Sox. And now we have to be on our toes for that same Orioles squad. The Yankees have squandered 6 of 9 games to the O's this season. And things get tougher at week's end when the AL Central leading (as of this writing) Detroit Tigers come to town for a huge 4 game series.

The Yankees need to get off on the right foot tonight and that means a bounce back performance from Chien-Ming Wang. The Wanger got thrashed last Wednesday night by the Blue Jays, allowing 8 runs in 2 2-3 innings. His worst big league outing ever.

The Orioles Jeremy Guthrie will be looking to do the same. Guthrie gave up 5 runs in a 4 inning stint and loss to the Mariners in his previous outing. But Guthrie is 5-0, 2.70 on the road this season.

Here are the full pitching probables:

Monday - Jeremy Guthrie (7-4, 3.22) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (13-6, 3.94)

Tuesday - Daniel Cabrera (8-12, 5.14) vs. Jeffrey Karstens (0-2, 10.13)
Spurred on by rumors in the local papers, many fans were hoping to see last year's #1 pick Ian Kennedy go on Tuesday. But that was always a plan 'B' for the Yankees, who had no intention of starting anyone other than Karstens unless he was needed in long relief.

Wednesday - Erik Bedard (12-4, 3.11) vs. Phil Hughes (2-1, 4.64)
What a great match up (at least on paper). Bedard is an emerging star in MLB and Hughes is one of the brightest prospects for the future (and now for that matter). My Pinstripes would have been at the game if not for a blown central a/c. We're still upset :(

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Weekend Series Looms Large

The Yankees head to Cleveland for a big 3 game series with the Centreal Division leading Indians. The Tribe entered today's action, 1/2 game ahead of the Detroit Tigers.

Pitching Probables

Friday - Phil Hughes vs. Fausto Carmona
Really looking forward to this one. Dr. Phil Good has all our expectations quite high and Carmona is a young star on the rise.

Saturday - Mike Mussina vs. Paul Byrd
The kids on Friday, the old farts on Saturday

Sunday - Andy Pettitte vs. Jake Westbrook
The Yankees need Pettitte to keep going smoothly.

A little bit more on the recently completed Blue Jays series. Brian Butterfield complained about take out slides at 2nd Base from Johnny Damon (Monday) and Shelley Duncan (Tuesday). Considering the Blue Jays threw at A-Rod on Monday, and again on Tuesday, you've got no room to say word one.

And how about Josh Towers. What has this little sh*t done in the majors to mouth off about Tony Pena. Pena was one of the best, grittiest catchers in baseball. We don't know his reasoning for leaving KC as manager, but Towers should be eating a fastball sandwich for his remarks.

"I heard somebody chirping when I was talking to Lyle (Overbay) and I didn't think it was Alex and I asked who it was," said Towers. "And Tony Pena is running his mouth and I was like, 'What's this guy running his mouth for? This dude is a quitter, he managed a team and quit in the middle of the season because he couldn't hack it. He's going to run his mouth to me?' So I ended up getting into it with Alex a second time."

Some credit to the Jays' Alex Rios. He took a Roger Clemens fastball between the shoulder blades, and though pissed, went right to 1st Base. Perhaps he realized his pitched screwed up.

Joba Chamberlain had a successful debut Tuesday night. His fastball was consistently clocked at 96 mph and he had a nasty slider that he struck 2 hiters out with. The biggest surprise was seeing him shake off Jorge Posada several times. It was also nice to see the game ending double play. He doesn't just have to blow hitters away...not that there is anything wrong with that.

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The Week Ahead

Big week for the Yankees, who are now 1/2 game back in the wild card. They've got a 3 game series with division rival Toronto, and then go to Cleveland for a 3 game weekend series. Everything kicks off today with a day game, which has not been a good sign for the Yankees of late. Last week's 8-0 comeback only to lose is a case in point.

Here are the pitching probables for the Blue Jays series:

Monday - Andy Pettitte (7-7) vs. Jesse Litsch (4-4)

Tuesday - Roger Clemens (3-5, 4.23) vs. Josh Towers (5-8, 5.17)
Towers is the latest Blue Jays to have a run-in with manager John Gibbons

Wednesday - Chien-Ming Wang (13-5, 3.49) vs. Roy Halladay (12-5, 4.13)
Now THAT's a pitcher's duel!

Comings and goings - well mainly goings - Sean Henn was sent to Scranton on Saturday to make room for Phil Hughes, and as we mentioned the other day, Colter Bean was designated for assignment to make room for Hughes on the 40 man roster. Scott Williamson, who was recently signed to a Scranton contract, was released.

Congratulations are in order for the Mets' Tom Glavine, who picked up his 300th career win, over the Chicago Cubs. The Mets pen nearly blew the lead before the offense broke the game back open.

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Royal Roster Weekend

You better not shout, you better not cry...Kansas City's coming to town. Need a little snow to cool off a 90+ July day. Maybe old man Clemens has cooled down by now. The Yankees play the Royals for 3 this weekend before heading north to Toronto.

The Yankees will have some decisions to make over the next few days as far as roster moves are concerned. Phil Hughes will be activated to start Saturday's game. Joba Chamberlain is expected to join the team in Toronto. He threw a scoreless inning for Trenton the other night after stopping in NYC to get his passport.

Jason Giambi is finishing up his rehab assignment and will probably re-join the team some time next week. So what does this all mean for the roster?

With the addition of Wilson Betemit, it's possible that Miguel Cairo will be let go. Cairo is a solid player whom Torre trusts so it would be hard to imagine that would be the case, but there's just no room.

With the addition of Hughes and Chamberlain, who goes from the pitching staff? I would love to see Myers cut loose, but that's probably not going to happen. Farnsworth, he should be the 'F' in 'DFA' (designated for assignment). Karstens? Villone?

Johnny Damon is already making noises of, "I'd rather play somewhere else, rather than sit". All right Johnny, shut the hell up. You reported to camp out of shape, you've been hurt all year, and you've killed the team more times than not.

KC's manager Buddy Bell made an emotion resignation, effective at season's end, the other day. Bell wants to spend more time with his family, including a daughter who has Down Syndrome. We all hope Bell is healthy, as he battled cancer a couple of years back.

Probable Pitchers for this weekend

Friday - Odalis Perez (6-9, 5.73) vs. Chien-Ming Wang (12-5, 3.61)
Saturday - Kyle Davies (4-8, 5.76) vs. Phil Hughes (1-1, 3.38)
Sunday - Gil Meche (7-8, 3.70) vs. Mike Mussina (6-7, 4.75)

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Yankees vs. Orioles Preview

Alex Rodriguez's 32nd birthday, the chase for 500 home runs, and the conclusion of a suspended game are just part of tonight's start of a 3 game series between the Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.

The Yankees have to be glad to be not seeking Erik Bedard in the serires.

Pitching Probables

Friday (susp) - The suspended game picks up with Derek Jeter on base and the Yankees leading 8-6. Hideki Matsui is at the plate. Mike Myers was the last pitcher used by the Yankees, but Joe Torre has not said who will pitch the bottom of the 8th. Chien-Ming Wang and Luis Vizcaino have already been used in the game. Chris Ray was pitching for the O's, but is now on the DL.

Friday - Andy Pettitte (6-6, 4.12) vs. Jeremy Guthrie (6-3, 2.88)
These two faced off against each on June 26 and were both outstanding. Each allowed 2 runs- Pettitte in 7 innings, Guthrie in 6.1. Scott Proctor walked 3 in the 9th, including Ramon Hernandez with the bases loaded to give the O's the win.

Saturday - Roger Clemens (3-4, 3.72) vs. Brian Burres (4-4, 4.33)

The Yankees don't do well against guys they don't know, and Burress has only pitched 3.1 relief innings against them.

Sunday - Chien-Ming Wang (11-5, 3.57) vs. Daniel Cabrera (7-10, 5.04)
Hopefully the ace of the Yankees staff is finishing off a good series on Sunday with a win. This was the starting match up in the suspended game on June 28.

...

Wil Nieves accepted his minor league assignment and reported to Scranton.

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I'm Going to Kansas City

I'm not really, but it's a great old song. The Yankees, however, are in Kansas City today for the start of a 4 game series with the resurgent Royals. It's an important series, because up in Cleveland, the Indians and Red Sox will also be meeting in a 4 game set of their own.

The Royals took 2 of 3 from Detroit over the weekend, and are 24-19 since June 1st. This is the 1st time this season that the 2 teams are meeting.

Pitching Probables

Monday - Roger Clemens (2-4, 3.88) vs. Odalis Perez (5-8, 5.84)

Tuesday - Chien-Ming Wang (10-5, 3.44) vs. Scott Elarton (2-3, 9.17)

Wednesday - Mike Mussina (4-7, 4.97) vs. Gil Meche (7-6, 3.63)

Thursday - Kei Igawa (2-2, 6.67) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (7-10, 5.61)

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