Pardon my frustration with Girardi’s lineup tonight, but it looks like he’s going with the notion that all righties are better against left-handed pitchers than lefties. Seriously, that’s the only justification for hitting Melky leadoff and batting Betemit ahead of Cano.
The Yanks enter the game nine games behind the Rays in the loss column, and can cut that to seven over the next two days. Unfortunately, the ball is in the hands of Sidney Ponson tomorrow, so they’ll have to capitalize on Andy Pettitte’s start tonight.
Just a quick hit from PeteAbe tonight: “Girardi said just now that he expects Hughes to pitch in the majors in September, which is different than what Brian Cashman has been saying. Of course in general Cashman is always more a pessimist and Girardi an optimist.” I’m not sure how this differs from what Cashman has been saying. In September, there are no minor leagues, so since Phil is on the 40-man, yeah, he’s going to be in the majors in September. That is, if he’s healthy.
Good news on Matsui, as he hit off a tee today. We’ll continue hoping for a healthy comeback for Godzilla.
Your lineup:
1. Melky Cabrera, CF — booooooooo
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jorge Posada, DH
6. Wilson Betemit, 1B
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Jose Molina, C
9. Brett Gardner, LF
And on the mount, number forty six, Andy Pettitte