So the Yankees have scored just three runs over their last two games, all coming in Sunday’s contest against Seattle. I was on a flight, and then in transit to a hotel, during most of yesterday’s game, but it seemed like they couldn’t get much going after A-Rod’s double play — until the eighth that is, when Jorge struck out looking. I’m not sure what the game looked like, but Gameday said the ump was beyond atrocious. They’ll try to recover today by putting out their A-lineup, and that includes Hideki Matsui back in the DH spot.
Taking the bump for the A’s is Hackensack native Vin Mazzaro. Then again, with that name mentioning that he’s from Jersey is redundant. Recalled for a start on June 2, Mazzaro started off his career with a bang, tossing 13.2 scoreless innings over two starts, blanking the White Sox and the Orioles. Things got a bit tougher for him from then on, his ERA gradually climbing to 5.54. Somewhere in there the Yanks roughed him up for six runs in 4.1 innings while his high school buddies looked on from the upper deck.
Since then Vin has started four games, including two horrible ones against the Red Sox and Blue Jays. He allowed 19 runs, 18 earned, over 21.1 innings in that span, and opposing hitters have had a 1.008 OPS against him. Essentially, the average hitter against him over his last four starts has been Prince Fielder. Average. Or, if you want to play it another way, it would be like facing half Albert Pujols, half Ryan Braun.
Beware the reverse lock, thought. It cursed the Yanks last night against Brett Tomko and the A’s bullpen. Thankfully, they’re not taking Mazzaro lightly, considering the lineup.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Hideki Matsui, DH
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Nick Swisher, RF
9. Melky Cabrera, CF
And on the mound, number fifty-two, Carsten Charles Sabathia.