Red Sox vs. Yankees (June 9, 2011)

Red Sox (35-26) @ New York Yankees (33-26)

SP - Josh Beckett (4-2, 2.01) vs. CC Sabathia (7-3, 2.80)

1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Marco Scutaro, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Carl Crawford, LF
8. Mike Cameron, RF
9. Jason Varitek, C

Three Strikes:

1. It's been a few games but TheBostonInsider is back with a game preview and what a game it is to be taking at with Beckett-Sabathia III. 

The Red Sox ace has defeated Sabathia and the Yankees twice already in 2011 and a third victory would give Boston their second sweep in the Bronx this year (something that has not happened since 1913) and a two-game lead in the A.L. East.

2. Tonight's game will be hard enough with Sabathia on the bump but it will be even more difficult with Dustin Pedroia being back in Boston having his right knee examined.

Pedroia has not been himself in 2011 and the screw he had inserted in his left foot last summer and the knee injury he is fighting through now - which could require surgery to repair - are the reason. 

While this is bad news for Pedroia and the Red Sox, having him completely healthy and productive is paramount to the team's chances of winning the World Series.

3. The loss of Rich Hill is a major blow to the Red Sox bullpen.  The lefty from Milton, MA was developing into quite a weapon for Terry Francona before an elbow injury led to season-ending Tommy John surgery and at some point it looks like Theo Epstein will have to go out and find a replacement