Sunday, May 16, 2010

Yanks Smack Around Twins

The Yankees must almost feel pity for the Twins when the come to Yankee Stadium. Minnesota simply cannot win in the Big Apple. The Twins haven't won a new game in the new Yankee Stadium and before that hadn't won in New York since Johan Santana defeated Mike Mussina 6-4 on the July 4, 2007.

Saturday was no different than the last few years. Unlike Friday the Yankees didn't even tease Minnesota by falling behind early. They jumped on Liriano and scratched three runs off the tough lefty in six innings. That was plenty for Andy Pettitte who showed little rust after missing his last start with inflammation in his elbow.

Pettitte mixed and matched his pitches well and kept the Twins off balance. He was economically and while Girardi lifted him after just 95 it was probably for the best to stay on the safe side. The old lefty is now 5-0 and along with Phil Hughes, is tied and three others for the AL lead in wins.

Today will be tougher for New York since they have to send Sergio Mitre to the mound. Still its hard not to envision the Yankees finding a way to rally if necessary against the Twins bullpen.

Nick Blackburn is on the mound for Minnesota and the righty seems to have a Jekyll and Hyde mentality. When He wins he is lights out, posting a 2.11 ERA during his 25 career victories. During his 25 losses Blackburn has posted a 7.01. It stands to reason that the Yankees will jump out early or be forced to rally late.

Mitre has been solid for New York but he isn't exactly what you want to throw against the likes of lefty mashers like Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. A-Rod and Teixeira will have to continue their resurgence if the Yankees want to sweep.

2 comments:

Dennis said...

This is probably a match-up we will see again in the playoffs. Everybody knows the Rays and Yankees are loaded (The Red Sox are loaded as well, try to get one of their fans to admit it though), but I think the Twins are right up there with them.

Peter said...

The Twins are solid and I imagine when they come to New York they feel the same as the Yankees do when they go to Anahiem. Their just snake bitten in NYC.

Their lineup is underrated, tho I question their rotation in the playoffs. Only Liriano has that pure shutdown ability. Blackburn and Baker are solid but not scary.