AB4AR Linkapalooza: The ALCS Edition

As awesome as my postseason coverage has been so far, there is stuff out there that's just as good, if not better.

- The NYT's Yanks-Rangers preview reminds us of Texas' history against the Bombers in the postseason and points out some issues for Pettitte and C.J. Wilson.  The info on how the Yanks can follow David Price's lead in attacking Josh Hamilton is helpful as well.

- Mark Simon at ESPN NY looks at the statistical support for the "Hughes over Pettitte in Game 2" decision.  You can't argue with statistics.  Numbers don't lie.

- R.J Anderson at FanGraphs looks further into the future and lays down the groundwork for a Yankee Game 2 victory by pointing out how Colby Lewis' status as a fly ball pitcher and the Yankees' punishment of fly ball pitchers don't mix.  I hate to look past Game 1, and I won't, but those are some tantalizing numbers.

- The always-awesome Chad at LoHud has the details on the Yankees' last day of prep before the series starts tomorrow night.  Note I found most interesting: CC threw 2 bullpens before this start instead of his usual 1.  Also check out the notes from Joe's talk about the series and roster decisions a little down the homepage.

- Stephen R. of TYU has 2 phenomenal preview pieces on the Rangers' rotation.  Part I about C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis can be found here, while Part II about Cliff Lee and Tommy Hunter is here.  It's nice when people actually have the time to do REAL statistical research, huh?  If Joe doesn't have these posts printed out and in his gigantic binders in the dugout then he's a moron.

- If you want more evidence to support how hastily my research is done (even if it is almost always relevant, accurate, and valuable in predicting outcomes.  I'm just sayin'...), check out Stephen's batter-by-batter breakdown of the Ranger lineup too.

- Last but not least, Mike Axisa from RAB has a great piece on the Rangers' weaknesses and how the Yankees should exploit them.  I got nothing better to say than to just say that's good stuff and another thing Joe should consult in his binder.  Also, do yourselves a favor and check out Mike's live chats the day after each game on RAB.  I particularly enjoy his quick wit and subtle sarcasm in dealing with people who ask stupid questions.

So there you go, Yankee fans.  Between my shit and all this goodness, you should have everything you need to know to watch this series and wow your friends and neighbors with all your advanced knowledge while also betting intelligently on the outcomes.  You've got less than a day left to study up and be prepared.  Get to it!