Vazquez (6-4, 4.39)
Hernandez (7-1, 4.34)
A pair of Yankee rejects face off today - do you think Torre would take both of them back for his $200m, sub-.500 team, if he had the chance? Yes, it's Vazquez "versez" Hernandez, in what should be a nice pitching match-up.
Orlando Hernandez is unbeaten in exactly two months, but has been less than stellar since coming back off the DL, allowing four earned runs in each start. Meanwhile, Javy was unusually wild, walking three Twins in his last outing, ending a streak of 222 straight batters faced without a free pass. However, he only allowed three hits in six innings.
Cintron may be benched again today, and fingers crossed we don't see McCracken in CF - Cruz's back continues to give him grief: "I'm trying to get used to it, but it's tough. Sometimes it's real sore. Sometimes it's OK. Some days, it's unbearable." I suspect the DL may beckon again before long. Maybe we'll see Hairston start: that'd be nice, since his plate appearances have mostly been of the one pitch, blink and you'll miss them variety.
And something I forgot to mention yesterday, is the traditional chance to see the series as others see it: go check out South Side Sox. I'll likely be commenting here for the first few innings: we're off to see The Aquabats (one of the best live bands out there) at the Marquee Theater, so will likely be bailing around 7pm AZ time.