ALCS Game 1 Preview: Tigers @ Yankees

Of course Yankees and fans don't get a day off; some time to rest and have a good night of sleep, since this postseason has started. But I'll take it two more sleepless, anxious nights to be at the ALCS.

World Series and revenge -- the words that should be in the Yankees minds right now.

World Series: Four wins away from getting a chance to capture number 28.

Revenge: Last year. That was a bitter taste to swallow, after losing that heartbreaking Game 5. It was one of the most toughest losses in Yankee postseason history.

Andy Pettitte: A healthy Pettitte -- knock on wood -- is huge for this postseason. Remember, in the 2010 ALCS against the Texas Rangers, Pettitte was skipped in the Game 2 start, because of back problems. If he pitches Game 2 of that series when the Yankees were up 1-0, could have been a different outcome in that ALCS.

Even in 2009 when the Yankees won it all, he back problems going into the postseason.

Pettitte needs to neutralize Prince Fielder, tonight. Do what you can against Miguel Cabrera, but don't give him much to hit. Give him first base. Though, Pettitte will try to get Cabrera out -- he won't give up on him that easily.

Curtis Granderson: I hope that homerun yesterday sparks him. Yankees need him desperately.

Granderson loves to play against his old team. At last year's ALDS against the Tigers, he was 5 for 20, with 4 runs scored, 4 walks, 3 ribbies, and 1 double, triple and homerun. Wasn't great, but wasn't terrible.

Last night, he showed why you can bench him; especially at Yankee Stadium, because when he gets his pitch, it's going out the ball park.

Alex Rodriguez: Back in the lineup -- and has a brand new life.

I expect A-Rod to really break out. I do. He's due. Also, Yankees can't have A-Rod not hitting well. They need him. Of course, when he's not hitting they don't, but they need him.

A-Rod just needs to make contact. It seems like he's trying to hit the ball out of the ballpark, every time.  He's got to realize he's not that player anymore. He's going too much with his body, and not swinging with the fat part of the bat.


Okay, that's enough. I gotta post this -- I would love to type more, but I'm running late. I'll back for the Yankee Fallout after Game 1. Go Yanks !