Yanks Go South Side

For the first time this season, the Yanks will be traveling to US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL to play a three-game set with the Central leading White Sox. The Yanks took two of three from Boston, and all is well in the Bronx.

The two wild card team format for the playoffs has made me play many scenarios through my head. As of now, the Chi Sox have a 1.5 game lead over Detroit for the division. Because of the playoff change, and how dangerous this Tigers team can become, it might be a safer bet to lose against this Chicago team to keep their playoff chances still alive. Detroit tortures the Yanks in the playoffs; there's no need to sugar coat it.

At 72-49, the Yanks are best in the AL, 5 ahead of an all of the sudden smoking hot Rays team. I'm looking out for the future stand point of the club. If getting swept or losing two of three means a better chance of easier competition during crunch time, then so be it. The way the division is playing out, it's hard to see Baltimore keep it together. That argument has to be the same for the Chi Sox. Chicago knows how much pressure is on them. I don't mind chipping in to screw the Tiger's playoff dreams.

After the White Sox, the Yanks get three easy games in Cleveland.....that's a topic for another column.

All in all, I'm expecting the White Sox to take two of three this week. No hard feelings Chi Town.

PITCHING MATCHUPS

                    NYY (72-49)             CHW (65-55)

Monday: F. Garcia (7-5, 4.68) vs. G. Floyd (9-9, 4.43)
Tuesday: I. Nova (11-6, 4.76) vs. F. Liriano (4-10, 5.22)
Wednesday: P. Hughes (12-10, 4.23) vs. C. Sale (14-4, 2.72)