As the Yankees and the Red Sox prepare for a battle amid the cold and the rain tonight, both teams are going with some lineup changes. The Yankees, mercifully, have pushed Jason Giambi down in the order while David Ortiz is on the bench for the Sox tonight.
The big story, of course, as is the case every five days is Phil Hughes. The 21-year-old is the youngest Yankee pitcher to face the Red Sox since Jose Rijo in 1985, and Peter Pascarelli in previewing the game sees big things in the future for young Mr. Hughes.
The Red Sox counter with Daisuke Matsuzaka. In three starts this year, Matsuzaka has been the pitcher the Sox thought they were getting last year. He’s 2-0 in 18.1 innings with a 1.47 ERA. He’s struck out 22 and walked nine while giving up just eight hits. The Yankees in the past have hit Matsuzaka hard. So we’ll see if the Sox’s expensive import has turned a new page or simply enjoyed facing the A’s a few times.
Game time is at 8:05 p.m., and we are stuck with the ever-talented Joe Morgan.
Yankees
Johnny Damon CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Hideki Matsui LF
Jorge Posada DH
Jason Giambi 1B
Jose Molina C
The Former Attorney General SS
Phil Hughes P
Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury LF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
J.D. Drew RF
Manny Ramirez DH
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Sean Casey 1B
Jason Varitek C
Coco Crisp CF
Julio Lugo SS
Daisuke Matsuzaka P
Game Notes: The loser of this game will land in sole possession of last place in the AL East but just 1.5 games behind the first place teams. How’s that for a tight division after two weeks of the season?