Well gang:
What a terribly way to start an important 10-game stretch for the Yankees.
Just when the Bombers were really starting to roll, along comes the Anaheim Angels or the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim or the Disneyland Angels, whatever they're going by this year.
For as long as the Yankees have enjoyed this great success under Joe Torre, one team has really had New York's number year after year. And it is not the Boston Red Sox. It's those Angels.
In the years the Yankees were clearly the better team, the Angels still proved a tough opponent, and as Anaheim improved, it only got that much more difficult for the Yankees to play. I give the Angels a lot of credit in that they play the game the right way -- except when they play the Red Sox when they roll over and play dead.
But against the Yankees, they do EVERYTHING right.
As I write this it's about 2 1/2 hours to the finale of the series. With the Yankees already losing the first two games -- by the way I think Garrett Anderson just drove in another run -- salvaging Game 3 becomes that much more important.
Despite the Yankees throwing Andy Pettitte tonight, who's been more than good the since the All-Star break, I don't like the Yankees' chances. They face the Angels best in John Lackey, who is practically lights out -- unless you're wearing a Boston uniform.
The Yankees caught a break in the Twins losing, so no matter what, they'll leave Anaheim at the most 2 1/2 games out of the wild card.
Maybe Pettitte can outpitch Lackey, or maybe the Bombers should show up wearing Boston red to frighten the Angels. Anyway, I, for one, will be glad if the Yankees don't see Anaheim until next year.
Until next time, take care and God bless.