Assuming the Yankees don't clinch the division, they will face the Minnesota Twins. Which might be a good thing for Jeter who's mere ten home runs are appalling. Except for that 414 foot shot off of Duensing earlier this year. Or Gardner, who hit one of his five against Scott Baker. Baker has been lowering his ERA since his August 22 start against the Angels. Liriano on the other hand has not allowed the Yanks a home run this year.
For Yankee pitching, CC hasn't faced the Twins since last years ALDS. But there is no doubt in my mind that he won't be as sharp as he was against them last year. If not better. The extra rest will certainly allow CC to come into Game 1 with fire. Assuming that Joe Girardi hears our prayers and allows Pettite to start Game 2 over Burnett, the Twins will find it hard to manufacture anything against him. Pettite has allowed only two RBIs by the twins this year. For Game 3, I'd take Phil Hughes and then let Nova start the 4th. By that time, the Yanks will be facing the back end of the Twins rotation. Who you might ask? Nick Blackburn!! Nick likes to trade wins and losses like he's on the floor at Wall Street. He's 10-11 this year with a 5.55 ERA. Hopefully, he'll be trading only once and it will be for a loss against the Yanks in October.
What else is there to say? If A-Rod hits his 30th home run in the next 4 games, he'll have another 30-100 season. With Teixeira already there, Cano could join him with two more. Three infielders with 30-100? Potent.
Mariano shakes off the dust and gets back to form. CC and Pettite shut down both sides of the plate. And my man Phil shows that the Yankee farm system is still great!
AH, baseball in October. Here we go!
is it possible that the rays are losing on purpose so they dont have to face the rangers? they have lost two to the royals.
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