I have to give the advantage to the Yankees in game

I have to give the advantage to the Yankees in game one just because Wang has never lost to the Mariners and seems to be stronger than he's ever been this year. If the Mariners win, it will have to be because they kept it close and were able to rally late off the Yankees pen.Seattle has the advantage in game two. Mussina isn't the dominating pitcher he once was and I expect the Mariners bats to finally come alive. Hernandez is due for a hiccup, but I don't forsee this being the game where he has one. Last year in Hernandez's only start at Yankee Stadium he went seven innings, giving up just one run and five hits while striking out five to pick up the victory. With the way the Yankees bats are struggling right now, I don't envision them getting better off Hernandez.If the Yankees bats are going to get healthy this series, it will have to be the third game against Carlos Silva. In his only start against the Yankees last year Silva gave up five runs and nine hits in just 5 1/3 innings.

Granted, Silva has had a fabulous start to the 2008 season, but he's always seemed to struggle against the Yankees. Unlike the first two games, I expect the Yankees to explode in game three. Will the Mariners be able to keep up off of Rasner? I don't know I think this is a toss-up. But should definately be the highest-scoring game of the series.This is an intriguing series because I highly doubt either team will sweep. But either team could take 2 of 3 and it wouldn't exactly be surprising.

I give the advantage to the Yankees simply because they are at home.Predictions:Game 1: Yankees 3, Mariners 1Game 2: Mariners 6, Yankees 2Game 3: Yankees 7, Mariners 5. NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Detroit Lions named University of Georgia quarterback Matt Stafford as number one pick on Saturday, finalizing the biggest draft deal of all time. U.S.  |  Sports  |  FranceDetroit, selecting first of the 32 clubs after becoming the league's first 0-16 team last season, agreed a six-year, $72 million contract with the 21-year-old.Out of the total package, $41.7 million is guaranteed.Stafford led Georgia to a 27-7 record as a starter, throwing 51 touchdown passes against 33 interceptions through his junior year last season.Despite his credentials, fans wearing football jerseys in the third balcony of the Radio City Music Hall venue booed the selection and chanted "overrated" as Stafford posed for pictures with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell."I'm extremely happy they had the confidence in me to choose me," Stafford told reporters. "I work to be the best."Asked about whether there might be a cross-bay rivalry with Heyward-Bey playing in Oakland, Crabtree said: "I just feed it into motivation."(Additional reporting by Richard Cato)(Editing by John O'Brien.

To query or comment on this story email ) U.S. Sports France. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Matt Stafford had a record-setting day at the NFL Draft on Saturday and was looking forward to the challenges ahead with the hapless Detroit Lions, who were winless in 16 games last season. U.S.  |  Sports"I feel like I'm ready for the challenge," Stafford told reporters after being named top pick and receiving the largest ever draft day deal -- a six-year pact for $72 million with an extra $6 million in incentives.The total package included a guaranteed $41.7 million."I've played in a lot of football games and I know what it takes to win. I didn't know any of the numbers going in," he said."I just thank the Ford family for trusting me that much and putting their name out on the line for me because that's a lot of positive pressure for me. I like that."It's something I have to live up to and I have to prove that I'm worth it, and that's exciting for me."Stafford noted that quick turnarounds were possible in the NFL and the Lions added a pass-catching target for him by claiming Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew with the 20th pick of the first round."If you look at past years, two years ago Miami won one game, and last year they're in the playoffs," Stafford said "It obviously can be done."(Editing by John O'Brien. To query or comment on this story email ) U.S. Sports.