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MLB odds: Yanks turn to Sexson instead of Bonds
By Jordan WaltersWagerWeb.com Contributing Writer
| Sports Betting at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook |
With Hideki Matsui likely out for the season, the New York Yankees have reached a deal with former Mariners first baseman/DH Richie Sexson. Yanks GM Brian Cashman originally wouldn’t rule out the team looking at Barry Bonds, but now says that former slugger won’t be in their plans.
As for Sexson, he was appealing to the Yankees because he hits well against left-handers, a team weakness. Sexson, a right-handed hitter, was hitting only .218 with 30 RBIs in 74 games when the Mariners designated him. However, he batted .344 against lefties as opposed to .178 against right-handers. The Yankees are batting .257 with a .732 OPS against left-handed pitchers and hitting .271 with a .760 OPS against right-handers. New York is 15-15 against left-handed starters this year.
The Yankees' lineup is packed with left-handed hitters in Johnny Damon, Matsui (if he returns), Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu and Robinson Cano. Sexson has hit 30 or more homers six times, and also has six seasons of at least 100 RBIs, although he never lived up to expectations after getting a big contract in Seattle.
With Sexson getting at-bats, Wilson Betemit likely will see his playing time reduced. The Yankees will have to pay Sexson only about $160,000, the prorated amount of the $390,000 minimum salary.
The Yanks enter the second half of the season six games behind the Red Sox in the AL East and have struggled offensively, which is a surprise. New York ranks seventh in the American League in runs scored and have been held to two or fewer runs 33 times (their total for all of last season).
"I believe we're a better offensive club than we've shown," manager Joe Girardi said.
Sexson will join the Yankees on Friday after they make a roster move but isn’t expected to play until Saturday.
New York opens the second half Friday against Oakland and rookie left-hander Greg Smith (5-7, 3.43). He starts because Joe Blanton was traded to the Phillies. Smith pitched six shutout innings last Thursday against Seattle, but Oakland did not score a run while he was in the game for the seventh time in his 18 starts. Smith has received an AL-low 3.1 runs of support per nine innings.
New York counters tonight with right-hander Mike Mussina (11-6, 3.61 ERA). The veteran has won 10 of his last 13 decisions, compiling a 3.10 ERA over that span. He is 17-10 with a 3.82 ERA in 34 career starts against Oakland.
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