N.Y. Yankees: Here Come The Sawx

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Yankees lead season series 2-0

I - NYY 8; BOS 0

II - NYY 5; BOS 3

BOSTON RED SOX

vs.

NEW YORK YANKEES

Bronx County Grounds

THE RIVALRY: ROUND TWO

As of Memorial Day the Yankees were in first place boasting a 35-18 (.660) record with a two game lead over the second place Tampa Bay Rays.  Considering their spate of roster altering injuries, the manner in which the Yankees are achieving their present level of success continues being nothing short of remarkable, and remains the lead story of the A.L. East.

In April both teams limped into their first encounter of the season at Yankee Stadium.  Despite sweeping both games, all the Yankees (8-9) could do was close to within one game of par.  In the meantime Boston had fallen to 6-13 which of course was a far cry from their team record setting start of just one season ago.

The Yankees are 27-9 (.750) since that series.  Boston, likewise far from being injury free, seems to at least gotten over its World Series hangover having gone 23-12 (.657) over the same span, but still lag 6.5 games behind the Yankees as of Monday's holiday check point.

Offensively, these teams are running near neck and neck.

• YANKEES slashing .258/.336/.446; w/162 extra base hits; 26 stolen bases; 446 strikeouts; 280 runs scored minus 82 home runs = 198 net runs.

• RED SOX slashing .256/.339/.433; w/171 extra base hits; 33 stolen bases; 427 strikeouts; 277 runs scored minus 75 home runs = 202 net runs.

The Yankees are also second in the league in providing their pitchers with 5.38 runs of support.  The Red Sox are right behind offering their hurlers 5.23 runs of support.  That said, the Yankees own another marginal edge over the Red Sox.

• NYY: 3.82 ERA; 1.22 WHiP; .231 BAA; .707 OPS; 72 HR; 163 BB; 495 K; 3.04 K/W ratio
• BOS: 4.23 ERA; 1.24 WHiP; .232 BAA; .719 OPS; 69 HR; 174 BB; 519 K; 2.98 K/W ratio

It's the bullpen where the Yankees own a more distinct advantage.  The Red Sox biggest problem right now is their relief corp.  They're blowing 40% (8/20) of their opportunities.  Meanwhile the Yankees are converting 72% of their save opportunities.