YGY Series Preview Show: Yankees-Astros (9/27-9/29)

For the New York Yankees (82-77), the final home series of the 2013 season was a disappointment on the field as the team saw its playoff chances officially come to an end against the Tampa Bay Rays. As their playoff chances ended, the team also saw a glorious era in Yankees’ baseball end. Thursday night will go down as one of the more emotional moments in Yankees’ history as Mariano Rivera pitched his final game in the Bronx with fellow core 4 members, Andy Pettitte and Derek Jeter, taking the ball from him with the Sandman showing tears. Now, the 2013 season is just three games away from officially come to a close and the numerous offseason questions will start to take centerstage. First, Pettitte will get his sendoff in his hometown over the weekend.

Houston Astros’ first baseman/ outfielder

will look to add to his 29 home runs this season in the final series of 2013 against the Yankees. (Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

The Houston Astros (54-108) will finish the season with the worst record in the Major Leagues, but all signs point in the right direction for Bo Porter‘s team. It’s rare you say that with a team that has 100+ losses, but there is a lot of young talent in Houston that will get a chance to flourish in the coming years, even in the American League. The Astros aren’t a great offensive team, but their best power hitter is first baseman/outfielder Chris Carter, who leads the team with 29 home runs and 81 RBI’s. Also, second baseman Jose Altuve leads the team in batting average (.285). That being said, Houston is near the bottom in every stat and has lost 12 straight games leading into this series. 

On this episode of the Yanks Go Yard Series Preview Show presented by BaldVinny.com, I talk about my reaction to Thursday’s night emotional Mariano Rivera moment. Plus, I give my take on the latest news surrounding Robinson Cano‘s contract negotiations and Alex Rodriguez‘s rumored absence from Houston this weekend. Plus, Ray Kuhn from Climbing Tal’s Hill joined the show to discuss Houston’s 2013 season and look ahead to the 2014 season in terms of players to watch. How has he evaluated Bo Porter‘s first season as manager and he gives us the scouting reports on the pitchers Houston will be throwing this weekend at Minute Maid Park. 

UPDATE: Before I recorded the show last night, there was no knowledge of the Yankees’ starters for this weekend other than Petttite. It has been confirmed, at least, that Adam Warren will get the start for the Yankees tonight. Sunday’s starter is still to be determined. 

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