Matsui Will Start

The Yanks have released their lineup for game one, and playoff roster. It turns out that the Frankenstein as DH talk was merely a tease by Joe.

1. Damon (LF)
2. Jeter (SS)
3. Abreu (RF)
4. A-Rod (3B)
5. Posada (C)
6. Matsui (DH)
7. Cano (2B)
8. Melky (CF)
9. Doug (1B)

Wang gets the start, as expected. I'm disappointed Joe didn't pull the trigger and start Shelley, but I'll get over it. I don't like swapping Melky and Doug at the bottom of the order. I think having Melky at #9 makes the order more circular.

Here's the final roster:

1. Damon
2. Jeter
3. Abreu
4. A-Rod
5. Posada
6. Matsui
7. Cano
8. Melky
9. Doug
10. Betemit
11. Frankenstein
12. Giambi
13. Sardinha
14. Molina
15. Wang
16. Pettitte
17. Clemens
18. Hughes
19. Mussina
20. Rivera
21. Chamberlain
22. Farnsworth
23. Vizcaino
24. Ohlendorf
25. Veras

I'm shocked Joe put both Veras and Ohlendorf on the roster and didn't include Villone. Villone's numbers vs. lefties left much to be desired, but going to the playoffs without even a nominal lefty in the pen? Actually, I like the move, I'm just surprised he made it. Basically, if the Yanks can get through 6 innings with the lead, it's going to be Joba/Farnsworth/The Viz for the 7th and 8th and Mo for the 9th. There wouldn't have been mixing and matching anyway, those guys are full inning guys.

The Rockies are unbelievably hot right now. 4-2 over the Phils in the top of the ninth.