The final preparations have been made.
The Yanks finally announced their playoff roster today and there was only one mild surprise. Joe Torre elected to take rookie Ross Ohlendorf instead of the veteran lefty Ron Villone. Ohlendorf was a September call up and pitched well in limited action. His vitals: 6 games, 6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 9 K, 2.84 ERA. Villone started the season in Triple-A, but battled back to the Bronx and had an up and down season in pinstripes. He was solid during the Yankees hot streak in July (12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 10 K, 1.50 ERA) and had a decent September (5.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 0 K, 3.18), but finished the season 0-0 with a 4.25 ERA.
So, the Yanks decided to go into battle without a lefty in the pen. Villone isn't the type of pitcher that gives lefties problems (lefties batted. 239 against Villone this year, righties hit. 230), but it's still a bit unusual.
And if you missed it, reliever Brian Bruney wasn't just left off of the post-season roster -- he was
shown the door. For some reason, Vinny in Kearny has been calling Bruney "my boy" since I said he had
great stuff, but can't put it together in a post. He ain't my boy Vin!! I'll also give myself a little pat on the back for
calling this.
The Yanks also announced their lineup for Game 1. Hideki Matsui gets the nod at DH despite having his right knee drained over the weekend and his bad career numbers (0 for 9) against Cleveland starter C.C. Sabathia. He'll bat sixth.
If you're looking for an extensive breakdown of stats for the upcoming series between the Yanks and Indians check out Brian's helpful guide. I'm convinced that guy does not sleep.
Speaking of sleep, I hit the snooze button in making playoff predictions, but I hope you'll all find it in your hearts to forgive me. Here are my quick picks with zero analysis:
American League
Red Sox over Angels in four
Yankees over Indians in five
National League
Phillies over Rockies in five
Cubs over Diamondbacks in four
And check out Erin of Blue Thoughts as she follows the Red Sox, Jack Cobra of Cobra Brigade as he tries to will the Cubs to victory and Ron of Fightin' Phils Fans as he pulls for his Phillies.
There's a certain magic that's associated with October baseball. Getting together with your buddies as you watch your team make their run -- there's nothing really like it. I've been extremely spoiled over the last ten years or so. I've gotten together with friends and family to watch the Yanks battle in October since their magical season in 1996. There have been dizzying highs and devastating lows during our time together, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world (that's not exactly true -- I'd give almost anything to rid myself of the pain of 2004). Still, it's been a fun ride.
Let's see what the Baseball Gods have in store for us this year.
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Stop frontin, you know you are upset your boy was sent home...