Five Questions with the Enemy: An Interview with Matt Imbrogno of Yankee Analysts

Matt Imbrogno of Yankee Analysts dropped by to answer a few of Chip's questions about the Yankees.

The Advanced Scout – New York Yankees

The Advanced Scout plays hooky for the second straight Friday, grabs an Italian sausage with mustard and onions and a Sam Adams, and analyzes the New York Yankees.

Know Thy Enemy: New York Yankees

The Evil Empire will win the American League East in 2012.

Coast to Coast Tickets 6/9: The Red Sox go for a double Bronx sweep against the Yankees

Boston Red Sox (35-26) @ New York Yankees (33-26) Josh Beckett (4-2, 2.01) @ CC Sabathia (7-3, 2.80) 7:05 PM…

Injuries Among the Contenders

There is nothing that can derail a team quicker than a slew of injuries in October. The Sox have seen their fair share of injuries lately, though the M.A.S.H. unit has had some success returning the boys to action.

But they are not the only team in the hunt, as the Yankees, Twins, Angels, and Tigers all have their own bumps, bruises, and breaks to deal with. And no, we are not including Texas anymore, as their playoff odds have now dropped below half of one percent. The only race left is between Detroit and Minnesota for the AL Central.

Here's a rundown of the significant injuries on each team:

Nine Up, Nine Down: Welcoming the Yankees

In advance of the Yankees coming to town tomorrow for a three-game set in what will be the unofficial start of baseball season around here, I figure we should get caught up with what's going on in Yankeeland.

After the jump we bring you up to speed on CC Sabathia's struggles, the injury report plus a breakdown of the pitcher's the Sox will face this weekend.

American League Central Preview.

Victor Martinez should get back on track upon returning from injury. Martinez may not be a great catcher, but he actually has value outside of the batters box, unlike Hafner. I expect good things out of Martinez this season, maybe not great things, but good. Shoppach will handle some of the duties behind the plate as well, which will help Victor stay rested. If Carlos Santana can make his way up to the big leagues this season, Victor could basically stay at first, and Shoppach could be moved for another piece, since they will need something, somewhere, eventually...

Know Thine Enemy 2009: New York Yankees

The other half of the best rivalry in sports, The New York Yankees. The Bronx Bombers "only" ended up with 89 victories last season. And the key players they inked this past off-season, have them looking incredibly strong on paper for this upcoming 2009 season.

The philosophy about building a strong farm was basically put on hold for a year. But Brian Cashman made some nice maneuvers, and the result--whether it was intentional or not--allowed the Yankees to lose their first three picks this year. And that is better than losing a first-round pick in three consecutive seasons, of course.

Morning Cup o’ Rumors: MLB; Sox needs

Let's take a whirl throughout the rumors in baseball and see what's going on...

In Milwaukee, Doug Melvin picked up Mike Cameron's option, but the Yankees have now come calling -- presumably dangling Melky Cabrera and Ian Kennedy. With Alex Rodriguez being solicited for advice on Cameron and rumblings that the Yankees might sign second baseman Orlando Hudson and move him to centerfield, you can expect to see a new centerfielder roaming the new Yankee Stadium next year.

A back of the rotation starter is being looked at so Clay Buchholz isn't handed the job in spring training. Paul Byrd could return.