Opinion
Yankees’ pitching statistics show no match for the Twins
October 7, 2010
For what is seemingly the umpteenth time since Ron Gardenhire replaced Tom Kelly as the manager of the Minnesota Twins, they open up the postseason against each other in the American Lesgue Division Series.
And surprisingly the Twins are actually favored to win a series against the Yankees. However when you look at the pitching matchups one would naturally lead towards the Yankees.
In game one Francisco Liriano started for the Twins. Liriano has regained much of what he had prior to undergoing Tommy John Surgery and missing the 2007 season. This year he is 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA, yet many are still unsure as to why he is starting game one.
“Many would argue that he is not the ace of this staff,” said Twins fan Andrew Magee. “ Many would be inclined to say its Carl Pavano [Game 2 Starter] or Brian Duensing [Game 3].”
Liriano’s nemesis in game one is C.C. Sabathia a Cy Young Award favorite who went 21-7 on the year with a 3.18 ERA. Sabathia has been lights out and expect the lefty to dominate the Twins in game one.
In game two, Carl Pavano 17-11 3.75 ERA matches up against Andy Pettitte who is 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA. Pettitte has struggled with injuries all season long, but enters the 2010 postseason with more wins in October than any other pitcher in Major League History.
In game three, Brian Duensing the lefty sensation for Minnesota faces the Yankee sensation Phil Hughes. Duensing is 10-3 with a 2.62 ERA while Phil Hughes is 18-8 with a 4.19 ERA.
The Twins have Nick Blackburn scheduled to throw in game four against C.C. Sabathia who will pitch on four days rest. Neither team has declared a starter for a possible game five.
Robert Silvers is a student at UW-River Falls.