The Orioles and Yanks meet up for the first time at Camden Yards this year and there are still tickets as Sadler pointed out yesterday. Stop by and pick up a ticket for the yard. As for the weekend series, the Yankees come in as the leaders of the AL East at 10-6 and the Orioles trail them by 3 games at 8-10. The Orioles recently had an 8 game skid but won two of three against the Twins at home to break the streak. The Yankeese split a pair against the Jays at the Rogers Centre most recently. Let’s break down the weekend series.
We first begin with pitching.
Friday @ 7: CC Sabathia (0-1, 2.52 ERA) vs. Brad Bergeson (0-2, 3.38 ERA)
Saturday @ 7: Freddy Garcia (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Chris Tillman (0-2, 6.16 ERA)
Sunday @ 1:30: Ivan Nova (1-2, 7.63 ERA) vs. Jake Arrieta (2-1, 5.06 ERA)
Sabathia has been really good this year but has had hard luck against him between lack of hitting and lack of defense (CC might have a small inkling of what Tim Lincecum has to go through). I feel he will get his first victory of the year tonight but I think the Birds can rally and pick up a win in the other two.

As for the infield, the Yankees have Russell Martin, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and A-Rod. Of the group, Jeter is the weak link as his struggles at the dish have continued into this year. As an Orioles fan, I am happy to see it but as a baseball fan, it is hard to watch at times. The Orioles have Wieters, Derrek Lee, Brian Roberts, Cesar Izturis, and Mark Reynolds (The Human Windmill) around the infield. The two teams are pretty equal around the infield at least to this point in the season. The Orioles win catcher, and the Yanks have the edge at third and the other three positions are a toss up.

As for outfield, the Bronx Bombers have Brett Gardner, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada at DH. Not exactly a killer outfield with power. The Orioles counter with Luke Scott, Adam Jones, and Nick Markakis with Vladdy DHing. The Orioles have a distinct advantage in the outfield.

As for bullpens, the Orioles can’t compete with the best closer of all time in Rivera and Raphael Soriano and Joba have pitched pretty well thus far. It should be a competitive series and the Orioles have the firepower and arms to take two of three from the Yanks. Come on down to Camden Yards and catch the weekend action.