The narrative, as far as I can tell, is that the Detroit Tigers will go as far as Justin Verlander can take them. That isn't true, but it is what it is. And the Yankees aren't about to let Verlander just waltz right through without a challenge in Game 1 - they've drafted a whole nine-man starting lineup. Wow! The lineup, courtesy of @YankeesPR, is:
New York Yankees ALDS Game 1 Starting Lineup
Derek Jeter, SS
Curtis Granderson, CF
Robinson Cano, 2B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Nick Swisher, RF
Jorge Posada, DH
Russell Martin, C
Brett Gardner, LF
No surprises in here, not that you would expect any. Rodriguez is back after skipping Wednesday night's game against the Rays with a knee problem. Posada is DH'ing because Verlander is right-handed, and Posada hit .269 on the year against righties with an .814 OPS. The Yankees intend to use Posada and Jesus Montero as a DH platoon, but the Tigers won't be starting any lefties in this series, so Posada it is. Montero does still exist as a good potential weapon off the bench.
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