Judging by the first 20 games of this season, if the 2008 Yankees want to come away from their upcoming set against the White Sox with a series victory, they might have benefited from praying with the Pontiff. The Chicago White Sox (11-7, 2.5 game lead in the AL Central) host the New York Yankees (10-10, 3.5 games behind in the AL East) this Tuesday through Thursday. The South Siders hope to make the Yankees yet another victim in a season that has seen them do no wrong. For their part, the Bronx Bombers hope to move in the right direction after dropping two of three to the rebuilding Orioles over the weekend. Fans eagerly awaiting the three-game set can be certain of one thing: offense from both teams. The Sox rank second in the AL in runs scored and lead the junior circuit in home runs. However, the Yankees are no stranger to power hitting, holding a slight edge over the White Sox in slugging percentage.
Toss in the homer-friendly confines of US Cellular Field and spectators can be certain to see some crooked numbers put on the scoreboard by both squads. Of course, offensive prowess is no surprise from two teams that have finished first and second in team home runs three of the last four seasons. But what has surprised many analysts this season is the depth and consistency of White Sox starting pitching. The Sox enter the series second in the American League in team ERA (3.45), featuring a staff composed of both savvy veterans (Mark Buerhle, Javier Vasquez, Jose Contreras) and young talent (John Danks, Gavin Floyd). The youngsters’ performance has been particularly surprising, with some scouts calling Floyd “unhittable” after taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Tigers on April 12th and following up that performance with 6 innings of two-hit ball against Baltimore. The Bombers feature a mix of veteran experience and young talent in their rotation as well, but with much poorer statistics to show for it. Celebrated prospect Phil Hughes (0-3, 8.82 ERA) has failed to impress this season, while Joba Chamberlain considered by many to be the future of Yankee pitching is stuck in a setup role He has 6.1 innings to his credit this season.
Longtime Yankee Mike Mussina (1-3, 5.75 ERA) may have reached the end of his effectiveness, lasting only three innings and surrendering four earned runs in his last start He struck out one. Team co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said his veteran needs to alter his approach on the rubber, pitching more like the Phillies’ soft-tosser Jamie Moyer. The X-factor in the upcoming series will likely be the New York superstar Alex Rodriguez, who injured his right quadriceps over the weekend. He did not accompany the team to Chicago, although all indications are he will rejoin the club by the first pitch on Tuesday night. If he is healthy, the Yankees can expect to contend in all three games.