Game 1: Yanks VS. Midges Indians

Here’s the lineup:

YANKEES
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Giambi 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Pettitte LHP

PA is reporting that Brian Bruney is likely out for the season. That’s extremely tough news for the Yankees and especially for Bruney who really worked hard to get where he is today (at least, for this offseason that was the case). Chris Britton and Albaladejo are around and that probably signals the end for Ross Ohlendorf, who could use a break anyway.

Numbers to Ponder

Here are a few stats to think about:

• Melky Cabrera and Alex Rodriguez lead the team with 4 homers a piece.
• Since returning from his injury, Jose Molina is 0-for-7 in his last 2 games.
• Melky Cabrera has an OPS of .895
• Hideki Matsui has an OPS of .938 and he’s hitting .324 on the season
• Robinson Cano has an OPS of .440 and he’s hitting .159 on the season
• Derek Jeter has 0 homers

Bruney’s Injury Serious

Tyler Kepner reports that the Yankees believe Bruney is suffering from, not one, but two torn ligaments in his foot. With Farnsworth likely done for a little while, expect the Yanks to call up maybe Darrell Rasner and probably Edwar Ramirez (it would be nice if Patterson got a call, but I doubt it).

(Props to RAB).

A-Quad is Healing

A-Rod’s injured quad doesn’t seem to be too serious. In fact, A-Rod thinks that he’ll play tonight against Cleveland, although his role would be reduced to DH. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see A-Rod sit all weekend. The Yankees have a viable DH in Hideki Matsui and they won’t want to play him in the OF since it would cut time from Melky (who seems to be hitting everything), Damon or Abreu. Damon and Giambi are both showing signs of life so I doubt Girardi would want to take them out at this very moment when A-Rod can simply rest up a bit more.

We’ll see what happens against those pesky Indians.

A Messy Situation

So, the bullpen didn’t exactly do its job last night, but when can you expect when they’re left to eat 7 innings against a pretty powerful group of hitters. Ohlendorf (5 ER over 2 IP), Hawkins (1 ER over 2 IP) and Joba (1 ER over 2 IP) couldn’t hold the Sox and they mounted a 9th inning rally to ensure that they wouldn’t be swept by the blossoming offense of the NY Yankees.

Believe it or not, Kyle Farnsworth was the only reliever to go untouched tonight, pitching a scoreless 7th inning. However, our buddy Kyle actually injured himself on the mound while throwing his final pitch (he slipped and tweaked it). Farnsworth believes that it could be an elbow strain, although nothing is certain as of now and he sounds fairly optimistic. He’ll be reevaluated in Cleveland.

Also, Brian Bruney could be headed to the DL after injuring his foot. These guys, like them or not, have been integral parts of the pen and without them, it could be tough for the Yanks, especially if Hughes and IPK continue to struggle (Hughes seems like he’s snapping out of it). It’ll be interesting to see who the Yankees call up if they need to place someone on the DL or make a roster move.

Ending up on a good note, how about that Melky Cabrera?

We Are All Human

Yes, even this guy.