The Kansas City Royals have long been one of the whipping boys in baseball. In fact, the last time they were favored in a game against the New York Yankees came back in 2008, and that was the only game in which they were favored in this series since the 2005 season. Now, KC is expected to give the Bronx Bombers fits this weekend when the two meet at Kauffman Stadium, and New York could be in some trouble when you look at the pitching matchups that are on tap.

Friday’s clash pits RHP Phil Hughes against RHP Wade Davis. Davis has had a lousy career against the Yankees, but Hughes doesn’t have a win in his career against Kansas City either. Batters are knocking Hughes around to the tune of a .290 batting average this year, and the Royals have the bats to make him pay for leaving too many balls in the middle of the plate once again.

The best game for MLB picks in this series might be Saturday. The ageless LHP Andy Pettitte will challenge RHP James Shields in a game that the Royals will certainly be expected to win. Shields is only 2-2 on the season, but he is coming off of his best start in a Kansas City uniform when he allowed just two hits in eight scoreless innings against the Chicago White Sox.

On Sunday, this series wraps up with the two best pitchers in terms of ERA on these staffs squaring off. RHP Ervin Santana has been a pleasant surprise this year for the Royals with his 2.36 ERA, but he might be in some trouble in this game against New York. The Yankees are going to be throwing RHP Hiroki Kuroda, who has been the best pitcher on their staff with a 4-2 record and a 2.30 ERA to show for his work thus far this year.

The New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays are set to do battle in the AL East for the first time this season at the Rogers Centre, and if there is such a thing as a series that each of these teams really wants to win, this is the one. The Yanks are coming to town without bringing LHP CC Sabathia with them in their rotation, but they still have the decided edge in most of these three games that are scheduled for this weekend.

The biggest edge for the Bronx Bombers probably comes right out of the gates on Friday night. LHP Andy Pettitte might be right on the verge of 41 years old, but he is 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA and is pitching like a savvy veteran. He opposes RHP Brandon Morrow, who has yet to pick up his first win on the season and has a 4.60 ERA.

The best of the New York pitchers this year has been RHP Hiroki Kuroda. He has led the team to two wins in three tries, including posting a complete game shutout against the Baltimore Orioles last weekend. LHP Mark Buehrle has been a disappointment for those making their MLB picks on the Jays at the outset of this season, as in spite of the fact that he is 1-0, he has a 7.31 ERA.

Sunday is probably the hairiest of the three matchups for the boys in pinstripes. New York throws the inconsistent RHP Ivan Nova against the equally inconsistent RHP Josh Johnson. These two men have both shown the ability to win 20 games in the past, but neither has gotten off to the start that they would have hoped for this season. Johnson especially, is just 0-1 with a 6.91 ERA.

Seven months before hitting free agency, Robinson Cano fired his agent, Scott Boras, in favor of rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Sports group. Cano is Roc Nation’s first client and the Roc will handle Cano’s PR/marketing initiatives. “At this point in my career, I am ready to take a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field,” said Cano in a statement released on Roc Nation’s site.  “I am confident that the pairing of Roc Nation Sports and CAA Sports will be essential in helping me accomplish my short- and long-term goals.  I am making this important decision now so I can keep my focus on helping the Yankees succeed in 2013, while minimizing any distractions for me and my teammates.”

Roc Nation owner, Jay-Z, intends to become a sports agent for football, baseball, and basketball. Given Cano’s new affiliation with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, it’s difficult to imagine the 29-year-old second baseman leaving the Yankees. The Yankees made Cano a ‘significant offer’, but Boras clearly wanted to test the free agent market. Even though Cano’s Yankees lost their opening game to the Red Sox, you can start placing your bet on New York teams throughout the summer. It’ll be a very interesting season in the Bronx and throughout Major League Baseball. The action will certainly be entertaining. 

Going into 2012, the Yankees had the fourth and fifth place finishers in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda entered Spring Training as promising, cost-effective solutions for the suddenly frugal Bombers. However, Pineda suffered a shoulder injury and missed the entire season. Nova, who posted an impressive 16 win, 3.70 ERA rookie campaign, was terrible in 2012, turning in an ugly 5.02 ERA in 28 starts. Nova did not make the post-season roster and many began writing him off.

Still, the 25-year-old Nova has the makings of dependable starter. Nova’s fastball consistently sits around 93-94 MPH and his slider makes for an effective out pitch. From 2011 to 2012, Nova’s strikeout total jumped from 98 to 153. Typically, most young power pitchers need a few seasons before putting up large strikeout totals. However, Nova began overcompensating for his newfound strikeout ability by leaving pitches up in the zone. Nova’s home run output doubled, 13 to 28, but his walk rate largely remained the same. Injuries may have played a factor in Nova’s disappointing 2012 campaign. Nova missed nearly a month with shoulder soreness, but we don’t know how long he pitched with the pain.

In short, Nova has shown he can be a #2 starter. During 2011, the Yankees rewarded Nova with post-season starts.  Nova has a plus fastball and showed the ability to miss bats at an above average rate. If Nova can keep the ball down and sacrifice some strikeouts, his ERA and win output will rebound. Nova will likely enter Spring Training as the Yankees’ #5 starter, so he’ll have time to assimilate into the rotation. Andy Pettitte and Hiroki Kuroda are probably in their last seasons, so Nova needs to correct his mistakes and become a major part of the Yankees rotation. I believe he’ll make the necessary adjustments and bounce back in 2013.

It’s been a difficult offseason for Yankee fans. Derek Jeter broke his ankle, but should return for Spring Training. Alex Rodriguez, who is undergoing hip surgery, will miss at least half of 2013. Nick Swisher, Russell Martin, Raul Ibanez, Eric Chavez, and Andruw Jones, who combined to hit 94 home runs, signed elsewhere. Rafael Soriano, who saved 42 games, is also expected to sign elsewhere. For better or worse, the Yankees were not linked to any top free agents. The Yankee brass is committed to spending less than baseball’s $189 million luxury tax threshold by 2014, so free agent spending sprees are off the table.

Brian Cashman always emphasizes the importance of keeping his ‘core’ together, so four key pieces were re-signed to team friendly deals. Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Hiroki Kuroda signed one-year deals while Ichrio Suzuki signed a two-year deal. These deals should help the Yankees win in 2013, but each player is over 40-years-old and adds little value to the future of the team.

The Yankees are one of the oldest teams in baseball, but still boast some of the game’s best players. Jeter and Ichiro will set the table for Robinson Cano, Mark Teixeira, and Curtis Granderson. CC Sabathia will be supported by Kuroda, Pettitte, and Phil Hughes in the starting rotation. Mariano Rivera and David Robertson will lock down the backend of the bullpen. This core won 95 games last season, so anything less will be a failure.

While the Yankees boast a strong core, many are questioning their complementary parts. As of today, the Yankees have not named a starting catcher or designated hitter. Cashman will not sign a free agent catcher, so expect a combination of Francisco Cervelli-Chris Stewart-Austin Romine to start. Kevin Youkilis will start at third base, but he was signed as A-Rod’s caddy. The Yankees will need Youkilis to play third base and DH, but he can’t seem to stay healthy. If Youkilis suffers another injury, will the team trust Eduardo Nunez to play third base? Nunez is currently the de-facto designated hitter, but Cashman always extends multiple Spring Training invites. The Yankees have a glutton of left handed hitters in its outfield, so expect a right handed bat to join this threesome. Remember, Marcus Thames and Raul Ibanez were signed late and played significant roles. Expect similar moves.

Going into 2013, the Yankees have a very small margin for error. The roster is primarily comprised of older players that may break down. Each AL East foe improved its roster and many are expecting the Toronto Blue Jays to win the division. However, the Yankees boasted baseball’s best run differential and have a roster full of players that have endured October battles. The Yankees continue to pour resources into scouting and player development, but don’t count them out. In terms of player development and a more cost conscious approach, the 2013 season may prove to be a transition year. That doesn’t mean the Yankees are incapable of raising another AL East flag.

Last night, the Yankees and Kevin Youkilis agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract. Youkilis, 33, posted a line of .235/.336/.409 with 19 HRs in roughly 500 plate appearances for the Red Sox and White Sox last season. Last season was arguably Youkilis’ worst season and the second straight season where his production declined. However, Youkilis excelled hitting against last handed pitching, collecting eight homers in just 120 at-bats. The biggest downside surrounding Youkilis’ acquisition isn’t his beef with Joba Chamberlain—it’s his durability. Youkilis hasn’t appeared in 125 games since 2009 and has made five trips to the disabled list in the last four seasons. Youkilis suffers from chronic lower back problems, so the Yankees cannot pencil him in as their everyday third baseman while A-Rod rehabs. Youkilis is solid defensively, but his back problems definitely stymie his range. Between Youkilis and Jeter, the Yankees won’t have the most nimble left side in baseball.

I’m not going to get into the ‘emotional’ side of the trade because I don’t care. Yankee fans didn’t have any problem rooting for Babe Ruth, Rogers Clemens, or even, gulp Johnny Damon, so I don’t expect anything different from Youkilis. If the dude performs, he won’t believe the love Yankee fans will shower him with.

After signing Youkilis, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Hiroki Kuroda, and probably Ichiro to one-year deals, the Yankees are clearly trying to get below $189 million salary target by 2014. Josh Hamilton still looms as a free agent target, but given the Yankees ironic, frugal nature, they’ll probably pass on him.

With Winter Meetings right around the corner, free agents are trying to secure the best deal possible. Overall, this year’s crop of free agents is top heavy with Josh Hamilton headlining the class. However, there are several key Yankees, incluidng Russell Martin, that are looking for new contracts.

Currently, Martin is asking for a three or four year deal in the neighborhood of $9-$10 million per season. Over the last two season, Russell has been a key cog for the Yankees. While he won’t hit for a high average, Martin manages the Yankee pitching staff well and can hit for power.

With the Yankees aiming to fall below the $189 salary cap by 2014, Martin may unforunately fall out of the Yankees price range (how ironic). If I were to provide some sports betting options, my money would be on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are coveting Martin and may offer him a contract that the Yankees won’t. The Yankees may turn to free-agent, Mike Napoli to fill their catching void, but he is coveted by the Red Sox.

Ultimately, Martin will probably take a larger deal outside of New York. He has been a fun player to watch, but the price may not be right for the Yankees.

The Derek Jeter-Alex Rodriguez relationship has always been…rocky. When they first emerged in the Major League, Jeter and Rodriguez used to share a strong bond. Along with Nomar Garciaparra, these three players made up the ‘Holy Trinity’ of shortstops. However, some off-field incidents severed the bond between A-Rod and Jeter. A-Rod has always wanted to be like Jeter and fit in with the rest of the team. Even when A-Rod joined the Yankees, Jeter was (and still is) the team leader. Do I think A-Rod secretly wanted to be the team leader? Of course. With Jeter lost for the season, A-Rod has his opportunity to lead the Yankees.

The entire Yankee offense has been putrid, but A-Rod has an opportunity to lead. I don’t want to see A-Rod on the bench next to Jeter and Mariano anymore. Eric Chavez is 0-for-11 with six strikeouts, so it’s not like Chavez is Mike Schmidt. Give A-Rod a chance to live (or die) in the playoffs. If Girardi keeps benching or pinch hitting for A-Rod, A-Rod might as well stay home. Girardi has to keep giving A-Rod chances. If A-Rod is injured, Girardi needs to announce that and sit him down. This whole in-between game with A-Rod just stinks. One way or another, A-Rod will leave his legacy after the post-season ends. A-Rod will either lead the Yankees to the World Series without Jeter or flounder away in the ALCS. That’s it. A-Rod is one of the five best players ever to wear a baseball uniform, so he needs to be out there for every game.

It took five games, but the Yankees were able to get the best of the Orioles. After watching Justin Verlander throw a gem last night, CC Sabathia delivered a gem of his own tonight. The big man was electric, dominating both sides of the plate while getting ahead of hitters with first-pitch strikes. CC is the definition of an ace and has earned every penny of his massive contract. 

The Yankees had their moments offensively, but Curtis Granderson’s seventh-inning home run sealed the deal. Granderson really, really struggled during the first four games of the series, but gave the Yankees a big boost when they needed it.

A few take-aways from the ALDS:

• I was/still am 100 percent against benching A-Rod. He’s struggling and his at-bats are futile, but as we saw with Granderson, one swing can change everything. Baseball is all about confidence and I find it troubling that Girardi sat him. I don’t think A-Rod is hurt nor do I think he should be hitting third in the order. However, he plays great defense and can still get on base. One big swing may change his post-season, but that can only happen if he’s in the lineup. All four of Detriot’s pitchers are right-handed, but we can’t expect Girardi to start Chavez in each game. I hope/fully expect A-Rod to be in the starting lineup tomorrow night.
• Yankee Starting Pitchers were dominant. Over the course of five games, the starters threw 38 innings and gave way to only nine earned runs! In addition, the Yankee bullpen was great and gave the offense additional innings to score run(s) (Cite: Mr. Ibanez)
• Nick Swisher is terrible. I’m getting sick of Swisher. Fans love him because he’s a ‘happy-go-lucky’ type of guy, but this is the playoffs and he just sucks. Swisher was just 2-for-18 with five strikeouts. During his post-season career, Swisher is 23-for-139 (.165) which may be the worst batting average among players with 100+ at-bats. Since Gardner can’t swing a bat and Ibanez can’t run, Swisher is the de-facto starting right fielder. In the playoffs, it’s impossible to hide hitters, but I’ve learned to not expect anything from Swishalicious. In a month, he’ll be suiting up for Kenny’s New York Mets!
• Will Joe add Andruw Jones? Given Swisher’s struggles and Joba’s injury, does Joe add Andruw Jones to his ALCS roster? Detriot’s starters are all right-handed and Jones has been futile against righties this season (.185/.293/.400). However, Swisher has been so bad that he has to at least consider it.
• Still waiting for Soriano. Rafael Soriano didn’t have a big pressure-packed moment in the ALDS. Soriano’s counter-part, Jim Johnson was involved in almost every contest. Soriano was able to keep games tied, but did not have a pressure-packed save opportunity. With that being said, I’m sure Soriano will have that opportunity against the Tigers. We’ve seen closer after closer crumble in October, but we don’t know how Soriano will fare. Since Yankee fans are so used to ninth inning, post-season dominance, anything less will be a massive disappointment.
• Congrats to the Orioles. No one expected anything from the O’s this season. However, they battled the Yankees for 23 games this season. The Yankees were able to get the better of them, but the future of the team is very, very bright.

Since both the Yankees and Tigers just used their aces, we’ll see #2 pitchers square off tomorrow night. Andy The Dandy vs. Doug Fister. Fortunately for the Yankees, a meeting with Justin Verlander won’t happen until Game 3. The downside? No CC until Game 4. Aces are wild, but these two will not meet unless there is a Game 7.

On Wednesday night, the Yankees took care of business and captured the AL East division title. With the victory, the Yankees also earned the top record in the American League.  However, the Yankees aren’t sure who their ALDS opponent is yet. For the first time ever, Major League Baseball instituted a Wild Card ‘Play-In’ Game. A winner-take-all affair for the rights to face the league’s top team. The Baltimore Orioles head to Texas to take on the Rangers for the right to play the Yankees. It’s worth noting that the victor of today’s contest will host Games 1 and 2 during the ALDS. The Yankees will host Games 3, 4, and 5. 

While both teams have their strengths, both clubs have glaring weaknesses. The Texas Rangers boast arguably baseball’s best lineup and have appeared in two straight World Series  but their starting rotation depth and back-end bullpen quality is questionable. The Baltimore Orioles split the season series with the Yankees, but they lack post-season experience. Both teams stumbled into the playoffs, but a win on Friday night could provide some momentum. 

As a Yankee fan, I’d rather face the Baltimore Orioles in the ALDS. The Orioles are a scrappy, gritty team and Buck Showalter clearly isn’t afraid of the Yankees, but the Rangers know their way around October. Ron Washington has managed big games and he has several  big time, star hitters. Of the post-season contenders, the Rangers have a line-up that could rival the Yankees. The Yankees always seem to have trouble winning big games in Texas, so I want to avoid the Rangers at all costs. 

Ultimately, I think the Rangers will beat the Orioles tonight. Yu Darvish has been great during September and has never faced the Orioles. Josh Hamilton made a critical error in Wednesday’s loss to Oakland, so he’ll want to atone for this mistake. I think the Rangers will win big, setting up a huge ALDS match-up against the Yankees.