YGY Series Preview Show: Yankees-Dodgers (7/30-7/31)

As the Alex Rodriguez suspension appears to be imminent, the New York Yankees (55-50)’ good news has begun to pile up over the last few weeks. On Sunday, former Yankee second baseman Alfonso Soriano had his triumphant second “Yankee moment” with a 4-5 game on Sunday, including a home run and a walk-off single in the 9th to salvage the series with the Rays. The team also saw the return of Derek Jeter as he began his second return to the Bronx Bombers with a home run in the first inning on the first pitch he saw. On the injury front, the team is scheduled to get Jayson Nix back on Tuesday to play some third base while the team is in National League parks over the next few days. Plus, Curtis Granderson is continuing with his rehab assignment and if all goes well, he will be with the Yankees on Friday night against the San Diego Padres. New York stands just 2.5 games back for the second Wild Card spot as well. After facing the hottest team in the American League, the Yankees head out West for two games against the hottest team in the National League right now.

The task for the Yankees’ offense gets no easier when they face

and his sub-2 ERA Wednesday night. (Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)

The Los Angeles Dodgers (56-48) are a completely different team than they were a month ago when Don Mattingly‘s team arrived at Yankee Stadium for a two-game series. In their least 32 games, Los Angeles is 26-6. Part of the reason for the Dodgers’ great run is the story of Yasiel Puig. Puig hit a walk-off home run on Sunday, including sliding into home plate. Even though the league has somewhat caught up to him, the Cuban outfielder is still hitting .299 this month with three home runs and seven RBI’s. Even without Matt Kemp, who has had frequent trips to the disabled list this year, the offense is still fifth in batting average and seventh in on-base percentage in the majors. On the pitching side, the Yankees will see Clayton Kershaw, who will come into Wednesday’s start with a ERA of 1.96. Despite LA’s hot stretch, they still are just 2.5 games up on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League West.

On this episode of the Yanks Go Yard Series Preview Show presented by BaldVinny.com, I discuss Soriano’s great Sunday, the latest A-Rod news, and the latest injury updates. Plus, will the Yankees make any more moves before Wednesday’s trade deadline? I tell you why I don’t see a move on the horizon, and that includes no trade involving Phil Hughes. Plus, Scott Andes from Lasorda’s Lair joins me to talk about the Dodgers’ recent success, Puigmania, Kershaw, and if he sees the team making any moves before Wednesday, including maybe Rangers’ closer Joe Nathan.

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