Indians Face Off Against the Yankees

April 17, 2007 @ 7:42 am · Filed under Sports

Having won each of their first three series, the Indians play in the Bronx today against the Yankees with their 6 - 3 record. The Yankees have been inconsistent thus far on their way to a 5 - 6 record. The biggest problem so far has been the starting pitching. Mike Mussina was just added to the 15-day disabled list. He will join Carl Pavano who is also there. Finally, Chien-Ming Wang is busy making rehab starts.

In the first game of the series the Indians have Jake Westbrook going against Wright. Wait. Who? Jaret Wright? No, he is with the Orioles. Jamey Wright? Nope. he is with the Texas Rangers. Tonight the Indians go up against Chase Wright. So, who is this guy?

Chase Wright is a lefty fresh from the Yanks farm system. I found an interview with him on Scout.com. When asked about his pitching repertoire, write had this to say.

I throw a 2-seam fastball in the 87-91 MPH range, sometimes hitting 93-94 MPH, but that’s pretty rare. I throw mostly 2-seamers but every once in a while I’ll mix in a 4-seamer. I throw two different curveballs. One is around 70-72 MPH and I throw a harder one around 77-82 MPH. I like to throw me a get me over curveball early in the count. I’ll throw the slower one for a first pitch strike and then the harder one with two strikes. I also throw a changeup around 78-82 MPH. When I’m locating my fastball, it is my best pitch. It just depends on the day though. Sometimes the location isn’t there with the fastball.

It sounds like whatever he throws is going to have some movement. Expect to see the typical Tribe lefty lineup consisting of Garko, Blake and Jason Michaels.

The Indians are throwing out Jake Westbrook fresh off his big inking of a $33 million dollar deal. Westbrook used to be a Yankee, but he hasn’t pitched against them since July 10th of 2005 when he gave up 6 earned runs in 6 innings in an 11 - 6 loss. But that was many moons, and many free agents ago.

Obviously the key to each game in this series is to get to the starters and make sure the bullpen isn’t in a position to hold games for the Yankees. I know Mariano Rivera got dinged last week and blew a save, but it still isn’t really a good idea to be in a position where you have to bet against him. He is the greatest closer in the history of baseball, and all.

Finally, weather could be an issue, which I know makes all the Indians fans groan. It is going to be in the 40’s with showers all week long. The Tribe can’t afford to have any more scheduling issues confront them after losing an entire 4-game series with the Mariners. It will be hard enough to find time to squeeze those games in without having to add three trips to the Bronx in there somewhere in addition.

Additional Notes:
On Wednesday, the scheduled starters are Sowers vs. Igawa
On Thursday, the scheduled starters are Carmona vs. Rasner

As always, feel free to talk about the game while it is happening at ClevelandSportsCurse.

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