Looks like we’re going to be here a while longer until this system passes. It’s postseason baseball and national TV, of course, so they’re going to try to get it in if there’s any way possible. Think of it as a West Coast game and you’ll be fine.

So why delay the game before the rain starts? This way, it protects the starting pitchers. If it was an hour away at the start of the game, that would be one thing. But to have a game go an inning and then have it rain hard enough to delay it — and they couldn’t play through this — then you’ve basically taken Mussina and Verlander out of the contest and made this a battle of the bullpen. Not nearly as compelling baseball, and not really fair.

I actually like Verlander’s chances tonight. Watch for his curveball. If it’s working, he could keep the Yankees lineup relatively contained. If he has to go with fastballs and offspeeds, it could be a longer night than it’s already looking to become.

Lineup is the same as it was in Game 1. Leyland liked the way his club hit last night, so he’s going to stick with his order. With the off-day Thursday, don’t be surprised if Leyland shows more willingness to go to his bullpen tonight. Zumaya, Rodney and Jones all have two days of rest, which is a long time in the playoffs but also a sign of no leads to protect.