Yankees News: Lineup Notes, Dirty Hats and Heathcott

CC Sabathia takes the mound against C.J. Wilson in Game 1 of the ALCS, and we’ll have recaps tonight.

Here are some notes:

• Against the lefty, the Yankees are still going with Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner. Marcus Thames is also in the lineup tonight at DH.
• The Rangers have geared up for the Yankees lefties by carrying two extra lefty relievers than they did in the ALDS, Michael Kirkman and Clay Rapada.
• Sabathia said he could go on short rest in Game 4 if he had to.
• A lot has been made about the rosin on Cliff Lee‘s hat. It’s almost definitely nothing, and the Yankees aren’t expected to make a big deal about it.
• The other day I mentioned this and I just wanted to follow up on it. Minor league OF Slade Heathcott had labrum shoulder surgery last week. It was a pre- existing injury that he had tried to play through. He’ll likely be ready to go for next season, but that isn’t guaranteed.

That’s all for now. Pretty straightforward stuff. Like I said up top, I have some pitcher previews coming up before the game tonight ,and I have another Talking Rangers that will be posted soon. Stay tuned…

Related Stories

• April 30, 2010 -- Stats: Thames, Granderson, and Gardner Against Lefties
• March 2, 2010 -- Some Yankee 60-Yard Dash Times
• February 28, 2010 -- 10 Problems the 2010 Yankees Could Face
• February 13, 2010 -- Gardner eyes starting role in 2010