Some thoughts:

  1. Jason Bay is hurt and will miss at least the first two games. That’s a plus for the Yankees since he’s killed them.
  2. Boston is slow. With Bay out…even slower. Victor Martinez, Youkilis, Drew, Varitek, Papi…all slow on the basepaths.  Only Pedroia and Elsbury have speed. Double plays a-plenty.
  3. Boston will see a different Yankee bullpen than in games earlier this year.
  4. I disagree with John S., I think A-Rod is going to have a big series. I have no supporting data, it’s just a feeling.
  5. I think Joba comes down to earth tonight. I still think the Yanks win, but I see Joba not making it past the 5th inning. My reason: I put Burnett on the bench on my fantasy team and started Joba for the week. I’m bound to pay the price for this since I haven’t started him since the All-Star break. Sorry guys.
  6. The Yankees need to knock Smoltz out early in tonight’s game. Get into that bullpen and tire them out for the following games.
  7. It will be interesting how Yankee fans great the cheater Big Papi. Boston fans pummelled A-Rod at Fenway…time to return the favor.
  8. Is V-Mart a contender or a pretender in a Boston uniform against the Yanks? I think he tries to do to much in the absence of Bay and is a non-factor.
  9. Hinske will be a bigger factor in this series than V-Mart.
  10. Word to Girardi: LET HUGHES FINISH THE EIGHT INNING. No more 4-out saves for Mo unless it means a playoff berth.