The American League Championship Series moves to the Bronx tonight as the Yankees and Rangers are locked up at one game apiece. The pitching matchup of Andy Pettitte and Cliff Lee should be a great one.
However, there may be a matchup that is just as important.
Yankees starter Andy Pettitte must keep the Texas base runners from running wild. The Rangers got the Yankees in an early hole in Game 2 after stealing three bases, including a steal of home in the first inning.
The Rangers are a very aggressive team on the base paths. Manager Ron Washington has his club thinking about the extra base at all times. The Yankees could be one of the easiest teams to do that on.
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada’s defensive skills have diminished greatly the past couple years. He has had trouble throwing runners out all season, and that has carried into the playoffs. Posada is also having some trouble blocking balls in the dirt of late.
The combination of Posada’s struggles and the aggressiveness of the Texas base runners will be a challenge for Pettitte.
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