The Yankees benefit from the Texas-Tampa Bay series going five games, because now the Rangers are unable to pitch Cliff Lee in Game 1 to counter New York's ace, Sabathia. Immediate advantage for the Yankees starting out this series on the road. On the flip side, of course, Lee will get to face off against Phil Hughes, who also threw a gem in the ALDS by the by.
I think this should be a very good series. Both teams have superb offenses, without any true weak spots in the starting lineups. There might be a couple nice pitching performances, but there will also be a couple 10-9 type games in all probability.
My prediction: Yankees in 7