Pesky Pole

Yesterday I wrote about the Yankees and the Red Sox. I was talking about the strength of the Yanks and pointed out their weaknesses. One of those I indicated was Jorge Posada. So what does Posada do? he goes deep, I mean short around Pesky Pole.

Now I am a big fan of Curtis Granderson and he certainly looked good in his first AB of the season. He homered deep to center as he crushed the Beckett offering. It looks like Curtis will hit 162 this year if he can stay healthy.

Let me continue though with my comparison with the Red Sox. Lets consider their starting staff: Beckett is their ace and the #2 guy is Jon Lester. I am a big Lester fan and when he is on he is as good as any lefty in the game. John Lackey is a great pickup and will serve as a great #3 guy, he will eat up lots of innings and be a clutch pitcher in big games. After this I don't think the staff is too impressive. You have the old man Tim Wakefield, the over rated Clay Buchholz, and the oft injured and inconsistent Matsuzaca. When it comes to pitching advantage Yankees.

Infielders for the Red Sox are Youkilis, good glove and bat. Pedroia good glove and bat. Scutaro good glove and productive hitter who is an upgrade over last year. Beltre at third will be a big upgrade too. Comparing the Yankees and Red Sox infielders I would give the advantage again to the Yankees, defensively they are about equal but offensively the Yanks have a big advantage.

Outfielders are another interesting comparison. Mike Cameron is a great pick up for the Sox, he will cover lots of ground and will be a decent stick. In right Drew will fly under the radar and hit 18-20 HR and drive in 80 or so. In left the Sox have a big advantage with the speed and defensive ability of Ellsbury. I expect him to have a great year. Advantage in the outfield to the Sox.

Catching the advantage goes to Boston by a long shot. Victor Martinez will be more than adequate defensively and he will put up huge offensive totals. This is a no brainer, Boston gets a big check mark.

I like the Red Sox depth much more than the Yankees. I think that the Yankees will have some big challenges if one of their infielders were to go down. I believe the Sox are in a much better position.

Overall here is my final analysis:

Pitching: Yankees

Infielders: Yankees

Outfielders: Red Sox

Catching: Red Sox

Bench: Red Sox

As much as it hurts me to say this I think the Yankees are the team to beat. Injuries will play a big part in what happens. If the Yanks are injury free for the most part they win, if they aren't the Sox will win.

By the way the score is 2-1 for the Yanks, but I say "Go Sox Go"