YANKEES ALDS GAME 1 PREVIEW

Today starts what we have been waiting for all season. The start of the American League Division Series. We have already faced and beaten the Twins five times this century in the postseason, so what makes this series any different?

But, we shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves. The Twins were good enough to get to the postseason too so we need to bring our A-game. Like Jenna said, DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE TWINS!

Source: Sioux City Journal

“There really is some schoolyard bully to their game — they can ambush you, hit you and hit you some more from a lot of places in the lineup, and if they get the lead they are tough,” said a scout who covers the Twins. “You better be ready to stand up to them from the first pitch and not rest with that lineup. There is real length there.”

The Yankees have left CC Sabathia off their roster for the series. Meaning James Paxton will start Game 1 tonight, and will be followed by Masahiro Tanaka and Luis Severino respectively. Paxton has good numbers against the Twins, with a 2.27 ERA in 31.2 innings.

J.A. Happ will start in the bullpen but could be an option for Game 4.

Source: New York Times

"It's tough, obviously, being here and not being able to participate in playoffs," Sabathia said. "I didn't want to put the team in jeopardy. I want the best opportunity for this team to win a championship. I feel like we have a good opportunity. I didn't want to be selfish and go out there hurt and put the team in a bad spot."

Aaron Judge sees tonight as the real Opening Day.

"They can say that 162 is the regular season, but that's spring training," he said. "This is when it counts. This is when it all counts. This is when it matters. The first one to 11."

The Judge has spoken. Let's win this division!

--Missy O'Rourke
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @missy_orourke