Ending on a losing note in Oakland the Yankees still took their fifth straight series to begin the year. Now they are off to Anaheim to meet the pesky Angels and to visit Hideki Matsui in his new diggs. All is well in Yankee land right now, but if there is one thing to watch for it is the Yankee Offense which has only mustered 5 runs in their last two games in Oakland. With 6 games left of their 9 game road trip the Yankees look to take yet another series before they head back east to face the lowly Orioles.
The Angels have regrouped as a team since they visited Yankee Stadium and are 5-2 in their last seven against the Blue Jay's and Tigers. However their pitching remains suspect. After the key off-season loss of John Lackey no one has claimed the key role of Ace in the Angels rotation.
The question in this series will be if the Angel pitching (4.51) can contain the Yankee Offense. The Angels offense will score runs, they are rank in the middle of the league in most offensive categories. For the Yankees it is a simple game, get good starting pitching, wear down the opposing starting pitchers, and go to work on the middle relief. If they can continue doing this they should take the series.
Matchups
Game 1: Tonight @ 10:05 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett (2-0, 3.327) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (1-2, 4.35)
Game 2: Saturday @ 4:10 p.m. | TV: FOX | Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (2-0, 1.35) vs. RHP Joel Piniero (2-1, 1.77)
Game 3: Sunday @ 3:35 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Javier Vazquez (1-2, 8.27) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (1-1, 7.45)
Game 1: Tonight @ 10:05 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett (2-0, 3.327) vs. RHP Ervin Santana (1-2, 4.35)
Game 2: Saturday @ 4:10 p.m. | TV: FOX | Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (2-0, 1.35) vs. RHP Joel Piniero (2-1, 1.77)
Game 3: Sunday @ 3:35 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
RHP Javier Vazquez (1-2, 8.27) vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (1-1, 7.45)
Three Questions
- Can the Yankees continuing playing this well? Their starting pitching has been great and the lineup as a whole has been patient and coming through in the clutch
- Will the Yankees continue their recent success in Anaheim dating back to post all star break of last season?
- Will Javier Vazquez build on his start in Oakland and continue to improve?
Injury Report
YANKEES:
- RHP Chan Ho Park is on the 15-day DL with a slightly strained hamstring.
ATHLETICS:
- C Jeff Mathis is on the 15-day DL with a right wrist fracture.
- RP Cory Wade is on the 15-day DL with a shoulder injury. Out until June.
- C Brad Ausmus is on the 15-day DL with a back injury. Is out until August.
- RHP Chan Ho Park is on the 15-day DL with a slightly strained hamstring.
ATHLETICS:
- C Jeff Mathis is on the 15-day DL with a right wrist fracture.
- RP Cory Wade is on the 15-day DL with a shoulder injury. Out until June.
- C Brad Ausmus is on the 15-day DL with a back injury. Is out until August.