The Yankees suffered their first loss in over 7 weeks. They came into last week with a 6 game win streak. However, it was ended. They only managed to score 348 points. Not what we all were expecting from a team that hot. But, you can't be hot every week. The Yanks plan on getting back onto a win streak, and carry it into the play-offs.
On the other hand, the White Sox are in. They clinched the division, which is a great accomplishment considering where they were at in December. These next two weeks are basically just tune-up weeks for the Sox. Though, I am sure they want to win this one badly. They get the opportunity to help knock a division foe out of the play-offs.
Onto the players; The White Sox have 2 2-start pitchers. Both are of the veteran mold. Kevin Millwood and his 3.48 ERA go into the Bronx, and try to stop the Yankee offense in their tracks. Then, on Sunday he goes to Minnesota. I won't say both of these starts are really in his favor, but he's been pitching well all year, and will use his veteran smarts to get him through these games. Next, is John Lackey. Tonight, Lackey will take on the Detroit Tigers in Anaheim. I like that he is at home, and I like that he has the #1 offense behind him. I don't see him losing this game.Then, On Sunday he takes on the A's. 'Nuff said. The Yankees themselves have 2 2-start pitchers. Though, theirs are more of the 'kid' mold. Clayton Kershaw, and Matt Latos will go to the bump twice. Kershaw goes into Colorado, and take on the Rockies. Now, the Rockies have been super hot. They were dead in May. Now, they are killing every pitcher they see, like usual, and only 3 games out in the West. The Dodgers are ahead of them, and this series is key for that Western race. The Rockies coming off of a walk off grand slam by Ryan Spilborghs come into this series semi-hot. I hope Clayton has his curve working tonight, because if he doesn't, it could be a rough night. For start 2 on Sunday, Clayton gets the Reds. In Cinci. I like that match-up better for him. Matt Latos gets Atlanta tonight, in Atlanta. Then the Marlins, in Florida, on Sunday. Decent match-ups for him, the Braves aren't the best hitting team; however, they have probably one of the best pitching in the league(though the bull-pen is suspect). I think on Sunday in Florida, that Latos could get a bunch of Ks. If he has good stuff, he could rack up the Ks, because Florida chases a lot of pitches.
I'd give the 2-start advantage to the White Sox. I trust the Veterans slightly more at this moment in time. These two teams are very even, up and down their rosters. The lineups are about even, both pitching staffs are very good; however, the advantage goes to the White Sox, as they have some more depth. I can see this being a 20 point game, but whenever I say that, it ends up being a 200 point game.
I'm going to go with the White Sox. The Yanks were really rolling, but they didn't show up last week. Makes me slightly skeptical. The Sox are the safer pick. But, you all know I've been wrong before, go ahead and prove me wrong Matt.
Final score: 610-530....White Sox.