Indians-Yankees Series Preview

The Yankees and Indians will play three in the Bronx Monday-Wednesday before New York heads out of town for a long West Coast trip.  The Yankees are struggling, having lost seven of their last eight games.  Cleveland comes off a series loss to Tampa Bay.  Here is a series preview of the Tribe and pinstripes.

The biggest issue for the Yankees is clearly the offense.  During their recent slide, New York has scored just 12 runs.  Kevin Youkilis and Mark Teixeira are each 1-9 since returning and Tex has seven strikeouts.  Reinforcements?  Hardly.

Players to watch:  Nick Swisher and Andy Pettitte.  The former Yanks outfielder returns to the Bronx where he won a World Series in 2009.  Will he get cheered or booed?  Remember, Swisher lashed out at Yankee fans not too long ago about them booing he and the team for poor postseason performances.  Attention, Nick Swisher, this happens.  It's New York City.  Pettitte, meantime, returns from neck and back stiffness and will make his first start since May 16.

Pitching match-ups:  Monday:  Andy Pettitte (4-3, 3.83) vs. Justin Masterson (8-3, 3.07).  Tuesday:  David Phelps (3-3, 4.65) vs. Scott Kazmir (3-2, 5.13). Wednesday:  CC Sabathia (5-4, 3.71) vs.  Corey Kluber (3-3, 4.36).

Prediction:  Yankees take two of three.  New York always plays well against Cleveland and it needs this series to right the ship.  Justin Masterson has an opportunity to set the tone, however, in the first game.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.