Over at PB, Steven Goldman writes:
Phil Hughes has got to start on the road. Batters hit a home run once every 20 at-bats at home, but only once every 53 at-bats on the road. Target Field, with its hard-to-reach fences, seems to have been built for him. Andy Pettitte has the Yankees great gravitas that would normally make him an easy choice for the spot, but given how their rotation after the top three is… imaginary, the Yankees can’t overlook this chance to minimize Hughes’ weaknesses and put him in position to win.
I'd be more than happy to see Hughes start Game 2.
It just makes all sorts of sense. With CC destined to start Game 1, you even get the usual lefty pitcher at Yankee Stadium benefit with Pettitte going in Game 3, and whatever benefits derive from breaking up the lefties too.
I predict a Thome home run off of Hughes.
The main thing is to crush Pavano. That didn't happen last year. Let's not repeat that mistake.
[3] I'd say the main thing is that the Yanks win 3 ALDS games . . . but that's just me. =) If Pavano gets tagged with the loss, great. If its a Twins reliever and Pavano pitches well, great.
Pavano worries me. He's been effective against the Yankees for some odd reason.
5) I'm with you.
[4] No no no. It's much more important that they beat Pavano. Who in their right mind would care more about advancing???
Come on now