Don't tell Poochini, but today's secret word is "walkies"...The Yankees are in town, and the series opener features a study in contrast. Lefty Al Leiter, despite barely pitching 100 innings (128.1) has nearly walked 100 batters (92). On paper, a good matchup for a patient A's (though it should be noted that Leiter has thrown many more strikes since joining New York). Oakland counters with Danny Haren, who has walked 2 batters or fewer in 19 consecutive starts; in 8 of those starts Haren has not issued a single walk.
Leiter, Small, and Chacon. Does that sound most like:
a. a law firm specializing in discrimination against dwarfs
b. the Frappacino sizes at Starbucks
c. part of a contending team's rotation
I don't have the answer, but I know it's definitely not 'c'. Today's "fun fact": the Yankees' starters in this series have combined this year to walk 160 batters in 282 innings--an average of 5.11 BB/9IP.
Tonight's starting lineups:
Jeter
Matsui
Sheffield
A-Rod
Giambi
Sierra
Williams
Posada
Cano
Kendall
Ellis
Chavez
Payton
Kielty
Hatteberg
Swisher
Johnson
Scutaro
