Game 97: Hope

Big Willie Style and are are heading up to the Stadium for the first time in a long while so the preview gets short shrift. It goes like this:

Andy Pettitte is coming off a strong start against the Orioles in which he threw 7 1/3 innings of one run ball but got a no decision. He struck out 8 in that game, gave up six hits and only walked 2. He started once against the A's this year, going 7 innings and giving up 2 runs on 9 hits.

Gio Gonzalez goes for the A's and he's been, um, pretty terrible this year. He's been used as both a reliever and starter, but has been especially unsuccessful in the later role. In four starts he's only managed to last 17 1/3 innings and has surrendered 22 runs. His last outing, a 2 2/3 inning 11 run debacle against the Twins, certainly didn't help his line, but he's been far from good.

Jose Molina and Cody Ransom are in the line up but here's to hoping the Yanks can extend their record to 6-0 during HOPE Week.

Your shadow walks faster than you,
You don't really know what to do,
Do you think that you're not alone?

You really think that you are immune to,
It's gonna get that the best of you,
It's gonna lift you up and let you down.

But you don't...
Always...
Have to hold to your head...
Higher than your heart.

You better hope you're not alone.

Saturday Links

There's not going to be anything in the way of content until the game preview tonight, so here are some links from around the Yankesphere to keep you busy:

• Despite having a child born earlier this week, Cliff from Bronx Banter still hammered out his profile the Indians. He does one for every series and they are always complete, informative and a must-read if you are looking to brush up on the competition. (She-Fan did a preview of her own, focusing on the Indians' line-up.) 
  
  
• River Ave. Blues found out that the Yankees told Chien Ming Wang not to excercise his legs during his rehab stint. That worked out well. 
  
  
• Pete Abe talked to Andy Pettitte who said he will make his next start. 
  
  
• The Chuck Knoblog checks in on some of the Yanks' minor leaguers and demands that switch-pitcher Pat Venditte be promoted after having dominated both Low and High A-ball.
  
  
• Newsday looks at prospect Zack Kroenke. OMG, he's a pitcher from Nebraska. Just like Joba!
  
  
• Tirico Suave has the Mike Francesa's "Jobber To The Bullpen" M-m-m-m-meltdown REMIX(mix)(ix)(echo)!!!1!
  
  
• David Pinto looks at the tightening AL East. 

And if you're really desperate... from the Post: 

• Mark Teixeira as said that Joe Girardi is the "best manager [he's] had, by far". Interesting how winning casts a warm glow on everything, isn't it? I didn't hear anyone saying that when they were under .500 a few weeks ago. Teix has played for Buck Showalter, Ron Washington (briefly), Bobby Cox and Mike Scioscia. Three of those guys are top notch managers and Ron Washington is only 6 games under .500 in his 2+ seasons in Texas. I think was Mark meant to say was "favorite".

• This June will mark the 20th year Brain Cashman has spent with the Yankees.  Typical of his all-business attitude, Cash claims not to have noticed the anniversary.

• Joel Sherman tries to compare Don Mattingly's willingness to be dropped in the order in favor of Paul O'Neill in 1994 to Jeter's reluctance to move off of shortstop, concluding that Jeter is all un-Captainy and stuff. Here's the difference: Moving down in the batting order doesn't necessitate learning an entirely new skill set. Had Mattingly been asked to shift to left field, I imagine his reaction would have been quite different. 

Game 36: Out On The Weekend

Think I'll pack it in and buy a pick-up,
Take it down to L.A.,
Find a place to call my own, and try to fix up,
Start a brand new day.

See the lonely boy, out on the weekend,
Trying to make it pay.
Can't relate to joy, he tries to speak and,
Can't begin to say.