Yankees Recap

The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers today by a score of 12-3. AJ Burnett made his first start and it was a huge success. He went 2 innings facing the minimum 6 batters giving up 1 hit that was wiped out by a double play. It only took him 17 pitches to complete 2 innings. One of the scouts had him hitting 98 on the gun and when he was told that he said really, I didn't mean too. This guy has a great arm, if he stays healthy I think he is the key to this pitching staff. You can pretty much pencil CC and Wang down for 18-20 wins and 200+innings. If AJ as a number three is healthy he can win 16-18 and now this staff may be the best in baseball with Pettitte and Joba on the back end capable of winning double digits also. Phil Hughes came in relief and pitched 3 hitless innings, he had 2 walks but struck out four. In the spring so far he has thrown 7 2/3 innings giving up 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts. I know you can't go by spring numbers but he seems like a man on a mission, he is healthy and remember he is still only 22 years old. If this guy can stay healthy for a whole year he will still be a very good pitcher. Brian Bruney had his first rough outing of the spring pitching 1 inning giving up 1 hit and 2 runs with 1 walk and strikeout. Mark Melancon pitched a inning with 1 walk and 1 strikeout. On the offensive side of things Melky Cabrera went 1-2 with 2 walks so he had himself a good day trying to stay in the race for the CF job. Xavier Nady went 1-3 with a solo homerun, Nick Swisher was 0-1 but had a rbi and 3 walks. Brett Gardner went 0-3 coming off the bench. Hideki Matsui playing in back to back games was 0-1 but did draw 2 walks and also ran the bases well. Cody Ransom the new thirdbaseman for the time being was 2-2, Angel Berroa still trying to make the team as a backup went 2-3 with 4 rbi, he has been hitting well but his defense hasn't been great and that can hurt him. The Yankees Andy Pettitte will make his first start tomorrow at home against the Blue Jays. Ian Kennedy and Dan Giese are supposed to follow him in relief.