YGY Series Preview Show: Yankees-Rangers (7/22-7/25)

The New York Yankees (52-46) struggled in Fenway Park Sunday night in more ways than one. CC Sabathia struggled on his birthday, giving up seven runs in 5+ innings after the team gave him a 3-0 lead early on in the game. As for the offense, the team did put up seven runs overall, including Brett Gardner getting on base five times and Robinson Cano had four hits, but the team did not manage one extra-base hit in the game nor did they have one home run in the series. There were positives this weekend in that Hiroki Kuroda had another great start on Saturday and Mariano Rivera received a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful before saving the game. As for the injuries, Derek Jeter is expected back no earlier than July 27 which looks like a long shot right now and Alex Rodriguez is staying on the disabled list after he strained his quadriceps. Now, with the Yankees seven games back in the division and four games in the Wild Card, they now head into Arlington to take on a team that is going thru their own health problems.

The Texas Rangers look to snap their four game losing streak at home against the New York Yankees (Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

As for the Texas Rangers (54-44), they are currently on a four game losing streak and have gone through numerous injuries to their starting rotation. Over the weekend, the team was swept at home by the Baltimore Orioels and had a trade for Cubs’ starter Matt Garza not get finalized due to medical discrepancies to the prospects Chicago was getting back. Texas is three games back of the Oakland A’s in the division. They do get Yu Darvish back Monday night after he went on the DL due to fatigue in his right trapezius muscle. As for the offense, the Rangers can put up runs, but all eyes are on outfielder Nelson Cruz. Cruz is hitting .273 with 22 home runs, but his name has been implicated in the Biogenesis rumors that have been swirling around all season. For Texas, the strength is in their bullpen, anchored by closer Joe Nathan (30 saves in 31 chances).

On this episode of the Yanks Go Yard Series Preview Show presented by BaldVinny.com, I talk about the Yankees’ series in Boston, even though the show ended before Sunday night’s game was over. I discuss the Jeter and A-Rod injuries and how the season continues to get unlucky for the Bronx Bombers. Then, Eric Reining from NolanWritin.com joins the show to discuss the Garza rumors, pitching matchups, X-Factors, and yes, Manny Ramirez.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE YANKEES-RANGERS SERIES PREVIEW SHOW!