ALDS Game 1: Twins at Yankees

Well, the regular season ending yesterday with an intense one-game-playoff between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins, and as you know the Twins came out on top after 12 tense innings. Tonight, at 6:07 on TBS the Yankees will play the Twins in the Bronx, on this extremely windy day. This matchup favors the Yankees in all categories, the only thing I worry about is how hot the Twins have been, and if they could be like the 2007 Rockies who made it all the way to the World Series. Well anyway, here is tonight’s starting lineup via the new crew of Sam Borden and Chad Jennings (who have been doing a great job) who took over for Pete Abe at LoHud:

SS Derek Jeter

LF Johhny Damon

1B Mark Teixeira

3B Alex Rodriguez

DH Hideki Matsui

C Jorge Posada

2B Robinson Cano

RF Nick Swisher

CF Melky Cabrera

And on the mound, CC Sabathia

ALDS Roster

Now that the official ALDS roster has been announced, I thought I would go over it quickly…

SP

CC Sabathia

AJ Burnett – starting the second game, in Yankee Stadium, with Jose Molina catching.

Andy Pettitte

RP

Mariano Rivera

Phil Hughes

David Robertson

Phil Coke

Damaso Marte – the Yankees decided to take two lefty relievers instead of Freddy Guzman because of the Twins lefty hitters.

Joba Chamberlain – He is in the bullpen for this series, that could change in the ALCS (if the Yankees are in).

Alfredo Aceves

Chad Gaudin – I guess since Aceves has sort of become a two inning pitcher, the Yankees decided they needed a real long man.

Catchers

Jorge Posada

Jose Molina

Francisco Cervelli – I don’t quite see the need for Cervelli, but it’s not my decision.

Infield

Mark Teixeira

Robinson Cano

Derek Jeter

Alex Rodriguez

Jerry Hairston Jr. – also serves as an outfielder

Outfield

Johnny Damon

Melky Cabrera

Nick Swisher

Brett Gardner

Eric Hinske – can also play infield, but not too well.

DH

Hideki Matsui – he will DH when Molina catches, in case you are wondering.