(I keed, I keed, Chicago’s a great city)
Coming off arguably their biggest series win of the season, the Yankees head into Chicago’s south side for a four game set against the 51-51 White Sox. Just to give you an idea of how different the AL East and AL Central are, the ChiSox would be sitting in fourth place in the East, eleven games back in the loss column for first. Instead, they’re just three back of the Tigers and very much in the thick of the race.
I’m sure Nick Swisher and Ozzie Guillen will have a blast catching up during batting practice and stuff. We all know they had a harmonious relationship during Nick’s time with the White Sox, two peas in a pod almost.
…
Okay seriously, Ozzie effing hated Swish. I know some Yankee fans do as well because the guy botches the occasional defensive play, but Ozzie’s dislike for the guy allowed the Yanks to acquire an incredibly productive outfielder (120 OPS+) for basically nothing. So thanks, Oz. Keep smartballin’ teams to death, or whatever the hell they’re calling it these days. You’re only three games back after all.
The Red Sox already won this afternoon, so the division lead currently sits at three games. Let’s pick up that extra half-game tonight. Here’s the lineup that’ll oppose Gavin Floyd:
Jeter, SS
Damon, LF
Teixeira, 1B
A-Rod, 3B
Matsui, DH
Swisher, RF
Cano, 2B
Melky, CF
Molina, C
And on the mound, good ol’ Andy Pettitte.