I have to admit, it's really hard for me to fathom being a Yankees fan. It's not just the fact that I'm a Midwesterner from the middle of nowhere, and it's not just the fact that I am a fan of typically terrible-to-mediocre teams (Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri Tigers). I just can't imagine rooting for the team that is favored in virtually EVERY game. I don't mean this to sound like I am whining about their spending so much more money than every other team in the league (the Red Sox are pretty close, though), but I simply can't understand how it would be fun to root for the house.
So with that aside, the Yankees are, again, the favorites in this game, the ALCS, and the postseason as a whole. Their sweep of the Twins, though dramatic at times, has only solidified this general notion. Alex Rodriguez's 1.500 OPS through the ALDS must have the Halos very nervous.
On top of A-Rod's emergence, the Yankees are in a position to start C.C. Sabathia (19-8, 3.37 ERA) three times this series. Now, John Lackey (11-8, 3.83 ERA) is no slouch.* Despite what the traditional numbers say, he has pitched significantly better this year than last, keeping his K/BB numbers the same while reducing the number of home runs per 9 innings by over 0.5. He's added an effective two-seam fastball this year that has as much lateral movement as his slider. He was effective in his one start against the Yankees this year, striking out 6 and walking 3 (all Hideki Matsui), while allowing only 2 earned runs on 6 hits in a win. He did not allow a home run in that game. If he can limit the Yankees' long ball capabilities, the Angels will have a chance tonight.
*Both pitchers would easily be the number 2 starter on the Royals. (ZG for CY)
The X-factor in this game may be the October New York weather. Temperature at game time is predicted to be around 40 degrees with drizzle and moderate wind. All these factors tend to favor pitchers with better control and less reliance on breaking balls. Given C.C.'s fastball edge, and despite Lackey's superior control, I'd say this cuts in Sabathia's favor. And although cold weather tends to result in fewer home runs, if the wind is blowing in the right direction in the New Yankee Bandbox, this could be a long night for Lackey and the Angels.
Bottom Line: NYY 7-3
Friday, October 16, 2009
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1 comments:
Let's be honest about payrolls here...the Red Sox spent $80 million (yes, EIGHTY) dollars less than the Yankees this year on payroll. That's another entire MLB roster's worth of players on a mid-high market team. That's 2 Florida Marlins' teams. So if that's how you define "pretty close" then so be it.
Also, the Mets, Phillies, Tigers and Cubs all had higher payrolls than the Red Sox this year.
Let's not get the Evil Empire confused here.
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