There will be no Nick Swisher. There will be no Alex Rodriguez and of course there is no Derek Jeter in Game 3 at the ALCS as the New York Yankees face the Detroit Tigers Tuesday night.
Manager Joe Girardi will move away from the power and go for the speed as he will make additions to the Yankees lineup.
This is what the Yankees projected lineup will be for Game 3.
1. Brett Gardner LF
2. Ichiro RF
3. Teixeira 1B
4. Cano 2B
5. Ibanez DH
6. Martin C
7. Chavez 3B
8. Granderson CF
9. Nunez SS
Girardi said the Yankees have been dealing with injuries, mainly referring to Jeters' absense. Girardi then went on the say that coming into the playoffs, he expected his guy to be in a set lineup because of the success they have had off the Tigers in the past.
The hottest hitters in this line up are Ichiro and Ibanez who are batting .400 and .429 respectively in the ALCS. Both were responsible for the Yankees' comeback on Saturday.
Eduardo Nunez brings power to the lineup, but his glove is shaky at shortstop. Brett Gradner makes his first start since April 17th. Gradner brings speed to the top of the lineup where he will attempt to provide Jeter-like production.
Eric Chavez starts at third and Curtis Granderson drops to eighth in the lineup.
What Girardi has in place here is speed at the bottom and top of the order, which sets them up perfectly for small ball, which the Yankees have stayed away from as of late, but it could prove dangerous if the right plays are called.
Of course, they also have to get on base against the best postseason pitcher this year, Justin Verlander.
