July 30, 2007

Home games: Yankees host White Sox and Royals

NewYorkology contributor Scott Ross, a lifelong Red Sox fan, keeps you abreast of upcoming Mets and Yankees games in New York City. Ross toils in anonymity for a giant online news aggregator. Here's your look at major league baseball in New York City this week:

The Yankees came out of the All Star break white hot, winning 12 of 15 games and closing within three of the Red Sox. However, they promptly dropped three straight, and now find themselves eight games behind the Sox in the AL East race after Sunday's 10-4 win in Baltimore. The Yankees come home this week to host the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, two truly dreadful teams.

The Game of the Week: There are a couple of intriguing match-ups this week as Phil Hughes appears ready to return to the Bronx and Roger Clemens faces Jon Garland.

After a couple of rocky outings in late June, Clemens has rounded into form, going 2-2 with a 3.10 ERA over his last six starts. He's due to face Jon Garland on Thursday. Garland's been one of the pillars of the Chicago rotation for years, but is now possibly on the trading block, as the White Sox confront the idea of rebuilding a team that won it all only two seasons ago. In fact, with the trade deadline on Tuesday, there's a very real chance that Garland may not make his scheduled start against New York.

Saturday is probably the best bet, as the Yankees' season – and future – may lie in the balance. With Kei Igawa's merciful demotion to the minors, a rotation spot appears clear for future ace Phil Hughes, who started Sunday for the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Red Barons, the Yankees Triple-A affiliate. Hughes graced the cover of Baseball America's Prospect Guide this year, and is generally considered to be a "can't miss" stud. If all goes well, he could be brought up to pitch Saturday against Gil "Gilgamesh" Meche, who is having a strong season for a weak team.

Also, keep an eye on Alex Rodriguez, who on Friday celebrated his 32nd birthday and is one home run short of 500. The youngest player ever to get to 500 was Jimmy Foxx, who was 32 years, 336 days old when he reached the milestone.

Chicago White Sox @ New York Yankees
Tuesday at 7:05: Mike Mussina (5-7) vs. Jose Contreras (5-13), Bag Clip Night
Wednesday at 7:05: Andy Pettitte (6-7) vs. John Danks (6-7), CD Holder CD Holder
Thursday at 1:05: Roger Clemens (3-5) vs. Jon Garland (8-7)

Kansas City Royals @ New York Yankees
Friday at 7:05: Chien-Ming Wang (11-5) vs. Leo Nunez (0-0), Cap Night
Saturday at 1:05: Phil Hughes (1-1) vs. Gil Meche (7-7), Car Flag Day
Sunday at 1:05: Mike Mussina (5-7) vs. Jorge De La Rosa (8-10), Yankees Notepad Day

Tickets to Yankees games can be purchased here. See NewYorkology's guide to Yankee Stadium for the rundown on how to get there, where to meet, eat and eventually, sit.

Next Week: The Yankees are off to Toronto and then Cleveland, where they will face the Indians whom they trail by only four games in the wild race. The Mets come home to Shea for three-game sets against division rivals the Atlanta Braves and Florida Marlins.

Image credit: New York Yankees Replica Roger Clemens Home Jersey from the Yankees Shop.

Earlier: Construction parking pinch at Yankee, Shea stadiums

July 30, 2007 10:23 AM in Kids, Out of Manhattan, Sports

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