ALDS 2006 – Game 2 Key
Some splits, this season, on the Tigers starter tonight, Justin Verlander:
ERA – Home: 3.31, Road: 3.91
ERA – Day: 2.78, Night: 3.98
Since this is a night game, on the road for Verlander, the Yankees have an advantage here. But, an ERA just under 4 is still great.
Here’s another split on Justin:
BA allowed – vs. Left: .279, vs. Right: .253
Therefore, look for Posada, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, Damon and Abreu to do the heavy lifting tonight.
Giambi is not a great night hitter. And, Cano and Damon hit better on the road than in the Bronx.
Posada, this season, has hit RHP well, and excels in the Bronx at night.
Therefore, Jorge is the secret weapon in this game for the Yankees – or, at least, he should be one. Maybe Matsui or Abreu can sneak in there too.
I think tonight is almost a must win game because then it takes all the pressure off Johnson for Game 3 and it won’t even matter if they win Game 3 or not…obviously they could still win the series if they lose tonight but I think it makes it a hell of alot easier if they win tonight and take the pressure off Johnson for Game 3…or else this thing could drag to 5 games
I think the most important Verlander split is his pre/post All-Star break split. He had a 6.82 era in August and 4.82 in Sept. He’s not the same pitcher he was earlier this year.
Also, his 10.80 era against the Yanks, 7.50 vs Boston, and 7.82 vs Chicago tells me he struggles against strong lineups. Throw out his 3 wins and 0.86 era against KC and he’s a very ordinary pitcher.