Blue Jays-Yankees Series Preview

The Yanks come off a series loss in Tampa where they could have easily been swept if not for 8th and 9th inning rallies in game two.  Toronto comes off a tough series loss at Camden Yards to the Orioles but were able to salvage a game three win 6-5 after losing two one -run games.  Now the Bronx hosts these clubs for four.  Here is a series preview.  

Key element:  Toronto is horrendous as a hitting ballclub.  The Blue Jays enter the series hitting .189 overall and .156 with runners in scoring position as the last place team in the American League East.  Yankee pitching must take advantage of this.

Key player:  Vernon Wells.  Wells has hit .489 lifetime with two home runs against game one starter Mark Buehrle and seems to get fired up every time he plays against his former team Toronto.

Pitching match-ups:  Thursday:  Mark Buehrle vs. Hiroki Kuroda.  Friday:  Josh Johnson vs. Ivan Nova.  Saturday:  J.A. Happ vs. CC Sabathia.  Sunday:  R.A. Dickey vs. Phil Hughes.

Prediction:  Yanks and Jays split.  Two wins each.  There are too many unknowns on both sides for a sweep or 3-1 series win.

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.