Thus far, the ALCS is playing out much like the ALDS did for the Yankees. They took Game One against the Angels thanks to a strong effort from CC Sabathia and a workmanlike effort from the offense, just like they did against the Twins in the ALDS. And again just like the ALDS, Alex Rodriguez hit a ginormous, megaclutch game-tying home run off the other team’s closer in Game Two before the Yankees went on to win in walk-off fashion. Game Three of the ALDS featured a sterling pitching effort from Andy Pettitte and another big A-Rod homer before they tacked on some runs. How will Game Three of the ALCS play out?
Disgraced ex-Yankee Carl Pavano started the third game of the ALDS for the Twins, and while Halos’ Game Three starter Jered Weaver can’t make that claim, his brother Jeff sure can. The Bombers have traditionally had their way with the younger Weaver brother, tagging him for a 5.59 ERA and a 5.94 FIP in three starts, including a pair of beat downs this season (9 runs in 13.1 IP). Weaver does have a considerable home-road split though, so keep that in mind.
The Angels had their way with Andy Pettitte last month, but that was Pettitte’s first outing back from his one-start hiatus due to a tired shoulder. I’m not sure if it’s worth noting that Pettitte’s 4.70 career ERA (3.84 FIP) against the Angels is the highest among any team he’s started against at least three times. After all, why should what happened in the late-90’s/early-2000’s be relevant now?
Here’s the starting ni … er, eighteen.
Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Jorge Posada, C
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF
Andy Pettitte (14-8, 4.16)
Angels
Chone Figgins, 3B
Bobby Abreu, RF
Torii Hunter, CF
Vladimir Guerrero, DH
Juan Rivera, LF
Kendry Morales, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Mike Napoli, C
Erick Aybar, SS
Jered Weaver (16-8, 3.75)
The weather is absolutely gorgeous in Orange County, so for once we won’t be wondering if/when the rain will come. It’s an unusual 4:13pm ET start time, but that’s what MLB gets for letting the networks dictate its postseason schedule. The unparalleled Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have the call on FOX. Enjoy the game.