The Yankees head into the series finale with the Orioles looking to avoid a three-game sweep. They'll have Andy Pettitte on the mound, which is a pretty good way to start. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, in his career as a Yankee, Pettitte is 71-34 (.676 winning percentage) in regular-season starts immediately following a Yankees loss. Pettitte also happens to be 13-4 in 20 career games at Camden Yards.
The Yankees would also like to score some runs, as their offense has been shaky. The lineup they'll be putting out there is as follows:
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Cabrera CF
Moeller C
Pettitte P
Orioles
Roberts 2B
Mora 3B
Markakis RF
Millar 1B
Scott DH
Payton LF
Jones CF
Quiroz C
Hernandez SS
Trachsel P
Jose Molina came out of catching last night's game fine, but Joe Girardi didn't want to push him or his hamstring by having him catch a night-day combo, particularly with rainy conditions and a possibly wet field here. It was raining, is not at the moment, and hopefully we'll be spared from rain delays/cancellations.
Jorge Posada will not throw today but will throw Tuesday. Girardi said he thinks he'll catch sometime this week.
Checked in with Alex Rodriguez, and he did get to visit with Cal Ripken Jr. yesterday. Ripken really changed the mold for typical shortstops, being a taller and bigger guy and bringing more power to the position. Rodriguez obviously fit that description as well.
"He's always given me great advice," Rodriguez said. "He's been a friend and someone who I truly respect for a long time."
Because Ripken eventually transitioned to third base, as Rodriguez has, Rodriguez said: "He's the perfect guy for me to talk to, from every angle."