Tonight the Yankees are playing the Red Sox in Fort Meyers. You can check out the game on ESPN 2 at 7 PM. Manny Banuelos is scheduled to start, replacing Mitre who has been sidelined with a minor injury. Alfredo Aceves is starting for the Red Sox as he is attempting to make his way into their rotation. Aceves was released this offseason by the Yankees after injuries plagued his 2010 season. He now is fighting for a shot to make the starting squad for Boston.
Althought tonight's game has been hyped since Banuelos is starting against Boston, I wouldn't read too much into the game. Boston is playing their varsity squad tonight and this lineup looks tough. Boston really made some improvements this offseason and pose a major threat in the already strong, AL East.
RED SOX
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Carl Crawford LF
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
David Ortiz DH
Mike Cameron RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Marco Scutaro SS
What Yankee fans should be looking for with Banuelos is how he reacts to a lineup filled with stars. Banuelos throws a 96 MPH fastball, a curveball and a changeup. Although he has been dominant with these pitches (especially his fastball) in each of his prior spring training games, this lineup is strong and will pose a challenge. He is slated for somewhere between 50-60 pitches tonight. If Banuelos can bounce back after giving up a hit and continue to throw strikes and attack the batters, he will make a strong impact. Ultimately Banuelos will start the season in Double-A, but he can make a major league impression with a dominant outing against the Red Sox.
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