New York Yankees
Johnny Damon, DH
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Hideki Matsui, LF
Jason Giambi, 1B
Robinson Cano, 2B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Andy Pettitte, LHP (13-8, 3.78)
Boston Red Sox
Julio Lugo, SS
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Lowell, 3B
Kevin Youkilis, 1B
J.D. Drew, RF
Jason Varitek, C
Bobby Kielty, LF
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daisuke Matsuzaka, RHP (14-12, 4.44)
Despite last night's loss, the starting pitching has been spectacular the last 8 games (5-0, 2.16 ERA).
Pete Abraham reports that both Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino are unavailable tonight in addition to Joba Chamberlain. Vizcaino was "tight" after last night's outing and Farnsworth is out with a bruised labia, errr "stiff neck." Thanks for helping out, Farnsy!
I guess the hope now is that they rock Dice-K again and the bridge to Mo is not needed -- or -- Pettitte goes 7.0 IP and pin our hopes on Edwar Ramirez doing the job in the 8th inning.
Pettitte has outstanding career numbers against the Red Sox (15-6, 3.32 ERA in 26 starts) and has been solid this season once again despite a bloated ERA (2-1, 4.75 ERA in 4 starts).
Matsuzaka has been roughed up by the Yanks this season (2-1, 6.98 ERA in 3 starts). He has also sucked badly since Aug 10th (1-4, 9.57 ERA in 5 starts). Red Sox are just 15-14 in games he has pitched this season.
Yankee hitters vs. Matsuzaka:
Damon: .400 (4-10, HR) Jeter: .444 (4-9, 2 HR) Giambi: .600 (3-5) Posada: .500 (3-6) A-Rod: .167 (1-6) Abreu: .000 (0-8)
The featured graphic for tonight's game was the long-time home jersey logo of the Boston Red Sox from 1933 to 1978.