"He has one of those balls that just explodes on the hitter," the AL coach said. "It's right on you before you know it."
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The other stories to watch this week:
A chapter (likely) closes in the rivalry: Yes, it's true, the Red Sox and Yankees could meet in the playoffs, as they did in 2003 and 2004. But that would take both of them passing the Rays, and also both having a better record than either the White Sox or Twins. We're not counting on it, and thus we feel pretty safe in saying that the Red Sox will come to Yankee Stadium for the final time this week (unless, of course, there's a rainout).
Typically, the Yankees and Red Sox can't agree on their all-time record in the Bronx. The Yankees say it's 483-283-4 in their favor (plus 2-2 in each of the two playoff series), while the Red Sox media guide says 483-290. Baseball-reference.com sides with the Yanks.
The other rivalry (maybe) heats up: While the Yankees host the Red Sox, the Mets will be in Philadelphia. This week's two games won't decide the division, but how the Phillies do in their current stretch of games against the Dodgers, Mets and Cubs could make things a lot clearer.
Or maybe not. The Mets still have huge pitching concerns, especially with manager Jerry Manuel telling reporters Sunday that there's a chance John Maine could be shut down for the season.
September call-ups (almost) on the way: September arrives next week, and that means you can expect plenty of talk this week about which players teams will add when the roster limit expands from 25 to 40. The Brewers admitted that they're thinking about promoting third-base prospect Mat Gamel, and they said Sunday that they've moved Gamel from Double-A Huntsville to Triple-A Nashville to see how he handles a higher level of pitching.
One other thing to keep in mind for next week: Tampa Bay expects Evan Longoria to return from the disabled list in time for a Sept. 2 game against the Yankees. Closer Percival could be back then, as well. Amazingly, the Rays are 11-4 since Longoria broke a bone in his right wrist.
That other trade deadline: The Aug. 31 deadline doesn't have nearly the drama of the July 31 deadline. But it is a deadline, because players acquired after next Sunday night aren't eligible for postseason rosters. One scout noted that the Yankees have yet to ask waivers on any of their significant players, but suggested that maybe they'll do so this week.
