Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
September 12, 2008
Games of the Day

The Yankees open their final home stand at the remodeled House that Ruth Built with Matt Garza facing Sidney Ponson. Yes, the Yankees are trying to play spoiler in the AL East. Garza limited the power and walks of the Yankees so far this season, allowing one home run and two BB in 12 innings of work. Ponson, who only allowed three home runs in his nine starts with Texas has allowed 10 homers in his 13 starts with the Yankees.

Toronto gets a chance to control their destiny tonight as they open a four game series with the Red Sox. At this point, they pretty much need to sweep all seven games against Boston to have a shot at the AL Wild Card. That's not likely, but it at least gives them a shot. David Purcey takes the hill against Tim Wakefield. Purcey's weaknesses, walks and home runs, play into the strength of the Red Sox. It should be noted, however, that his walks improved tremendously in the minors the last two years, so don't expect that to last. Since returning from the disabled list, Wakefield allowed 13 earned runs in 12 2/3 innings. This may be a slugfest tonight.

The Phillies are coming at the NL Wild Card in a similar way, needing to sweep the leader to tie. Manny Parra and Cole Hamels duel tonight. The Brewers were undefeated in Parra's starts in June, but are 3-10 since July when Manny takes the hill. He holds a 4.13 ERA in that time. Hamels ERA is down over a 1/4 run versus 2007. In 25 more innings he's walked just one more batter.

Enjoy!

Correction: It's a four game series against the Red Sox. I missed the double header on Saturday. Gaston will start Burnett, Litsch and Halladay on three-days rest to get his best possible pitchers into the series.

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Posted by David Pinto at 12:42 PM | Matchups | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Speaking of the Rays, the headine on mlb.com says they have a "locker room of love."

I don't even want to think about it.

Posted by: Casey Abell at September 12, 2008 02:42 PM

Did you have to write that?!?!?! That's kind of a surprising move by Cito with the DH on Sat - It does make a change to get Halliday in on Sun but then it puts 3 guys on short rest - Still a couple of weeks left. I wouldn't have a big issue putting Halliday for 1 game on short rest but it makes those other guys go a day early.

Posted by: Bandit at September 12, 2008 02:52 PM

If the games started right now, it looks like 5 of the 7 AL games would be rained out, as well as 2 more NL games. Doubleheaders ahead.

Posted by: Tor at September 12, 2008 04:03 PM

The Jays have one hope and one hope alone:

"The Curse of the Manbino"

Posted by: Jabes at September 12, 2008 05:08 PM
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