Previewing The Yankees And The Tigers

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Series Overview

After struggling to go 3-3 and their recent six-game road trip against a pair of cellar dwellers in the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox, the New York Yankees begin what is considered one of their toughest series of the season. The Detroit Tigers, first place team in the American League Central (61-47), come into the Bronx to face a Yankees’ team who have found their bats over the past couple of games.

The news surrounding the Yankees leading up to and past the non-waiver trading deadline, was the lack of a big splash move by the Yankees. However, general manager Brian Cashman make a few savvy moves, including upgrading the hot corner with Chase Headley, upgrading the lineup and it’s versatility by acquiring Martin Prado from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Getting a much-needed boost to the starting rotation with Brandon McCarthy, and upgrading the infield defense by trading for Stephen Drew, and waiving Brian Roberts.

The Detroit Tigers, looking to finally secure that elusive World Series crown, made some BIG deals up against the deadline. Gone are former Yankees’ prospect Austin Jackson among others, and in is former Tampa Bay Rays and Cy Young winner David Price. That gives the Tigers starting rotation the last three AL Cy Young winners in Price, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. Unfortunately for the Yankees, they get to see all three in their series that begins tonight in the Bronx. Former Yankees’ reliever Joba Chamberlain also makes his return to the Bronx, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of reception he gets from the Bronx faithful.