for the Yankees to Advance in the Playoffs
01. Get a better-than-quality, preferably seven-inning or longer, start out of Wang tonight.
02. Use Joba's arm sparingly. He didn't need to pitch two full innings in a five-run game. Now, we may have to use Veras or Villone or whoever in a tighter late-game situation.
03. Get significant production out of the middle of the line-up. I'm looking at you, A-Rod.
04. Play small ball, if necessary; steal bases to get in better scoring position. I like the bunt attempts I'm seeing!
05. Drive in runners in scoring position; duh.
06. Keep making Indians pitchers work to get outs. A drawn-out at-bat is always a good thing, even if it doesn't lead to a man on base.
07. In particular, if we win tonight, wear Sabathia out in Game 5. He might be the best pitcher in the American League right now, but on three days' rest, he can be chased relatively early if he doesn't get quick, easy innings.
08. Play with urgency, but don't press to hit it out with every swing.
09. Start Doug Mientkiewicz at first, and either Jose Molina or Shelley Duncan at DH. Giambi looks tired.
10. Stock up on Off if the series returns to Cleveland.
