With a win tonight, the Yankees would go 40 games over .500. It’s pretty crazy to think about. Even at the beginning of the season, when the threat was strong from both the Sox and the Rays, the thought of being at this point didn’t cross many of our minds. Even if one team fell behind, surely there’d be a September race for the AL East crown. Alas, we’re moving through September (it’s the freaking 8th already), and the Yanks have a comfortable lead in the AL East, and the Rays are all but out of it.
They’ll take the field today behind Chad Gaudin. Since he’s come over from San Diego, Gaudin has started two games and has run into trouble each time. The first time it was a bases loaded, one out situation in the fifth inning. He had walked five to that point, and Girardi had seen enough. The second time was last time out, where he lasted 3.2 innings against Toronto. Thankfully, the offense was there to back him up.
Walks have been the big problem for Gaudin since his move to the AL East. He’s issued 13 free passes in 17.2 innings, an unacceptable rate. He’s held opponents to just eight runs in that span, but if he keeps walking guys at that rate it’s going to catch up for him. Thankfully, he has his personal caddy, Al Aceves, ready for backup work.
David Price will stand on the rubber for the Rays. The 2007 first overall pick has had a rough go in his first season, allowing 59 runs, 51 earned, in 96.2 innings for a 4.75 ERA. In fact, it appears he’s having struggles similar to Joba Chamberlain. That consists of a high walk rate, resulting in a high WHIP. The strikeouts are there, but Price, like Joba, has to find a way to finish off more batters and avoid drawn-out at bats which result in walks.
Boston hit Price rather hard last time out, picking up four runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings, forcing the tall lefty to toss 104 pitches in that span. that’s been one of Price’s problems this year (as it has been Joba’s). In the two starts preceding Boston, against Texas and Detroit, Price went 7 and 7.1 innings, allowing three and one runs. We know he has the ability, but like many young pitchers he’s still working to put it together.
Derek gets a day at DH. Maybe that will spark him to a couple of hits. And, of course by now you know the David Robertson news.
Lineup:
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Nick Swisher, RF
6. Jorge Posada, C
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Melky Cabrera, CF
9. Jerry Hariston, SS
And on the mound, number forty-one, Chad Gaudin.