Monday, April 28, 2008

Yankees vs. Indians - April 28

It's rainy and cold, whether you're in the tri-state area or Cleveland. Per Peter Abraham, the tarp is on the field, but the game is expected to be played. To those attending, hope you brought your parka.

Mike Mussina tries to make it two in a row tonight when he goes up against Aaron Laffey. Moose is coming off his best game, but to replicate it, especially in cold weather, won't be easy. Laffey, who turned 23 just 2 weeks ago, was 4-2, 4.56 last season in 9 starts. Additionally, hee was 4-1, 2.31 in 6 starts in Double-A and 9-3, 3.08 in 16 games (15 starts) at Triple-A. Laffey is not a strikeout pitcher, but doesn't issue many free passes either.

Mussina is 11-9, 4.78 in 25 career starts against the Tribe. He's handled three of the first four hitters in the Indians lineup, but has struggled against Casey Blake and Jhonny Peralta.

Indians vs. Mussina

Casey Blake .400 (6-15) 1 RBI
Jhonny Peralta .353 (6-17) 1 HR 4 RBI

Grady Sizemore .133 (2-15)
Asdrubel Cabrera 1-1
Travis Hafner .200 (2-10) 1 RBI 4 BB
Victor Martinez .105 (2-19) 1 RBI

David Dellucci .200 (1-5)
Ryan Garko 1-3
Franklin Gutierrez 0-3
Jason Michaels 0-3
Kelly Shoppach 0-5

Laffey has never faced the Yankees or anyone on the Yankees team.

News and Notes

As expected, Jorge Posada was placed on the 15-day DL and Chris Stewart was recalled from Triple-A Scranton. Stewart, 26, was hitting .300 (12-40) with 3 RBI in 15 games. He's had just 45 career at-bats (9 hits, .200) during cups of coffee with the White Sox and Rangers from 2006-2007. Brian Cashman will continue to look for a more experience major league back up as well. Perhaps a free agent such as Damian Miller or former Yankee, Sal Fasano.

Tonight's Lineup from PeteAbe

Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez DH
Giambi 1B
Matsui LF
Ensberg 3B
Cano 2B
Molina C

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