Texas has the momentum from the first two games in this series and go for their first sweep at Yankee Stadium since May 2003. The Rangers ride again today in New York.
There's no way the Texas Rangers can sweep the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, right? I say, "Why not?"
The Yankees traditionally are a strong July club, but right now they're not any better than Texas and they are laying a hefty price in this series finale. New York is 44-40; Texas is 44-41. The Rangers are ranked No. 1 in runs scored and slugging percentage. They are in the top five in batting average, on-base percentage and home runs. The highest the Yankees rank in any of these five key offensive categories in seventh. They rate 13th in runs scored and are No. 15 in homers.
The Rangers also are capable of hurting the Yankees on the base paths. They stole four bases off New York last night, leaving you to wonder if Jorge Posada's injured right shoulder still isn't fully healed.
To avoid the sweep, the Yankees are banking on Sidney Ponson. He held the Mets scoreless for six innings in his Yankees debut Saturday. But when has Ponson ever proven himself reliable and trustworthy? His pattern has been to follow a well-pitched game with a clunker. Yeah, he'll have motivation to beat his former team. The Rangers released Ponson because he couldn't get along and was a pain in the butt. But the Rangers have just as much motivation to defeat their former unpopular teammate. Their hitters certainly know Ponson's tendencies and should have a complete scouting report.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have never faced Texas starter Luis Mendoza. He's not going to get any respect on the betting line, but Mendoza could come in with a big game since he's healthy now. He had been sidelined with shoulder inflammation and blister problems. Since coming back two weeks ago, Mendoza has pitched out of the bullpen and not been scored on in seven innings. He's allowed four hits and not walked a batter during this span. The Rangers are now ready to try him in the rotation again. This is a huge start for him.
Keep in mind, too, the Yankees are not hitting or scoring runs. New York has scored seven runs in its last four games, while averaging less than six hits per game during this time frame.
There are also the usual Big Apple media distractions for the Yankees. The tabloids are throwing out rumors about Alex Rodriguez seeing Madonna and there's a look-ahead situation because the Yankees host Boston tomorrow in the start of a four-game series.
I would take a shot with the Rangers, but not be in any rush to play the game until close to post in anticipation that public money will all be on New York.
Free Pick: Rangers +159