Yankees vs. TwinsYankee Stadium
(3 Game Series)
(3 Game Series)
For the first time this season the Yankees are hurting. They lost their second series of the year (a four game set) and are a lowly 1-4 in their last 5 games. However the outlook shouldn't be so gloomy. The Yankees did go 3-4 on a road trip against their arch rival followed by a solid team in the Tigers. This with a banged up line up and a few slumping stars. So the Yankees took their lumps on the road and are ready for their first extended home stay of the season.
The Minnesota Twins come in to town this weekend for a three game series, and what a coincidence that it is about the same time last year the Yankees walked off 3 times in 4 games against these very same Twinkies. Minnesota is a very solid club coming in with the same record as our Yanks and leading the AL Central Division. As well they have been playing solid ball of late going 7-3 in their last ten games. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and some alien who has disguised himself as John Rauch lead the twins. In all seriousness Rauch has done an incredible job filling in for the injured Joe Nathan. Hopefully the Yankees don't have to see him this weekend and if they do they can touch him up.
This is going to be a tough series for the Yankees. Especially when you look ahead on the schedule and see the Rays, Red Sux, and Mets (@ Mets but no travel) all waiting in the wings. The outlook better be on a game to game basis or the team may start pressing. Luckily the Yankees have a an outstanding home record against the Twins in the Gardenhire era, the twins are a lowly 5-27 in the Bronx and 2-9 in the post-season during this time frame. Hopefully the Yankees can continue this trend of success at home going into a few more tough series.
What will be deemed a successful home stand with these opponents? Slightly over 4-3 would be acceptable considering the circumstances. Two of the top AL teams come in, as well as your arch rival who has been playing better of late. This stretch will be a litmus test as to where the Yankees stand. If they can come out with a winning record with a depleted lineup the future looks bright.
This is going to be a tough series for the Yankees. Especially when you look ahead on the schedule and see the Rays, Red Sux, and Mets (@ Mets but no travel) all waiting in the wings. The outlook better be on a game to game basis or the team may start pressing. Luckily the Yankees have a an outstanding home record against the Twins in the Gardenhire era, the twins are a lowly 5-27 in the Bronx and 2-9 in the post-season during this time frame. Hopefully the Yankees can continue this trend of success at home going into a few more tough series.
What will be deemed a successful home stand with these opponents? Slightly over 4-3 would be acceptable considering the circumstances. Two of the top AL teams come in, as well as your arch rival who has been playing better of late. This stretch will be a litmus test as to where the Yankees stand. If they can come out with a winning record with a depleted lineup the future looks bright.
Matchups
Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 p.m. | TV: YES & MLBN | Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett (4-1, 3.40) vs. RHP Scott Baker (4-2, 4.57)
Game 2: Saturday @ 1:05 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (4-0, 2.08) vs. LHP Francisco Liriano (4-1, 2.36)
Game 3: Sunday @ 1:05 p.m. | TV: MY9 & TBS | Radio: WCBS
RHP Sergio Mitre (0-1, 3.86) vs. RHP Nick Blackburn (3-1, 4.76)
Game 1: Tonight @ 7:05 p.m. | TV: YES & MLBN | Radio: WCBS
RHP A.J. Burnett (4-1, 3.40) vs. RHP Scott Baker (4-2, 4.57)
Game 2: Saturday @ 1:05 p.m. | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
LHP Andy Pettitte (4-0, 2.08) vs. LHP Francisco Liriano (4-1, 2.36)
Game 3: Sunday @ 1:05 p.m. | TV: MY9 & TBS | Radio: WCBS
RHP Sergio Mitre (0-1, 3.86) vs. RHP Nick Blackburn (3-1, 4.76)
Three Questions
- Who will Girardi use to matchup against the M & M boys Boone Logan or Damaso Marte?
- Can the Yankee lineup, which was shut out for the first two times in Detroit, rebound?
- Will Andy Pettitte make his start pain free?
Injury Report
YANKEES:
- RHP Chan Ho Park is on the 15-day DL with a slightly strained hamstring. Expected within a week
- CF Curtis Granderson is on the 15-day DL with a grade 2 strain of his left groin and is expected to be out 2-4 weeks.
- LHP Andy Pettitte has elbow inflammation and is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis. He will pitch the second game. Let's keep an eye on how that elbow feels.
- SS Derek Jeter was hit on the hand with a Justin Verlander fastball. He is day-to-day don't expect him to miss time except possible DH days.
- OF Nick Swisher felt a strain in his bicep. He is day-to-day and may be a game time decision.
- DH/1B Nick Johnson is on the 15-day DL with an inflamed tendon in the wrist
- RHP Alfredo Aceves is on the 15-day DL with lower back discomfort.
Twins:
- RHP Joe Nathan is out for the season. Tommy John Surgery
- SS JJ Hardy is on the 15-day DL with a strained left wrist.
- RHP Clay Condrey is on the 15-day DL with a strained right elbow.
- C Jose Morales went on the 15-day DL had right wrist surgery. Currently DHing in extended spring training.
- RHP Pat Neshek is on the 15-day DL with inflammation of right finger.
