TampaBay Rays
AkinoriIwamura, 2B
Carl Crawford, LF
Carlos Peňa, 1B
B.J. Upton, CF
Eric Hinske, RF
Willy Aybar, 3B
Jonny Gomes, DH
Mike DiFelice, C
Jason Bartlett, SS
Jason Hammel, RHP (3-5, 6.14 ERA in 2007)
NewYork Yankees
JohnnyDamon, LF
Derek Jeter, SS
Bobby Abreu, RF
Álex Rodríguez, 3B
Hideki Matsui, DH
Robinson Canó, 2B
Wilson Betemit, 1B
Melky Cabrera, CF
Jose Molina, C
Mike Mussina, RHP (0-1, 4.76 ERA)
The Yanks have scored just 17 runs in their first 6 games, which computes to just 2.8 runs per game for those of you scoring at home. They are rather fortunate to be 3-3 right now, but the lack of offense shouldn't be a concern. Make no bones about it, they are going to mash this season.
As for tonight's game, Anthony McCarron reports that Jorge Posada is out of the lineup so he can catch Phil Hughes tomorrow afternoon. He also reports that Giambi will be held out because of the cold weather and Joba Chamberlain will be available to pitch tonight if needed (since he threw just 16 pitches yesterday).
Moose is a lifetime 16-7, 3.50 ERA in 29 starts against the Rays, but this is obviously a different team from years past and Moose is a different pitcher. Case in point, they did not treat him kindly in 2007 (0-1, 7.59 ERA in two starts).
Jason Hammel has not had good success against the Yanks in his own right (1-1, 6.41 ERA in 6 games).
Yankees'career numbers vs. Hammel can be viewed here. Rays' career numbers vs. Moose can beviewed here.
Lastly, I have my own issues with certain beat writers from the NY Post, but the outfit has done a very nice job with their ongoing Remembering Yankee Stadium feature. There are several great articles detailing memorable moments at the old Stadium as they happened and they also take an inside look at the construction and artist renderings of the new Stadium. Overall, it's a good read and definitely worth checking out.