On Deck (Game 46): Orange County @ New York (A)

OK, Yankee fans. I realize it's been a dismal season so far. I realize our Yankees are 9.5 games behind the Red Sox. Before you do anything drastic, however, take a look at the small picture. The Yankees have won 3 out of 4 games against the two teams with the best records in the major leagues. That’s a pretty good stretch. Tonight, they take on another first place team, the Angels.

The Angels have been the proverbial thorn in our side since 2002, but tonight that’s all going to change. I’m so confident in the Yanks tonight, that I picked up rookie Tyler Clippard for his second major league start in my fantasy league.

In a nutshell: Clippard was outstanding in his first start against the Mets, going 6 innings, allowing only 6 baserunners (3 hits, 3 walks) and 1 run while striking out 6. He needs to keep mixing up his pitches, and throwing all three (fastball, curve, change) for strikes. His funky delivery and follow-through should give him an edge over a lineup that’s never faced him before.

Key to the game: Do not let Vlad beat you. Guerrero is the only legitimate power threat in the Angels’ lineup, don’t get into situations where you have to pitch to him with men on base. The young Angels’ hitters are talented, but they don’t have any power. There’s only one guy you really have to worry about, so pitch around him.

Angels blog-of-the-day: Chronicles of the Lads

Note: Have a great Memorial Day weekend everyone, the weather here in the Northeast is supposed to be amazing, enjoy it. If you miss any games check in here, I’ll have wrap-ups for all of them.