Game 121 Preview: Yankees at Royals

The Yankees have already defeated the Royals in this series, but a sweep is still a possibility. Bartolo Colon will take the ball for the Yanks with hopes of completing a three-game sweep tonight, while Bruce Chen will be fored to play the role of stopper for the Royals. 

Colon has pitched well since his debacle in Toronto, where he allowed eight runs (three earned) in just 2/3 of an inning. Since then, in 29 IP, Colon has a 2.79 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 8 walks, has given up more grounders then flyballs, and has thrown three quality starts in five chances. 

More after the jump. 

For the Royals, Bruce Chen has been exceptionally mediocre. In 16 starts, Chen has tossed 93 1/3 IP with a 95 ERA+ and a 4.70 FIP, suggesting his 4.15 ERA has been a bit lucky. His peripherals are also nothig to write home about, as Chen strikes out less than six per nine (5.59 K/9) and walks more than three per nine (3.28 BB/9).

Chen throws six pitches, but three of them are types of fastballs. Chen throws a four-seamer, a two-seamer, and a cutter, all in the mid-to-high 80 mph range. For his off-speed pitches, Chen throws a changeup (~77 mph), a slider (~83 mph) and a curveball (~73 mph). 

This is a game the Yankees should win, but as John Sterling loves to say, you just can't predict baseball. Hopefully, the Yankees will be able to work the count against Chen and force him to throw his upper 80's fastball for strikes.

Lineups: 

Yankees - 1) Jeter SS, 2) Granderson CF, 3) Teixeira 1B, 4) Cano 2B, 5) Swisher RF, 6) Jones DH, 7) Martin C, 8) Nunez 3B, 9) Gardner LF

Royals - 1) Gordon LF, 2) Cabrera CF, 3) Butler DH, 4) Hosmer 1B, 5) Francoeur RF, 6) Giotovella 2B, 7) Perez C, 8) Moustakas 3B, 9) Escobar SS