Nick's Pick's: Yankees VS Rays 8/15/14

Well Yankee Universe, we need a miracle. After dropping two heartbreaking games against the AL East leading Orioles, we need this series. Miraculously it has nothing to do with the starting rotation, which should be the issue with all the injuries. The offense is pretty much a joke within a joke, and the bullpen is tired. Well, actually Shawn Kelley is tired. With each passing game a win is more and more important for the Yankees and yet is simply just out of their reach. Hopefully with this series against the Rays, and another rest can help this struggling team snap out of the funk and start on a winning streak. It starts now. Brandon McCarthy heads to the hill tonight against the Rays' Alex Cobb. McCarthy has to continue his brilliant run in pinstripes because the pitching can not afford to falter when the offense is this bad. So hopefully my picks tonight can bring some new life to the game.


Top Hitter: Well, per the usual, the Yankee hitters have struggled in their at-bats against Cobb. I hate saying it but Mark Teixreira seems to be the only person who can work in this spot. Tex has faced Cobb six times and has a homerun against the young righty and tonight I see him connecting on another one. Look for a big fly from Tex and another huge hit to ignite this offense. Please someone step up and ignite this offense. Tex will go 2-5 with his huge hits and two RBI's in the game.

Top Pitcher: The bullpen is over used and it is worn out. McCarthy is a logical choice here and hopefully steps up again and gives us a chance to win. McCarthy has also faced the opposing lineup minimally so maybe that will aide him in his efforts. McCarthy will throw 6 2/3 innings and strikeout seven allowing one run. You can do this Brandon!

Clutch Performer: Captain we need you! Derek Jeter needs to step up and show that this team is not dead and start us on a winning streak for the record books. Hey, I am allowed to dream.  So look for Jeter to take things over and bring back the Jeter of old. Help me Derek Jeter, you are our only hope.

We need this tonight. Plain and simple, clear cut statement. This game is huge on so many levels and I think that the Yankees come out on top by edging Cobb and the Rays 4-1. Come on Yankee Universe, we need everyone to come together and pray from here on out! Let's go Yankees! Remember YCPB!