Ed note: Let’s face it, we’re all busy people. And keeping up with 162 games takes a lot of focus. Roster moves, injuries, off the field drama are enough to keep in mind even before you decide to purchase tickets for the game. GuysGirl writer, Anna Pleus, gives us the breakdown of the Yankees’ home opener on Monday with what to watch for and gameday outfit ideas in a one-stop shop.
What To Watch For
The Yankees’ “Core Four” will reunite at the team’s home opener this Monday. Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera are set to throw out the ceremonial first pitches to Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter. The duo will be honored following the game with the “Pride of the Yankees Award” at the Yankee’s 35th annual Homecoming Dinner, becoming the 13th and 14th players to receive the prestigious honor.
Through his first three games, Jeter batted .222 (2-for-9) with an RBI, a run, two walks, and three strikeouts.
Starting Pitchers: Hiroki Kuroda (NYY), TBD (BAL)
Opening Day Lineup (Projected)
1 – Jacoby Ellsbury – OF
2 – Derek Jeter – SS
3 – Carlos Beltran – OF
4 – Brian McCann – C
5 – Mark Teixeira – 1B
6 – Alfonso Soriano – DH
7 – Brett Gardner – OF
8 – Brian Roberts – 2B
9 – Kelly Johnson – 3B
The Competition
Baltimore is historically, um, tough to project in the AL East. For example, The NY Times picked them to finish first while the Baltimore Sun has them finishing “in the basement.”
The Orioles’ weakness is pitching. They were MLB’s 23d-ranked ERA last year, and starters ranked 27th out of 30 teams.
The organization invested a cool $50M (for four years) in starter Ubaldo Jimenez. Hired to improve Baltimore’s mound play, Jimenez failed badly last Wednesday night vs. Red Sox.
But there’s no bridge building in Baltimore this year. With a franchise-high payroll of $107M, expect the Orioles to really go for it.
What To Wear
Weather: Hi 58° / Lo 44° (via Accuweather)
Date/Time: Monday, April 7, at 1:05pm EST
Mid 50°s at game time is ideal sweater weather. Pair this Yankees blue option with a pair of comfy-yet-cute black striped pants.
Bring along a white/grey scarf for the chilly seventh-inning stretch.
A minor chance of rain is the perfect reason to invest in a new team ballcap.
Nike New York Yankees Ladies Cooperstown Washed Epic Crew Fleece Sweatshirt – Navy Blue $69.95
Forever21 Game Stripe Riding Pants $17.80
Forever21 Multi-Striped Scarf $7.84
Nike New York Yankees Ladies Stadium 3.0 Dri-FIT Adjustable Hat – Navy Blue $23.95