Why the Yanks Will Lose
By Derek Bunker
Suddenly, first place in the AL East is becoming all too real for Boston. And with a little help from the Blue Jays, it could easily be theirs.
I know when you read that last sentence you probably laughed, but here's why I think Toronto will take at least two, maybe three, games of their four-game series with New York:
Game 1:
Starting right-hander David Bush will make his tenth major league start. He's one of Toronto's more gifted prospects, and in his first season he is showing why. He‚s tossing a 3.69 ERA with a 2-3 record in just 9 games; may not seem strong, but this is the Blue Jays we're talking about. On the offensive end, the Jays face Yanks starter Jon Lieber who has a 4.67 ERA and a 9-8 record (greatly influenced by New York's big bats). Toronto should be able to hang on to win a close one.
Winner: Jays
Game 2:
Loaiza. Enough said.
Winner: Jays
Game 3:
Jays‚ All-Star Ted Lilly will try to throw for his tenth win. Unfortunately it comes against Kevin Brown and an angry Yankees team, mad for losing their last two games (hopefully). Despite the resurgent Jays‚ offense, defensive hustle, and home-field advantage, New York will probably notch this game as a win, probably as another one of their classic "comeback-with-one-out-left-and-down-by-three‚.
Winner: Yankees
Game 4:
In this game the Jays need to capitalize on a weak Mussina. They won't get much help from their starter, Miguel Batista, who has been showing signs of "slumpness"‚ losing his last four starts. If youngsters 2B Hudson and RF Rios, and 1B Carlos Delgado continue their hitting ways, the Jays could top the Yanks. But (and by but‚ I really mean "more likely"‚) the Yankees will come out swinging, giving souvenirs to a dozen or so ten-year-olds sitting in the upper right deck.
Winner: Toss-up, Yankees favored.
Now you may say, "Derek, there's no way the Blue Jays will win two, and even if they do, how is two out of four much help?"
Because the Blue Jays are expected to lose all four to the Yankees. Because the Red Sox can inch two games closer if they do their job. Because it feels good to have hope.
1st place AL East: Boston Red Sox
Wild Card: Anaheim Angels
