I didn’t expect the Athletics to be atop the AL West 14 games into the season, but they are, with a 9-5 record. The Yankees (9-3) are actually a half game behind the Rays for the top spot in the East.
Both the Yankees and Athletics enjoyed off days on Monday, so the bullpens will be well-rested for the three-game series in Oakland. And the Yankees should expect Derek Jeter to return to the lineup after sitting out Sunday with a cold.
This is the first of a nine-game, 10-day road trip for the Yankees, who play the Angels this weekend and the Orioles next week.
Pitching Matchups:
| Date: | Yankees starters | Athletics starters |
| Tues., 10:05 p.m. | J. Vazquez (0-2, 9.82) | Gio Gonzalez (1-0, 3.38) |
| Wed., 10:05 p.m. | Phil Hughes (1-0, 3.60) | Ben Sheets (1-0, 2.65) |
| Thurs., 3:35 p.m. | CC Sabathia (2-0, 2.84) | Dallas Braden (2-0, 2.70) |
Players to Watch:
Yankees: Jeter. Look for the captain to return strong from two off days. He’s had a hot start to the year, and he’s expected to face two lefties (Gonzalez and Braden), which is always a plus for Jeter.
Athletics: Daric Barton. Who? Their first baseman. He’s hitting .310/.474/.405. He’s second in the league in walks with 13, one behind Nick Johnson. I’ve never seen this guy before, so I want to see his approach at the plate.
Prediction:
I have a bad feeling about Oakland, especially after looking at the ERAs of the three starters the Yankees will be facing. This year’s offense has a solid balance of speed and power, but can they continue their ways out west? I say no. They’ll lose against both lefties.
