Orioles or Rangers?

[Gigi Buffon]

Baltimore.

[Black Sabbathia]

I'd like to play whoever wins today's game

[b_joseph]

Both teams could beat us, so I'll just accept whoever comes through that game and hope that we have enough luck/ability to beat them.

The only match up I want this year is to play the Giants in the World Series. I think that would be awesome.

[aeromac76]

Orioles.
Their lineup is easier to pitch to, they are mostly mistake hitters who K a lot. That's is easier to navigate and they don't have any single pitcher who really scares me the way Darvish might.

But Texas is down right now, might be a good time to get them.

If our pitching does not crap the bed and we actually pick up a couple of knocks with runners on base, I think we can beat either team. But I do think we have more margin for error against the Orioles.

What I am really rooting for is that the Tex/Bal WC play in game goes about 39 innings or so.

[geoffman]

I honestly could care less who we play. This is the playoffs everyone is good.

I just want the Yankees to play good baseball. Nothing else matters. Lets get it done.

[heyabbott]

Im fine with you wanting Baltimore but as far as a guy who can wreck a game, you do know that A Jones hit 32 Hr right?

Jones is not a disciplined hitter, 126K/34BB and he hit 16 of his 32 HRs in the 1st 2 months of the season

[35Knucklecurve]

I don't care who we play - just glad I don't have to chug Maalox tonight.

[BronxYanks45]

Orioles and the A's are the hottest teams in baseball right now. The Rangers rotation is a mess and they blew a 13 game divison lead. Bring on the Rangers. Dont want to see the fightin O's in a 5 game series

[rajah]

The Orioles were hot until they got to Tampa. Apart from their excellent bullpen, there is no way they can match up against a Yankee team that is playing to its talent.

The Rangers, if they wake up, would have a shot against the Yankees playing well. Unlike the Orioles, they have the talent to beat the Yankees without the Yankees playing poorly.

In any event, the Rangers are going to be heavy favorites in a game in their park started by Darvish against a total question mark.

[Battingly]

In any event, the Rangers are going to be heavy favorites in a game in their park started by Darvish against a total question mark.

So if Darvish is going for Texas on Friday, that means he can only pitch once in the ALDS and it won't be until Game 4, right?

If thats the case, we might be better off with Texas, because the rest of their pitchers are pretty weak.

Also Baltimore is not using one of their best pitchers on Friday, its probably Saunders or Johnson, so if they can escape with a win their pitching will be set up for the ALDS the way they would prefer it to be set up.

[knickfan23]

A 5 game series is a crapshoot.

We have seen too much evidence over the years now with the small sample size to prove this out.

Are the Orioles a better team than the Yankees? IMO, no. But can they beat them 3 times out of 5 over the course of 6 days? Absolutely.

[bcom33]

Anyone who isn't saying Orioles is absolutely kidding themselves. They're the far inferior team.

[snapple]

We've handled Texas all season. They're ripe for the picking.

[Battingly]

We've handled Texas all season. They're ripe for the picking.

I've seen too many teams dominate certain teams in the regular season, then lose to them in the post season, to know that stat is fools gold.

[NYYankeesFan92]

I've seen too many teams dominate certain teams in the regular season, then lose to them in the post season, to know that stat is fools gold.

I agree, in 2007 we were 6-0 against the Indians in the regular season & we all know how that ended.

[awy]

We've handled Texas all season. They're ripe for the picking.

rofl u serious

[YankeeStripes]

Personally, I think going to Texas could be rough. The Yanks struggled there in 2010. I think baltimore is more suited to the Yankees HR style, but also tougher on our pitchers.

One thing is for sure, neither one of these teams is a walkover.

I am rooting for a Yankees vs A's ALCS.

[HerbieLee20]

Not gonna underestimate the Os for one second. So they don't match up on paper? How about those magic rabbits in their hats all year?
Same goes for Oakland.

Maalox & Scotch, all around.

However, Yankees are Underdogs (Mo, Brett, Tex' calf most likely still being an issue...etc.) -- just not as "suprising".

Gonna be nailbiters!!


(Oh, and: We got RAUUUUUUL too!!! )

[Battingly]

I agree, in 2007 we were 6-0 against the Indians in the regular season & we all know how that ended.

Indeed, and believe me, we weren't the first team to sweep a season series and lose to that same team in the playoffs.

[Yankee Tripper]

Who cares?? We can beat either of them.

Post of the thread.

[ymike673]

We've handled Texas all season. They're ripe for the picking.

Yankees were 4-3 against Texas. That hardly qualifies as handling them.

[ymike673]

Baltimore would be the better opponet based on less traveling distance plus the Yankees great success at Camden Yards including this season.
Texas losing first place means nothing. We all wanted Detroit in 2006 after they were swept by the Royals to lose their Division and what ended up happining?
Yankees can beat Texas but would rather see the O's.

[ChinMusic]

Were doomed either way.

[Abe Frohman]

We've handled Texas all season. They're ripe for the picking.

U r insane my friend.

The 2009 - 2012 Rangers remind me of the 2002 - 2008 Angels. They'll play way over their heads against us. That lineup is reeling, but deep nonetheless.

Im not hoping for anyone in particular, but the Rangers are just a better team overall than Baltimore.

whoever wins will due ... cant friggin wait for sunday.

[snapple]

Texas SP, beyond Darvish, is a joke at best.