Astros-Yankees Series Preview
The Yanks come fresh off a four-game home sweep of overrated Toronto. Houston is the worst team in baseball and was overwhelmed at Fenway Park, losing four straight to the Red Sox. The Yanks and Astros play three in the Bronx. Here is a series preview:
The Yankees have started 15-9 and been a nice surprise to baseball so far this year. They have won with small ball and the long ball, solid pitching, a good enough bullpen (thanks Mo) and some gritty comebacks. Houston, on the other hand, is going to lose at least 100 games this season.
Player to watch: Mariano Rivera. It looks like that knee is just fine. Rivera has nine April saves, the most ever for him in the month.
Pitching match-up: Monday: Andy Pettitte (3-1, 2.22) vs. Lucas Harrell (2-2, 4.08). Tuesday: Hiroki Kuroda (3-1, 2.279) vs. Phillip Humber(0-5, 7.99 ERA). Wednesday: David Phelps (1-1, 5.29) vs. Erik Bedard (0-2, 7.98).
Prediction: Yankees sweep. Houston is atrocious. And New York has the pitching edge in the first two games and for sure can hit Erik Bedard, who isn't even close to the pitcher he was in Baltimore a few short years ago. This is baseball, though, and anything can happen, but New York should take care of business.
By: Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike,"1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio. Follow him on Twitter @MikeLSports.