New York Yankees to face Toronto Blue Jays to start second half of regular season – MLB Preview
The New York Yankees will visit their division rivals Toronto Blue Jays to play the first of the three-game series, to start their second half of the 2011 season on Thursday night July 14, at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
After the All-Star game on Tuesday, the Yankees will resume their trip in post-season journey, taking on the strong Toronto Blue Jays for the fourth time in 2011 season. Despite having the psychological advantage of winning two of first three series, the
Yankees did not consider it an easy game. However, they have scheduled their inconsistence starter, Bartolo Colon, to nip the Blue Jays.
The 38-year-old right-hand Colon tossed a worst game of the season, allowing ten hits and four walks on just over five innings in his last outing. However, his four consecutive wins before this game create a point to appoint it in the start of the second
half.
Until now, he has gained six wins with four losses with 3.20 ERA in fifteen games.
The Yankees’ Derek Jeter reached 3000 hits and Robinson Cano overpowered the Prince Fielder in the Home Run Derby. Their first baseman Mark Teixeira is in good touch and a strong starting line-up comprises of Nick Swisher, Curtis Granderson and Alex Rodriguez
is an advantage for the Yankees.
However, having some of their best players as Joba Chamberlain, Pedro Feliciano and Rafael Soriano, on disabled list create some weakness in the club.
"I think we're still working on some things," Mark Teixeira said. "We're not a perfect team -- there are no perfect teams. I'd love to see us get completely healthy in the bullpen, but other than that, you've got to feel good with where we are right now."
Rodriguez will not be a part of the team, as he had a surgery on to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He will be back within next four to six weeks.
"Because we're a veteran team, there's really no panic in us," Teixeira said. "We've had guys that have been hanging around long enough that they've been through ups and downs."
Jo-Jo Reyes will land for the Blue Jays to face the team to whom he has consumed five runs in his last outing earlier this season. With Thursday’s start, he will try to rebound against the Yankees. However, he has lost two of his last three games, which
will probably create some pressure for him. His record also depicts his inconsistency throughout the season, as he has not taken three consecutive games.
The best slugger of the season, Jose Bautista is leading the majors in home-runs and averages however, he need some support from the batting line-up to take his impetus to the highest level. The Blue Jays will try to create impact right in the first inning
with their sharp hitting. Rajai Davis, Yunel Escobar and Adam Lind will have to join hands with Bautista to create some strong pressure over the Yankees.
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