We plan on doing a more in-depth analysis of the ALCS matchup in the coming days, but iYankees provides us a little info to whet our appetites…
In ‘09, the Angel bullpen has sported a 4.27 FIP, which is actually better than the Yankees’ mark of 4.33. However, looking beyond FIP, there are some discernible flaws nesting within the LA ‘pen. For instance, while the NY relief corps has walked 3.46 batters per 9 — the second lowest BB/9 in the AL — LA’s relievers have walked 3.85 per 9, the 5th highest in the league. In addition, the Angels’ bullpen has put up relatively weak strikeout numbers when compared to the rest of the AL. With a K/9 of 7.41 — the 6th lowest in the league — the Angel bullpen isn’t as imposing when compared to previous years (the Yankees 8.44 K/9 is the best in the AL).
The bullpen is just one difference between these two clubs, one the Yankees will hopefully exploit when the series starts in four friggin’ days.
Anyway, here’s your open thread for the night. We already have another thread going for NLDS Game Four, so chat about that game there. The Rangers and Devils are both in action tonight, but something tells me the main topic of conversation tonight will be the Jets and Dolphins in Monday Night Football. There’s also a new House, but c’mon, the Jets are on MNF. Anything goes, just follow the guidelines and be cool to each other.