WHY I SMELL A TREND

Quick, what do Ivan Rodriguez, Jerry Hairston Jr., Eric Hinske, Austin Kearns, Kerry Wood, and Lance Berkman all have in common? If you guessed that they are former Yankees, you're correct. If you guessed that all of those guys were acquired by the Yankees near the trade deadline over the last three years you would be correct as well. But, there's one thing you may not have guessed, and that is all of those acquired players were on their respective final years of their contracts when they got traded. With the trade deadline just over a week away, I smell a trend. The Yankees like to trade for players who are free agents to be. In other words, they like to get rental players.

With that in mind, let's take a look at the upcoming Free Agents HERE.

Now, most of you can agree that the Yankees will look into starting pitching, although they have six major league starters (with Ivan Nova in AAA), but like the old saying goes, you can never have enough pitching. So, let’s look at the starting pitchers who are free agents to be, here are some intriguing names that would make sense:(Photo: SI)

Mark Buerhle and Edwin Jackson (Chicago White Sox)

Right now the White Sox have six major league starters with Buerhle and Jackson along with Phillip Humber, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and Jake Peavy--but they're currently 4.5 games behind Cleveland and Detroit in the AL Central. The White Sox rank 10th in the American League in runs scored, so that's an area they do need to improve on if they want to make the playoffs. They'll be looking for a good bat in return for one of their starters. Both Buerhle and Jackson would be a good fit but I would take Buerhle over Jackson because he is a veteran, and has pitched in big games before. Jackson doesn’t have quite as much experience, although he's younger and he has nastier stuff.
(Photo: Getty)

Hiroki Kuroda(Los Angeles Dodgers) and Jason Marquis (Washington Nationals)

Realistically, both the Dodgers and Nationals are out of their respective races, and are already looking forward to Spring Training next year. The Dodgers have Hiroki Kuroda, and the Nats have Jason Marquis. Both of these guys are veterans and can get the job done, but personally, I like Hiroki Kuroda because he throws harder. His average fastball is about 92 mph, whereas Marquis throws a fastball averaging around 89mph. You can check out Kuroda's stats HERE here: and Marquis' stats HERE.

Ultimately, I think the Yankees really need an elite number two starter, like Ubaldo Jimenez, but the price is too high for him. Cashman is always a little reluctant to part with his prospects in a blockbuster trade. We'll see.

Now, most of you believe that the Yankees may need a reliever. Personally, I think the Yankees only need another lefty, and they probably have that guy in their organization with J.C. Romero. But, for kicks and giggles let's take a look at some of the upcoming free agent middle relievers who could be intriguing:

• John Grabow- Chicago Cubs

• Kerry Wood- Chicago Cubs

• Michael Wuertz- Oakland A's

This season, Grabow hasn't had a very good year he has a 5.36 ERA in 42 games, but he's been solid against lefties--holding them to a .238 batting average. Boone Logan has a .250 opponent batting average against lefties this year, and this used to be a lot higher. However, if used correctly Grabow could be a nice addition. Kerry Wood and Michael Wuertz are both quality setup men, but they're not better than what the Yankees have right now. Everyone remembers Wood last year with the Yankees, 0.69 ERA in 24 games and Michael Wuertz has 437 career strikeouts in 408 innings pitched.

All three of these guys aren't significantly better than what the Yankees have right now. Luis Ayala and Cory Wade both have ERA's in the 1's right now, and the Yankees have the second best bullpen ERA in the American League behind Oakland, with a 3.09 ERA. They also have David Robertson, who has been tough as nails, and Rafael Soriano (remember him?) who should be back in the near future.

What I really think the Yankees could use is a versatile bat off the bench. Eric Chavez may be coming back soon, but he's always injury prone and one more injury could very well finish his career. So with that in mind, let's take a look at some intriguing names:

• Juan Rivera (Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Jerry Hairston (Washington Nationals)

• Scott Hairston (New York Mets)

• Omar Infante (Florida Marlins)

I wouldn't mind having any of these guys. Obviously, none of these players stand out, but what bench player does? Juan Rivera and Jerry Hairston are both former Yankees, so it would be easy for them to be reintroduced with the team. Rivera can play corner outfield and first with some pop, while Hairston can play just about every position except catcher and pitcher, and he provides speed. Scott Hairston and Omar Infante are both very versatile options as well.

More to follow, stay tuned to Bleeding Yankee Blue.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer






--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Associate Editor




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WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE YANKEES?

Now that the All-Star break is over, what should the Yankees do to bring them to the next level?
Our Crosstown Rival, The Mets just traded away their closer Francisco Rodriguez for prospects to make the first deadline deal. The Mets are clearly in a rebuilding stage, and are trying to dump salary, but our Yankees are trying to figure out what it will take to bring them to the next championship.Let's take a look at which areas we need help with, and which possible candidates could be used to fill these voids:

• RELIEF: We are missing a solid 6th inning reliever. Joba Chamberlain went down with an injury earlier in the year, and David Robertson stepped up to take the 8th inning spot until RaSo comes back. Then, I think DRob will probably be moved back to the 7th inning spot, but who will be used to pitch in the 6th inning? I say call up someone from AAA or AA such as, Andrew Brackman, Lance Pendleton, or maybe even Mark Prior among others.

• TOP FLIGHT PITCHER: We are it and it could carry us through the playoffs if we had one. I say trade for someone such as Mark Buehrle or "Pretty Boy" CJ Wilson.

• EXTRA HITTING: Any team could always need another bat. I think having another person for some power or average is a threat in the lineup could really spice things up. I say trade for a 3 month rental and see how it pays out. My few candidates to trade for are Lance Berkman, Prince Fielder, Carlos Pena, or if a miracle were to happen, Albert Pujols.
  

IMAGINE this lineup:

1. Jeter SS
2. Granderson CF
3. Pujols/ Prince Fielder DH
4. A-Rod 3B
5. Cano 2B
6. Teixeira 1B
7. Swisher RF
8. Martin C
9. Gardner LF

seems like Murderers Row 2.0, right?

Let me know what you think by commenting on this post or hitting me on Facebook. Or, if you have a blackberry you can add the Bleeding Yankee Blue group on BBM and we can converse in there. Thanks.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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WHY JETER GETS A PASS

(Photo: Getty)
Derek Jeter is a 3000 hit machine fresh off a calf injury. After being selected by the fans to be a part of the All-Star game, he’s respectively declined and will rest up in preparation for the second half of the season. Guess what? I’m OK with that.

Let me ask you a question, why are “anonymous” Major League Baseball officials speaking out saying how unhappy they are that Derek Jeter didn’t attend the All-Star game tonight? If they’re that upset about it, reveal yourself, for 1. (Photo: Getty)

For 2, there is so much more Major League Baseball should be upset about, like, for instance, trying to figure out a way 23 year old Christian Lopez doesn’t get screwed into paying taxes all because he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time at Yankee Stadium on Saturday at 2pm when Jeter‘s 3000^th hit sailed into his hands.

Here’s a great idea, reach out to Lopez, and let him know you are about to give him a gift. And if it’s not only going to come from you, split it with Jeter and the Yankees. Pay this kid for this mess he’s in. All he did was show up to Yankee Stadium, a Major League Baseball club, and buy a ticket that pays the salary of Derek Jeter, a Major Leaguer and watch him hit his 3000^th hit. Would it kill you to stop being so damn greedy and rather channel your energy in the direction of poor Christian Lopez? Give Jeter a pass this time. For the record, Bug Selig has stated that he understands why Jeter has declined. So I’m not going to go after Bud here, but whoever is speaking out of turn and turning this All-Star game into a circus should be reprimanded.

Derek Jeter is getting hammered from selected ballplayers too, who, may I suggest should do what Jeter does when asked about other players, say nothing. Shame on someone like Lance Berkman who said this “I don’t think it’s my place to speak for others, But for me personally, if you get selected to be here, you have an obligation. You gotta be here.” Lance, I like you, I respect you but you should have stopped at “I don’t think it’s my place to speak for others.” You have it wrong. Yes, players have an obligation, but you also have a choice. Can you imagine if Derek Jeter opened his mouth about a player not showing up to an All-Star Game? Well, you wouldn’t because there’s something called class and Jeter has it.

(Photo: Getty)

Many Yankee fans, me included, could care less if Jeter plays or even shows up in Phoenix tonight. Why? Because we got what we wanted…3000 hits. Yes, the fans voted him in, and next year, maybe this “incident” could affect the voting for him, but let’s be honest, while it’s exciting to watch the All-Star game, it’s downright dangerous to have your players play hard for a team they are voted in for and not officially signed to. If those elites get hurt, they screw their own team the second half and I worry a lot about that.

Now, the Yankees are representing tonight with Curtis Granderson, David Robertson, Russell Martin, Robinson Cano and Mariano Rivera and to me, while I’d love to see Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter there, I’m fine with them taking the night off. Why? Well, because the second half of the season is way more important than a meaningless All-Star game.

Sorry you “anonymous” MLB official, you got it dead wrong and you’re speaking out of turn. Keep your mouth shut and play your game, and at the end of the day you can still honor Derek Jeter and you should, because that’s what you’re supposed to do, or better yet, make an announcement tonight that Christian Lopez will be rescued for his tax trouble. Refocus your negative energy on that mess, and make it a positive, won’t you? It’s the least you can do.

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WHY I’LL NEVER FORGET KERRY WOOD

I had always been a Kerry Wood fan. Any pitcher that can fan 20 is a gamer in my book. To me, He and Mark Prior, while they were hammered with injury after injury were so money with the Cubs, when they were healthy. So while I was looking through my Bleeding Yankee Blue archives, I could help but stop and reminisce about the good times of Kerry Wood in the Yankees bullpen. It made me smile thinking about it.

I just remember that we wanted to see Wood in the game any chance we could. Not only was he dominant, he was healthy and off the field, his happiness flowed through the bullpen and clubhouse. I remember pitchers like Joba Chamberlain were in awe of him, complimenting him as getting all the bullpen pitchers into a rthyhm. Read that great piece HERE. It was a great marriage even though it was brief.

I remember when the Yankees picked him up at the deadline. It was he, Austin Kearns, and Lance Berkman. While Kearns fell out of favor for me with his terrible stint in the Bronx. Berkman too was larger than life for me and it’s always cool to see veterans that you like in baseball who have worn certain uniforms for so long, the Cubs (Wood) and the Astros (Berkman) to then suddenly see them in pinstripes. It basically means the Yankees think they were good enough to contribute in some way. Some players can’t hack it. Wood could and he did it with grace. Berkman handled it the best he could, I think he was dealing with the shock that Houston was willing to part with him and he was dealing with abandonment issues. Frankly, the reality is, he rose above it and did what he could to contribute. He’s over it now, not sure if you've checked in on Berkman but he's batting .336 right now and he’s kicking ass in St. Louis. I'd say, good for him.

But, back to Kerry Wood. He’s over in Chicago again, his home town and he’s happy and that’s all you ask for these guys. When they come over the the Bronx, some want to latch on, some need it as a stepping stone. The Yankees needed them for a championship. It didn’t happen, but it’s not the fault of Wood or Berkman, it’s just life in baseball.

So, if you get a chance,watch a Cubs game or a Cardinals game and check those guys out. They’ve moved on and they’re doing alright. The Yankees moved on too. I guess I haven’t. I guess I just miss those guys. I guess I just love baseball, that’s all.

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WHY I CAN WHEEL & DEAL TOO

The Yankees so far this season have not disappointed, and have exceeded expectations pitching wise for sure. We currently are in 1st place and nothing seems wrong in Yankeeland, and quite frankly, nothing is really wrong...nothing that is, except for the fact that we rely too much on home runs and that will come back to bite us in the ass. Plus, we could really use one more great starter to bring us to the next step.

Since the season has began, we have been wondering what moves Brian Cashman will make since he had a terrible offseason in Yankees terms. I say that because at the time, we had no idea what pitchers like Colon and Garcia would do and Russell Martin was a mystery too because of his injury history. So, now we're at the point where fans wonder, will he get Felix Hernandez? For who? Who else will he get?

As you know, Cashman seems to almost always make a splash with trades in general, whether during the season or during the offseason, something always happens with the man. Some of the players Cashman has acquired in the recent past via trade are:1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Curtis Granderson
3. Bobby Abreu
4. Lance Berkman
5. Kerry Wood
6. Austin Kearns

Just to name a few. My point is, I think there is at least 1 trade that should be made for sure, and others that we should consider, although truth be told, It's tough to decide who I'd give up for certain players. At any rate, check out my trade scenarios:(photo: AP)
Yankees get: Felix Hernandez

Mariners get: Jesus Montero and any one of these 3 pitchers: Ivan Nova, Dellin Betances, and Andrew Brackman.

Other players I think the Yanks could use:

Juan Pierre: Great speed, great table setter if Gardner's struggles continue.

Justin Upton: Good pop, good speed, good all around player.

Andre Eithier: If someone were to break Joe D's streak, shouldn't it be a Yankee?
Shin Soo-Choo: Great hitter for average, one of the most underrated players in the game.

These are just guys I think can help the Yanks, especially come the trade deadline. But, enough about my thought, what about you? Who do you think the Yanks should trade for? Do you think that my Felix trade proposal is a good one? Let me know, send me an email at wjcohen119@aol.com or by just adding me on Facebook. Search the BYB group for my name:
Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer and let me know what you think.



--Will Cohen, BYB Staff Writer

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WHY THERE'S A TEXAS TWO STEP

According to KHOU.com, Pettitte and Berkman both talked about their futures:

Pettitte: "The three years were great here, there's no doubt about it. But at this point in my career, it'll be New York or it'll be nowhere for sure. (I) just feel like I've done too many things up there and too many special things up there with that group of guys for too many years, not to finish it up ... up there," he said.

"I'm just going to wait and see what my heart wants me to do. Right now, I can tell you my heart's right here in Deer Park. If something happens and I play one more year that would be it. It would be one more year and that would be it," he said.

That last quote translates to what I said in my post WHY WE NEED PETTITTE from November 11th. Pettitte is waiting. He's enjoying his family and he's waiting to see just IF Cliff Lee comes to the Yankees, if he does, then Pettitte does. That's my prediction.

Berkman spoke out today about his future as well: "Certainly this would have been my first choice to come back here and play for the Astros, but I think the organization wants to go in a different direction, and so, of course, that's gonna force me to go in a different direction," Lance Berkman said. "It'll be interesting to see how it plays out."

WHY CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: PART 2

We knew it was coming but who knew it would be this fast. For me, I'm personally bummed about Kerry Wood.

Yes, it's true, the Yanks declined the options for Wood, Berkman, and accident prone Nick Johnson. Wood did well for us in the end of the season. Berkman got into a rhythm alittle late, and Johnson... well, that was a stupid signing to begin with.

Wood had an $11 million option. Berkman's option was $15. If the Yanks want Lee, they need to lose these guys. Good luck to you both. Selfishly, I hope they try and bring Wood back, because they can, but he'll be expensive, not sure what will happen on that front.

Change is definitely in the air.

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WHY THE YANKEES CLICK IN OCTOBER

Andy looked uncomfortable and then something clicked. When it clicked, life was good. Major props to Granderson who was just outstanding tonight with some hits and a rally starter as well as my buddy with the sweet swing... Lance Berkman. I don't have to continue to tell you how much I love that swing and how confident I was that it would be a factor in the playoffs. It was, Yankee fans are overjoyed tonight.

There were many interesting parts of tonight's game as the Yankees lead the ALDS series 2-0. First off, small ball, sacrifice hits that scored runs were key. Second was speed. Gardner steals a base and it turned into a run after Grandy singles. Beautiful. And of course Jeter and his run scoring single, and his defensive double play. Got to love the Captain.

Player of the game by far is a tie for me. Curtis Granderson for sure is one of those guys: 1 double, 2 singles and a couple RBI's. Got to love this guys drive, he belongs in the playoffs. Secondly, you've to to give it to Andy Pettitte. After he settled down, he was lights out. I have said for days now that this game hinged on Pettitte's performance tonight. Right now, with the Yankees headed back to the Bronx for a Saturday game, it is clear to me, that we can take this series with a confident Yankee team and a rested Phil Hughes.

It's funny, every since the Yankees started consistantly getting to the playoffs, Andy Pettitte was the guy who was the game changer for the Yanks. If they were against the wall, he'd pitch and most likely dig them out single handedly. This time he was the one who really could help keep momentum on the Yankees side and did! Now we are on the verge of clinching. Can New York do it? I believe... yes.

By the way, I must point out Kerry Wood. His pitching is just totally amazing. The eighth was his and he handled batters like nothing. Beautiful performance and Mo of course. He is the man.

Also, there was nothing better than beating Carl Pavano for the second playoff game against him in 2 years. While he had a good season this year, he had 4 really bad ones with the Yankees and just milked his contract for everything he had. No one in New York likes him and everyone wanted him to lose. Feels so good to see him walk off the mound and let another team down for a change.

Tonight everything worked. It wasn't just homeruns, it was sacrifices, bunts singles, speed and aggression, not to mention stellar pitching. Tonight the Yankees played like a truly hungry ball club. It showed and it was glorious.

Now that I got the important stuff out of the way, I have to continue my rant about the absolutely horrible love affair between the TBS announcers and the Minnesota Twins. It is an absolute embarrassment to have National game broadcasters openly rooting for the Minnesota Twins. I am truly disappointed at John Smoltz. He, of all of them should try and be alittle fair, especially after all the years he played against the Yankees and how over the years he's expressed respect for them, and the feeling was mutual for Smotlzy as well from what I remember. Ron Darling is a waste of space and just says some of the stupidest things I've ever heard. And with all that noise, you really don't need Ernie Johnson, he just adds to the stupid rooting machine. And again, what the F is Craig Sager wearing? That guy must have raided Liberace's closet. Bro, it's a baseball game not a fashion show.

Saturday is game three of the ALDS. While it is important to sweep the Twins, it's not necessary. Although, for a confidence builder for a young Phil Hughes in a potential playoff clincher, it would kick ass.

A day of rest tomorrow. Let's reflect and think about what we are about to embark on again this year, a chance to move on to the ALCS. Go Yanks go!

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WHY THE GHOST OF RUTH LIVES

Things are happening Yankee fans and the team did nothing tonight but get snuggled in their hotel room bed in Boston so they can get ready for the last three games of 2010. The Tampa Bay Rays lost tonight to the Kansas City Royals 3-2. Huge news. The ghost of the Bambino is alive and well and visiting Kansas City apparently. So right now, the Yankees and the Rays are TIED for first place. How exciting is that.

Each team still has three games to go. My money's on the Yankees. Girardi has made it pretty clear today that the Division series is the goal. Sure we want to rest our stars but we don't have that luxury this year. So, what do we need to do? We need to go balls out and win the Division. You know I love that.

My feeling is this, if Girardi is serious about this, a few things need to happen.

1. We can never see Mitre and Gaudin, unless we're losing my 8 runs and we have no shot.

2. Berkman needs to take pitches instead of swinging at the first one all the time. That sweet swing of his can get us some big runs.

3. Cano needs to get in the zone amd stay there. Not only can he win the MVP, but he's been so great all year and he can be the key to winning the division.

4. Home Runs are nice, but the way the Yankees played on Tuesday night when CC pitched was better; small ball, move the runners over. A bloop, THEN a blast.

All these things are important.

I'm going to bed. I'm going to dream about Pettitte going 7 innings. I'm going to dream about Dice-K getting shelled tomorrow night by the 4th inning. I'm going to dream about small ball, good pitching and speed. I'm going to dream about the Bambino giving us alittle help too.

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WHY PITCHING WINS BALLGAMES

The last time I felt this feeling in my gut it lasted through the winter and I was pissed at the world. It was 2004 and the Yankees blew the ALCS verses the Red Sox losing 4 in a row. I was distraught. I'm right there again, disgusted and anxious and I want to punch Pedroia in the bad foot.

How in the world can the final week of baseball be falling apart like this for the Yankees? There is no way of understanding it.

Pettitte, who I love, looked horrible. No way to get around it. It was a horrible start in what is considered a do or die series. Think about it, they need a few games to essentially clinch playoff spot and they are pissing it away with a 3rd place team. It doesn't make sense right now.

I'll will tell you though, in all the disaster of tonight's game, let's talk about class for a moment. Curtis Granderson. He had 3 hits tonight, but that's not the story. The story is he hits a hard ball that was clearly an out down first base. It takes a weird bounce and smacks Lowell in the face. After Grandy gets to first, he calls time out and checks in with Lowell. Now I hate the Red Sox, but that's a class act. At that moment, selfishly I'm thinking "Good, maybe waiting for Lowell to get up is a good thing, it distracts Beckett and then the Yanks will rally and score 9 runs to tie it."

It's funny the way things work. Eventually the Yanks showed life, just not enough and at the end of the day, it's another loss and we're knocked out of first place. The Rays beat Toronto and now all I can do is hope the Yanks win the next 2 and take the series. That's all we have right now. One game at a time of course, but think about winning the series.

By the way, props to Tex for hitting 2 solo's. The last home run he hit before that was August 31st. That's a long time. Maybe he'll come out of his slumber now. And, I loved A-Rod's 2 home runs, Swish's yard looked sweet as hell, and Berkman's swing is the most beautiful sight these eyes have ever seen, I just wish the ball would grow eyes and get away from the fielders. Having someone like him in the lineup is key, especially if his base hits are consistant. I'm telling you, Berkman's as close as it gets right now. That and the combo of a Jeter hitting in 11 straight, Swisher and Tex hitting as well as Alex and Grandy and we have something, now if we could only pitch well too. Damn, that would be something now wouldn't it?

The bottom line tonight is the Yankees lost to the Red Sox. It's harder on the fans than losing to the Royals or the Rangers. Fans hate the Red Sox, Hell, the Yankees hate the Red Sox, and they hate us back. So, what do we do? Saturday and Sunday need to be the beginning of something big, a winning streak.

Vince Lombardi once said "It is time for us to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever, the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it." It's go time Yanks, it's go time.

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WHY WINS BUILD CONFIDENCE

The offense was clicking again last night. Hughes had his good moments and bad ones. But it is clear to me his young arm is tired. But what can you do? They stretched him last night in preparation for the playoffs and they have to. I also liked seeing Javy in the relief role and I will tell you what... That long man in the bullpen is valuable. If Javy gets into some games and shuts down the opposition, that spot has got to be his. I would prefer to not give it to Mitre or Gaudin.

Jeter did well last night and I love Swisher in our lineup and when he's healthy, he can hit the crap out of the ball. What a gamer. You know Swisher's doing something right when my son gets up to bat in his Fall baseball league and nails Swisher's stance cold in the batter's box... Down to the staring at the bat over home plate to him looking into the sky for that brief moment. Swish is becoming a Yankee icon. Keep it going Swish.

A-Rod looked good last night but I can't seem to understand his approach to these games lately. Is he conserving his energy or is he still not 100 percent? He looks alittle slow out there. Should I be worried? I'll get back to you on that.

Finally, Berkman. I've been all over this guy since he came to New York. He looks lost and uncomfortable but you can tell he's ready to pop. Last night was a perfect example of him finding his way back to his groove. When he hits the ball, it looks downright beautiful. What's great for him lately is while he swings beautifully, his balls are finding the holes. That's a nice combination.

Right now the magic number to clinch the division is 10. It is still a long road but doable. With the Yanks clicking and being home, it is very possible that the Rays get swept and I'm confident that can happen. But I'm getting over excited, one game at a time. Keep it going New York, get us there.

Tonight's AJ vs. Wade Davis. Burnett's had a mini-rivival as of late so with the way he's been pitching all year, he's bound to collapse at any minute. That being said, his confidence is coming back and he's got to have the post season fever. Wade Davis is tricky but beatable. Stike early, keep getting into that tired Rays bullpen and you'll snag another game... Getting closer to the post season. Maybe CC needs to give AJ a shiner in the other eye tonight... Just saying.

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