Pittsburgh Pirates
Jose Bautista, 3B
Freddy Sanchez, 2B
Jason Bay, LF
Adam LaRoche, 1B
Xavier Nady, DH
Ryan Doumit, RF
Ronny Paulino, C
Jack Wilson, SS
Chris Duffy, CF
Paul Maholm, LHP (2-8, 5.35)
New York Yankees
Johnny Damon, DH
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Hideki Matsui, LF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Josh Phelps, 1B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Roger Clemens, RHP (0-0, -- )
The anticipated return of Roger Clemens is upon us. A starting rotation of Wang, Pettitte, Clemens, Moose, and Clippard is now a reality and should be as formidable as any in the AL until Hughes replaces Clippard in August and makes it even better for the final two months.
It appears Chris Britton did not help his cause with his performance on Monday after all because he was optioned back to Triple-A Scranton while Sean Henn stays. What the hell does this guy have to do to get a shot with this team? Simply ridiculous.
I have no idea what to expect out of Clemens this afternoon but I'm sure he'll be ready for battle and the Stadium will be buzzing. However, it wouldn't surprise me if he threw 90-100 pitches in 5 innings and struggled a bit with his location. Can't expect the guy to be mid-season form in his first start with limited time to get ready.
This Yanks clearly have a big edge on paper these remaining two games against the Pirates, but we know how this team tends to struggle against mediocre starting pitching. Last night's win means very little if you can't go out the next day and beat this kid with the greatest pitcher since World War II and perhaps the greatest of all time.
Older fans should recognize the featured graphic for today's game. It is the cap logo of the Pittsburgh Pirates used from 1976 to 1981 and unquestionably one of the f-ugliest caps in the history of MLB.