Previewing the Opponent: LA Angels

Probable Pitchers
Tuesday, April 13th, 1:05 p.m.

RHP Ervin Santana (0-1, 6.00 ERA) vs. LHP Andy Petitte (0-0, 1.50 ERA)

Wed., April 14th, 1:05 p.m.

LHP Scott Kazmir (0-0) vs. Javier Vasquez (0-1; 12.71 ERA)

Thurs., April 15th, 7:05 p.m.

RHP Jered Weaver (1-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. TBA

The Angels (2-5) have been a thorn in the Yankees' side for some time now, especially during the postseason. But with both teams sporting new players, how will the three-game series shape up?

The Yankees’ loss -- Hideki Matsui -- has already proven to be a huge gain for the Angels. The DH is batting .370 with a .414OBP percentage through seven games. He also has 10 hits (including two home runs) and five RBI.

However, the Angels are without pitcher John Lackey -- now with the Red Sox -- who closed out 2009 with a 3.83 ERA and 139 strikeouts and gave up just three hits in six innings against the Bombers Wednesday at Fenway).

And the Yanks don't have to worry about facing DH/RF Vlad Guerrero just yet. He signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth $5.5M, plus incentives.

But Angels pitchers must also adjust to a somewhat new Yankees' (4-2) lineup. Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera are no longer in pinstripes, but Curtis Granderson (and his .348BA and two HRs) appears to be picking up the slack.