Yankees vs. Pirates - June 25

All right, enough of the bullshit. This is the Pittsburgh Pirates, the 37-40 Pirates (granted that's not far behind the Yankees record). A team with a major league worst 5.06 ERA- okay they held up their end of the bargain. But that ERA is built mainly against weaker hitting National League teams.

The Pirates offense isn't as bad as you would think. They're 5th in the majors in runs scored and have hit more home runs than the Yankees. BUT THIS IS THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES. A team that has finished under .500 for 15 straight seasons. The Yankees MUST take 2 of 3 in this series.

Joba Chamberlain will try to get even things up tonight when he goes against Zach Duke. Like last night's starter, Tom Gorzelanny, and tomorrow's starter Paul Maholm, Duke is a left-hander. He's never faced the Yankees outside of Spring Training.

Bobby Abreu, who is desperately trying to shake a batting slumber, is 3-7 against Duke, while Chad Moeller is 1-6. Wilson Betemit has a hit in his only at-bat and the Yankees might want to think about sending up Andy Pettitte to pinch-hit. He's 2-2 lifetime against Duke.

The only member of the Pirates to face Joba, was Jason Michaels, who as a member of the Cleveland Indians, went 0-1.

Here's tonight's lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

Cabrera CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Christian LF
Chamberlain RHP