LATEST TEAM INFO:
The Yankees just wrapped up a 4 game set with Texas ending in a 2-2 split of the series. The defending AL champs still hold a 7 game lead over the Red Sox and are 6-4 over their last ten games. The Yankees begin a a 6 game road trip on Tuesday with a two game series at Fenway Park and a 4 game series at the Skydome. The Yankees have a 14 game homestand after the Toronto series which opens with a 3 game series against the Red Sox. The Sox will need to sweep that Yankees in both series to get themselves back in the heart of the AL East race. The current rotation is Wells (14-6; Tues.), Mussina (15-7; Wed.), Clemens (11-4; Thurs.), Pettitte (8-5; Friday), and Hernandez (7-3; Sat.). As long as there isn't a strike Mussina will have two starts against Pedro Martinez with the first start on Wednesday August 28th at Fenway and the second start on Monday afternoon in the Bronx.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
In the past month, Pettitte and Hernandez are the only Yankees starters with sub 4.50 ERA. Hopefully Mussina's two starts against Pedro will pull him out of his season-long funk. Mussina's 4.94 ERA on the season is the highest of any Yankee starter and he has an atrocious 7.14 ERA over his last five starts.
Soriano has made Yankees history in August as he broke the team's record for homer runs by a second baseman with his 31st dinger. Soriano also made league histroy by becaming the first 30-30 second baseman and if a strike doesn't shorten the season he has a shot at 40-40.
RUMOR MILL:
The only thing I've heard about likely is the strike. Now that Tom Gordon has been traded to Houston, I dont see anyone else getting dealt before the post-season deadline. The Yankees biggest concern is the health of closer Mariano Rivera. Considering what pitchers are left out there, the Yankees would be better off sticking with their current bullpen with Karsay, Mendoza and Stanton doing taking care of the 8th and 9th innings. Look for Weaver to take Mendoza's role as the long relief specialist.
INJURIES:
Mariano Rivera is injured again, Karsay should get the most closer work. Stanton remains the lefty specialist and may only get a save or two.
ON THE FARM:
These numbers are through August 26st games:
Drew Henson: .242 AVG/ 62 R/ 16 HR/ 60 RBI/ 34 BB/ 141 K
Marcus Thames: .217 AVG/ 50 R/ 13 HR / 44 RBI/ 40 BB/ 68 K
Juan Rivera: .325 AVG/ 39 R/ 8 HR/ 45 RBI/ 12 BB/ 38 K
LINEUP
Bernie is still en fuego (past 26 games) .477 OBP/11 R/ 3 HR/ 24 RBI/ 1 SB/ .578 SLG
1. Soriano
2. Jeter
3. Giambi
4. Williams
5. Ventura
6. Posada
7. Mondesi
8. Spencer
9. White
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
Karsay- with Rivera on the DL (again) Karsay is your best bet for saves
Hold: Giambi, Jeter, Posada, Soriano, Ventura, and Williams; Mussina, Pettitte, Clemens, Hernandez, Wells and Rivera.
Correspondent's Note:
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