Never though you’d hear a Yankee fan say that, did you?
Fresh off a heartbreaking three game sweep in an absolutely electric Tropicana Field, the Red Sox limp into town having lost their last five games by a total of six runs. They’re 4-8 in their last twelve, and are just a Chad Qualls meltdown away from being 3-9. The Yanks haven’t been much better, going 5-7 in their last twelve, but they’re just a Mariano Rivera hiccup from being a passable 6-6. Of course everyone is looking up to Rays this season.
Boston has taken three of five against the Yanks this season, winning two of three in the Fens before splitting a two game set in the Bronx. That was back in mid-April. Before David Ortiz hurt his wrist, before Joba moved to the rotation, before Manny put up a .544 OPS in his last 17 games (and physically abused a 60-yr old team official), and before Robbie Cano hit for a .956 OPS in his last 16 contests.
Jon Lester takes to the mound having been rocked for 6 runs in 5 innings his time out, but he money before that, posting a 2.13 ERA in his previous 72 IP. That’s especially impressive considered he’s coming back from, you know, shoulder tightness in June 2004.
Thaaaaa Yankees’ lineup!
1. Johnny Damon, LF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. The Power of the ‘Stache, DH
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robbie Cano, 2B
8. Wilson Betemit, 1B – .333-.391-.524 since last Wednesday
9. Melky Cabrera, CF – .083 OPS since July 27th
On the mound, he of the 1.00 ERA & 0.96 WHIP since June 6th, Andy Pettitte.
Notes: Matsui’s knee isn’t getting better, and he’ll likely be out until the All-Star Break, at this point you have to assume that whatever the Yanks get out of him the rest of the season is gravy … Derek Jeter’s next homer will be the 200th of his career, this season he’s averaged one homer every 78 at-bats, and it’s been 65 ABs since his last jack … there figures to be lots of comments with the Sox in town, so please review our Commenting Guidelines.
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