3-2, +7.60 Streak: L1
3* New York Yankees -120
Yankes burned me yesterday, losing their 2nd straight game on a late blown lead. I'm going back to them today, as they start a fresh series vs. the Phillies.
This match features two pitchers going in different directions. Randy Johnson and Brett Myers.
The Phillies, even as a team aren't playing very well lately. They were on a bad losing streak of 6 games (and 8 of their past 9), including being swept at home by the 'other' NY team, before stepping up and beating McClung and the D-Rays yesterday to get a win.
Johnson looked good in his last start vs. Cleveland before he was ejected for throwing at a batter. Johnson appealed his suspension, specifically so he could pitch today, and is expected to drop it the appeal and serve his time. I expect him to build off of his last start, and throw a solid game today before serving his suspension. I also think he'll find some comfort in throwing back in a National League park, and find some more comfort in getting that freebie out, and rally killer with the pitcher batting (although Brett Myers isnt a terrible hitter).
The truth is, Johnson is still the nastiest pitcher for a left-hander to face. Lefties are still only batting .220 vs. Johnson despite his troubles in New York. And nobody will feel the effects of this more than Ryan Howard, who bats terribly against lefties. Randy Johnson should have a huge advantage over righty-killer Howard, and he should wave at Randy's sliders, and should become another near-automatic out in the middle of that Phillies lineup. Another important Phillies hitter Randy has the left on left matchup against is Bobby Abreau.
Brett Myers, meanwhile, has had a few poor starts in a row. He's reeling at the wrong time as the Yankee lineup steps into Philly, a hitter's ballpark loaded with power hitters. Myers hasn't made it out of the 4th inning 2 games in a row. His two worst starts by far of the season. 2.2 IP/9 hits/6 runs at home the Mets, and 3IP/7hits/6runs at the Nationals. Safe to say he is cold right now.
Bullpen of the Yankees should have Mariano Rivera back and rested and ready to save anything close.
Yanks have won 5 of their past 6 series openers. 3-2 in their first game after losing a series. Phillies are a marginal home team: 14-17 home record on their home turf. Phillies are 5-8 at home on home openers to a series. 9-14 on series openers overall.
3* New York Yankees -120
Yankes burned me yesterday, losing their 2nd straight game on a late blown lead. I'm going back to them today, as they start a fresh series vs. the Phillies.
This match features two pitchers going in different directions. Randy Johnson and Brett Myers.
The Phillies, even as a team aren't playing very well lately. They were on a bad losing streak of 6 games (and 8 of their past 9), including being swept at home by the 'other' NY team, before stepping up and beating McClung and the D-Rays yesterday to get a win.
Johnson looked good in his last start vs. Cleveland before he was ejected for throwing at a batter. Johnson appealed his suspension, specifically so he could pitch today, and is expected to drop it the appeal and serve his time. I expect him to build off of his last start, and throw a solid game today before serving his suspension. I also think he'll find some comfort in throwing back in a National League park, and find some more comfort in getting that freebie out, and rally killer with the pitcher batting (although Brett Myers isnt a terrible hitter).
The truth is, Johnson is still the nastiest pitcher for a left-hander to face. Lefties are still only batting .220 vs. Johnson despite his troubles in New York. And nobody will feel the effects of this more than Ryan Howard, who bats terribly against lefties. Randy Johnson should have a huge advantage over righty-killer Howard, and he should wave at Randy's sliders, and should become another near-automatic out in the middle of that Phillies lineup. Another important Phillies hitter Randy has the left on left matchup against is Bobby Abreau.
Brett Myers, meanwhile, has had a few poor starts in a row. He's reeling at the wrong time as the Yankee lineup steps into Philly, a hitter's ballpark loaded with power hitters. Myers hasn't made it out of the 4th inning 2 games in a row. His two worst starts by far of the season. 2.2 IP/9 hits/6 runs at home the Mets, and 3IP/7hits/6runs at the Nationals. Safe to say he is cold right now.
Bullpen of the Yankees should have Mariano Rivera back and rested and ready to save anything close.
Yanks have won 5 of their past 6 series openers. 3-2 in their first game after losing a series. Phillies are a marginal home team: 14-17 home record on their home turf. Phillies are 5-8 at home on home openers to a series. 9-14 on series openers overall.
ope: 
