Previewing The Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees

Jul 24, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees left fielder

(11) hits a sacrifice fly against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Of course the most consistent, game-changer in the Yankees’ lineup, has also had a super year against Toronto. Brett Gardner, who is having a career year anyway, is doing just as well against the AL East rivals. In 31 at-bats this season, Gardy has 12 hits, good enough for a .387 clip.

The newly powerful Gardner, who is on pace to easily set a career high in home runs, also has 2 of his home runs this season against the Jays, along with scoring 9 runs, 3 doubles, drawing 4 walks, and driving in 5 runs. Gardy is the energizer for the Yankees, having hit atop the lineup for most of the season. With the Headley acquisition, Gardy may find himself hitting anywhere from lead-off, to the #2 hole, to the #9 hole, as Jacoby Ellsbury and Derek Jeter will be shuffled based on days off and match-ups.

Series Projection: I didn’t do too bad on the Rangers series. I picked the Yankees winning three of four, losing the Darvish game. I might have been wrong on the game, but was correct on the overall series outcome. For this weekend’s tilt, I’m going to say the Yankees take two of three, losing the Capuano/Hutchinson match-up. Hopefully this is a one and done for Capuano, as the Yankees hope to snag perhaps one, maybe two more arms for the rotation prior to the non-waiver trading deadline.