Series Preview: Yankees (30-29) at Royals (29-31)

The newly crowned I-70 champions continue their homestand against long standing nemesis from the east this weekend. Yes, the mortal New York Yankees (30-29) come to Kauffman Stadium to face the Royals (29-31).

Derek Jeter makes his final appearance at Kauffman Stadium this weekend as the Yankees are in town for four-games. Photo Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Probable Pitching Match-ups:
Friday, 7:10 pm – Chase Whitley/RHP (0-0, 2.37) v. Jeremy Guthrie/RHP (2-5, 4.00)
Saturday, 6:10 pm – David Phelps/RHP (1-3, 4.11) v. Danny Duffy/LHP (3-5, 3.05)
Sunday, 1:10 pm – Hiroki Kuroda/RHP (4-3, 4.27) v. James Shields/RHP (6-3, 3.68)
Monday, 7:10 pm – Vidal Nuno/LHP (1-2, 5.33) v. Jason Vargas/LHP (5-2, 3.28)

Comments on Pitching Match-ups – After seeing the solid arms of St. Louis this week, KC dodges a bullet by not seeing the best pitcher New York has in Masahiro Tanaka. That said give our boys in blue a leg up in the pitching with Guthrie, Duffy, Shields and Vargas over the four-games. What will be important is getting innings from the starters to somewhat rest the bullpen.

Series Predictions – I’ve been wrong the past couple series predictions and likely will again but I like Kansas City to take three-of-four games.

2013 Meetings:
Last season in the seven games played the Yanks won five of seven which included going 3-0 at the K. The teams split in the Bronx but overall have a four-game losing streak in the city of fountains against the pinstripes.

Franchise History:
All-time New York leads 268-183 over Kansas City which includes a 122-106 record in KC and 110-95 at Kauffman Stadium.

TV/Radio Coverage:
Fans can tune into FOX Sports Kansas City for three games Ryan Lefebvre  with and Rex Hudler on TV. Joel Goldberg hosts Royals Live before and after with Jeff Montgomery from Rivals in right field. Royals Hall of Famer/2007 Ford C. Frick Award winner Denny Matthews is joined in the booth by Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart will be on the Royals Radio Network (610 Sports Radio in KC) describing the action from the K. Saturday night the game will be available on FOX Sports.

AL Central Standings (June 6):
Detroit Tigers (31-25)
Chicago White Sox (31-30, 2.5 GB)
Cleveland Indians (30-30, 3 GB)
Kansas City Royals (29-31, 4 GB)
Minnesota Twins (28-30, 4 GB)

2014 Series Schedule/Results v. Yankees
June 6-9, Kauffman Stadium
September 5-7, Yankee Stadium

Game Notes:
New York Yankees
Kansas City Royals