New York Yankees to face Detroit Tigers as two powerhouses collide – MLB Preview
After strong match-ups, unexpected results, great applauses and biggest stand-ups, the teams now have to generate some new found power to win the World Series. The American League’s franchises New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers will meet for their first
of the five play-off contests at Yankee stadium, in New York on Friday, September 30.
Having won in crucial times against the strongest clubs of the league, both teams have gained enough confidence needed to put up a winning presentation. A head-to-head contest is when they are at their best during the regular season. Tigers won four of the
seven meetings between both clubs played during regular season and have a definite edge over the Yankees. The Tigers have also won the last three of their contests.
Many critics believe that the Yankees are on the back foot for they had lost all of their previous four meetings, one with the Boston Red Sox and then three consecutive to the Tampa Bay Rays. This performance might have sent the Yankees into a downfall that
can cause them some serious damage in the play-offs.
Although the Yankees have little disadvantage of losing the series against the Tigers in the first half of the season, their overall impetus was on the top for the last few months. Their bull-pen was at their best throughout the month of September. Curtis
Granderson, Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira and Derek Jeter piled important and crucial runs when needed.
Jeter’s performance has always been in the lime-light during the post-season. He has always been known for his brilliant performances in the play-offs, in which he has managed his average above .300 for his entire career. Jeter’s performance will be an added
advantage as Alex Rodriguez will start his real swing. Rodriguez’s season has been under real trouble for different injuries and his current day-to-day injury has also created trouble for the Yankees. His inclusion in the game will depend on the physical report
from the trainer.
Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi’s concern will be to select the right rotation, if Alex Rodriguez failed to make it through the outing. Girardi’s most appropriate choice might be Jesus Montero, who has always been a helping hand in close confrontations. The
21-year-old rookie, Montero has made his mark from his first MLB outing. Since then, he has maintained his average to .328 in 18 outings as he has also launched four home-runs and 12 RBIs.
Girardi did not use Mariano Rivera, David Robertson and Rafael Soriano against the Tampa Bay Rays and he now will be looking to make every out count, by utilising his best pitcher Carsten Charles Sabathia. However, the true competition will start on Friday
night.
"Hopefully, it's a good one," Sabathia said. "We've faced off a lot, me playing in that division for a long time. He's had one of the best seasons for a pitcher ever, I think."
Sabathia is facing the toughest starter in MLB. Tigers’ Justin Verlander has an exceptional 24-5 record with a 2.40 ERA and exactly 250 strike-outs. This creates a definite advantage for the Tigers, but overall most feel the competition will go to the Yankees.
As both teams prepare for their explosive series, the fans are looking forward to a brilliant display of hard fought competitive baseball. Although the Yankees may be the favourites, the Tigers will be looking to dominate from the start.
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