Bottom of the order (Nos. 7-9 in lineup)

Tony Massarotti, Globe Staff

The Yankees should have depth here, but the absence of Rodriguez leaves minor league veteran Cody Ransom in the No. 9 hole. Melky Cabrera had a big day with two home runs Wednesday, but Brett Gardner has been ineffective so far and Matsui is just starting to show life. For the Red Sox, Mike Lowell has 16 RBIs in the team's 15 games, Jason Varitek (.872 OPS) has had productive at-bats, and shortstop fill-in Nick Green has given the club unexpected thump in the No. 9 hole. Green may or may not continue that, but so far he's been terrific.

Mazz's Edge: Red Sox.
Text-only version
The Yankees should have depth here, but the absence of Rodriguez leaves minor league veteran Cody Ransom in the No. 9 hole. Melky Cabrera had a big day with two home runs Wednesday, but Brett Gardner has been ineffective so far and Matsui is just starting to show life. For the Red Sox, Mike Lowell has 16 RBIs in the team's 15 games, Jason Varitek (.872 OPS) has had productive at-bats, and shortstop fill-in Nick Green has given the club unexpected thump in the No. 9 hole. Green may or may not continue that, but so far he's been terrific. Mazz's Edge: Red Sox.
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