And so here we are, on the season’s penultimate day, going through the motions. Honestly, how many of you watched the whole game yesterday? It’s tough to stomach a game wherein the Rays score four first-inning runs and the ultimate outcome means nothing. Even the momentum factor is overstated.
There are but a few things to watch for tonight, and two of them involve home runs. If Mark Teixeira hits one, he’ll move into sole possession of first place in the AL, eclipsing the injured Carlos Pena. That would also set the Yankees’ single-season record for home runs. They’re currently tied with the 2004 team at 242.
The other thing is obviously Andy Pettitte, who gets his final tune-up start before the ALDS. Andy might take the ball again on Friday in Game 2, but it’s just as likely that he gets seven days off before a Game 3 start next Sunday. As with Sabathia, it doesn’t much matter how Pettitte fares. This game means nothing. His next start is what counts.
Jorge’s starting at catcher today. With tomorrow being a day game after a night game, one would expect Jose Molina to catch A.J. Burnett. It does appear that Molina will catch Burnett in the playoffs, odd as that decision may seem. There’s quite a robust discussion of the topic in the comments.
Lineup:
1. Brett Gardner, CF
2. Johnny Damon, LF
3. Mark Teixeira, 1B
4. Hideki Matsui, DH
5. Jorge Posada, C
6. Robinson Cano, 2B
7. Nick Swisher, RF
8. Eric Hinske, 3B
9. Jerry Hairston, SS
And on the mound, number forty-six, Andy Pettitte.
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