Yanks won't have to face an ace in Game 1 of ALCS
Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee will start Game 5 of the ALDS against the Rays' David Price, which means neither ace will face the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALCS. (Oct. 6, 2010) Credit: Getty Images
No matter whether the Tampa Bay Rays or Texas Rangers advance to the American League Championship Series against the Yankees, one thing already is certain.
Their best pitcher won't be able to go in Game 1.
Tampa's David Price will oppose Texas' Cliff Lee Tuesday night in a matchup of aces, meaning neither can pitch on regular rest until ALCS Game 3 Monday night at Yankee Stadium.
Price or Lee could come back on three days' rest for Game 2 Saturday night but still would not be able to start three ALCS games unless there are rainouts.
On a conference call with reporters Mondayafternoon, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that after his team advances, he always hopes the other series "maxes out."
With the Rays winning two straight games to force Game 5, it makes it all the better for the Yankees because of how it affects the availability of Price and Lee for the next round.
In the last three regular seasons, Lee is 4-1 with a 2.56 ERA in 421/3 innings spanning six starts against the Yankees. While pitching for the Phillies in the 2009 World Series, Lee beat the Yankees in both of his starts, posting a 2.81 ERA in 16 innings.
Price is 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.125 WHIP against the Yankees in eight career regular-season appearances, seven of which were starts.
Cashman refused to say whether the Rangers or Rays would present a better matchup for the Yankees, but he did have one more request: an extra-inning Game 5 Tuesday night.
He added, "Let it go 21 innings if it has to."
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