Next Stop: Johan-less Twins in Minneapolis

The New York Yankees head out of Baltimore at 26-27, one game under .500.  They are currently six games out of the AL East, in last place, behind division leader Tampa Bay.  That's right your eyes do not deceive you, I said Tampa Bay leads the powerful AL East.  If you don't take Tampa seriously, (which I don't) then you'll look at the fact that the Yanks are only 3 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the lost column, who continue to be atrocious on the road.

After today's off day, the Yanks will play the Twins Friday through Monday, in a four game wrap around series.  The Twins are anything but a pushover.  They come in at 27-25, two games over .500, and only two games behind the ChiSox in the flip-flopped Al Central.  Their acquisition of Carlos Gomez from the Mets has served them well.  He's a good leadoff hitter, with incredible speed, and has filled in nicely for current Angel Torii Hunter.  Livan Hernandez, who they acquired in the offseason to replace (cough YEA RIGHT cough) Johan Santana, hasn't done bad with a 6-2 record and a somewhat respectable 4.60 ERA.  The Yanks will see him Monday night.  They still have a premier closer in Joe Nathan, and one of the best offensive catchers in the league in Joe Mauer.  

I'm not to sure what to expect from the Yanks this weekend.  have they turned the corner after their 5 game win streak at home?  They played two miserable games in Baltimore before winning Wednesday night's game with great pitching.  Their offense seems to be coming together nicely.  You have to like what you see from Giambi especially who didn't give you much at all last season.  It will be interesting to see how the series plays out.  One thing to note, Monday's game is Ian Kennedy's scheduled start.  With his recent trip to the DL, there is talk that Joba Chamberlain might make the start and throw about 70 pitches.  If not, the Yanks would probably dig into the minor leagues once again (Please no Kei Igawa).  Pitching matchups are listed below.

Friday, May 30th 2008-  Yankees RHP Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.39 ERA) at Twins LHP Glen Perkins (2-1, 2.77 ERA)

Saturday, May 31st 2008- Yankees RHP Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 3.82 ERA) at Twins RHP Boof Bonser (2-6, 6.16 ERA)

Sunday, June 1st 2008- Yankees RHP Darrell Rasner (3-1, 1.80 ERA) at Twins RHP Nick Blackburn (4-3, 3.39 ERA)

Monday, June 2nd 2008- Yankees TBA at Twins RHP Livan Hernandez (6-2, 4.60 ERA)