Yankees Take Series in Boston with 3-1 Victory in Extra Inning | Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Here is my link to the Yankees story I did on tonights game. Remember I am the sports writer for World News Vine and need all the support I can get as I cover both the Yankees and Mets all season long. I will be reporting from the games as well and would appreciate you visiting and clicking on some of my ads as well as I generate income this way. Yankees Take Series in Boston with 3-1 Victory in Extra Inning Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Yankees take series in Extras

The New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox tonight by the score of 3-1. The Red Sox took an early lead and it stayed 1-0 until the 8th inning when Nick Swisher hit a rbi single with Jorge Posada at second. I don't know how he scored as he looked very slow and uncoordinated in trying to score but he made it by tiptoeing around the catcher and then missing home plate. He was able to crawl back and touch home plate as the ball got away from the catcher. Andy Pettitte and John Lackey both pitched very well but it became a battle of the bullpens. Andy pitched 6 innings giving up 6 hits and 1 run with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. John Lackey pitched 6 innings giving up 3 hits and 0 runs. Curtis Granderson was the hero of the game as he hit a homerun off of Jonathan Papelbon in the 10th inning. The Yankees added a insurance run with a Mark Teixiera fielders choice groundout. Mariano Rivera looked like he usually does by pitching a perfect inning for the save. Chan Ho Park was the story of the game though as he bounced back from his opening night loss with 3 shutout innings. He earned the victory, he also saved the bullpen who will now all be ready to go in Tampa on Friday. The Yankees won the series and will enjoy their day off. They will take on the Rays now in St. Pete Friday, Saturday and Sunday before coming home next Tuesday for the home opener. Javier Vazquez will make his debut on Friday. Curtis Granderson has started off his Yankee career nicely with 2 homeruns in 3 games and the game winner tonight. Nick Johnson hasn't gotten a hit yet but has started his second tour of duty off right with his near 500 on base percentage.

Yankees at Red Sox Game Notes

I decided to break up the original game post with the lineups and the game notes to see if it looks better on the blog. I think it will be clearer and not take up as much space, what do you guys think?? Here are the notes: With Mariano Rivera getting into the game yesterday, he Posada and Jeter became the first trio of teammates in MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL history to play together in each of 16 straight seasons. It is amazing to think that they have been together this long and been this good. It was almost 4 if Pettitte didn't go to Houston for 3 years. The second longest tri in Yankees history played 13 seasons together. They were Bill Dickey, Lefty Gomez and Red Ruffing from 1930-42 and Whitey Ford, Elston Howard and Mickey Mantle from 1955-67. Curtis Granderson batting ninth last night was the first time in Yankees history they batted a 30 or more homerun guy from the previous season in the ninth spot. It was the first time in the majors since 6/4/07 the White Sox did it with Joe Crede. Last night marked the 16th straight regular season game the Yankees won when tied after the 7th inning. The 16 game winning streak under such circumstances matches the 1906 Giants for the longest regular season winning streak in the Modern Era in games that were tied at the end of the seventh inning. This is according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Alfredo Aceves moved to 11-1 in his career after eraning the win last night. It marked the best start by a Yankee at the start of his career or with prior decisions with other teams ince Bob Wickman began his career 14-1 with the Yankees from 1992 through 6/2/93. Robinson Cano has now hit safely in his last 13 games against the Red Sox. He is batting 400 in that span with 6 doubles, 3 homeruns and 7 rbi. It is the longest hitting streak by at Yankee against Boston since Derek Jeter hit in 18 straight from 8/28/07-8/28/08. Mariano Rivera recorded his first save last night and that was the 15th consecutive yr with at least one save according to Elias. That ties a AL record that was held by Tom Burgmeier's. He did it in 1970-84. It is tied for the 6th longest of all time. Jorge Posada hit his 16th career HR at Fenway Park on Sunday. It is the most by a Yankee since Mickey Mantle finished his career with 38 at fenway.

Regular Season Game 3-Yankees at Red Sox

Here are the lineups first and then some game notes. Today is the rubber game of the 3 game opening series in Boston. The Red Sox won the first game 9-7 and the Yankees won last night by the score of 6-4. Andy Pettitte will go up against John Lackey who is making his Red Sox debut. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Gardner(LF) Red Sox Lineup: Ellsbury(CF) Pedroia(2B) Martinez(C) Youkilis(1B) Ortiz(DH) Beltre(3B) Drew(RF) Cameron(CF) Scutaro(SS)

Postgame Reaction from last nights Yankee Game

Joba Chamberlain met one of his childhood heroes before the game last night. John Smoltz was working for MLB network and he did offer Joba some advice. Smoltz remember started and relieved in his career and did both well. He told Joba to treat relieving as though it is a "one inning game." Joba said "It is just getting back in the routine, getting comfortable with what I do down there, when it is all clicking, it feels right." He was talking about being in the bullpen. He sure looked like his old self last night hitting 96 on the gun and showing that emotion that he needs to show. Chad Jennings of the Journal News had these postgame notes: Here is what A.J. Burnett said about Posada, he said that Posadas ability to block his curveball early in the game gave him the confidence to keep throwing it late. "My first couple of hooks aren't exactly 60 footers, they are more like 56 and a half." Nick Swisher said "I'm really just taking this, for the first time in my career, like a job. Show up, I do the work, make sure I am doing everything the right way and it's really working out. Maybe I am just a little more focused." Girardi said he didn't want to use Park because he felt a little sick yesterday. Girardi said it was possible that Robertson would of pitched the whole 8th inning had he not allowed that leadoff single. Girardi said this about Nick Johnson "That is why we went and got this guy." He was commenting on him getting on base 50 percent of the time even though he hasn't got a hit yet. The Yankees were pleased with the way Burnett pitched, Burnett said that he just made 2 mistakes to Victor Martinez. Here is what Girardi said about Cano in the 5 hole. "His approach has been outstanding."

Yanks even series with Boston

The New York Yankees bounced back with a win tonight in Boston. They won the game 6-4, A.J. Burnett got the start and I think he was better then the numbers indicate. He pitched 5 innings giving up 7 hits and 4 runs, only 3 were earned. He did have 5 strikeouts with only 1 walk. He got off to a bad start because the outfielders miscommunicated and it led to a single, stolen base and throwing error by Jorge Posada. The bullpen tonight was great with Alfredo Aceves pitching 2 perfect innings, Damaso Marte getting David Ortiz out in a big spot and Joba Chamberlain looking like the old Joba striking out 2 batters to close out the 8th. He also did his spinning pump fist, he needs to how that emotion and get fired up, his velocity was also up to 96 which is great to see. The offense was led by Robinson Cano who started the spring hitting and hasn't stopped. He was 2-3 with 2 rbi and 2 runs scored. Nick Johnson didn't get a hit but was on base 3 times and that was why he was brought here because of his high on base percentage. Nick Swisher has also been hitting great, he had 2 hits and a rbi. The Yankees will try to win the series tomorrow night at 7:00PM on the YES network.

Regular Season Game 2-Yankees at Red Sox

Tonight will be all about A.J. Burnett and Jorge Posada working together again. Last year they had trouble and it ended up at the end of the year that Jose Molina caught A.J. Burnett including through the playoffs. A.J. Burnett said he never had a problem and they worked together all spring and have appeared to get over whatever happened between them. Tonight will be the first official start together in a long time. I know everyone will be curious to see how they work together and that will be the big story. Here are the game notes and tonights lineup. I would love to here from you guys under this post as to how your feeling, what you think of the lineup?? What do you think of A.J. and Jorge?? Whatever else you want to discuss lets get it going here. This is game 2 of the 3 game opening series in Boston, it will be A.J. Burnett and Jon Lester on the mound. After this series the Yankees will be off on Thursday and head to Tampa for a weekend series before returning home next tuesday. Curtis Granderson homered in his first at bat and plate appearance as a Yankee. This was the first Yankees to accomplish that feat since Cody Ransom did so on 8/17/08 vs Kansas City. It was the first time a Yankee did it in his first plate appearance on Opening Day since Jim Wynn on 4/7/77 vs Milwaukee. The only players to homer in their first Yankees at bat at Fenway Park other then Granderson were Andy Phillips(2004), Graig Nettles(1973) and John Miller(1966). The season opening telecast on the YES network marked the second highest rated and second most watched regular season live sporting event ever on a NY regional sports network. It was second only to the YES networks 4/3/05 Yankees-Red Sox game. Chan Ho Park became the first Korean born Yankee in franchise history with his appearance on Sunday night. The Yankees fell to 14-19 on Easter with their loss on Sunday. The opening loss dropped them to 18-11-1 in 30 previous all time opening day games vs Boston. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Swisher(RF) Thames(LF) Granderson(CF)

Hughes looks great in Extended Spring

The Yankees were off today and their wasn't much news. Phil Hughes did make a start down in Tampa in extended spring training though. He pithced 8 1/3 innings allowing 3 hits, 0 runs and had 12 strikeouts. That is very impressive although it was in extended spring. I feel really good about him as the 5th starter and think he may give them double digit wins. I think this is the year he really shows his potential and then stays in the rotation for good. He will be rejoining the team before pitching another extended spring game when the team is in Tampa this coming weekend. The Pitching Matchups for the rest of the series in Boston are: Tommorrow-A.J. Burnett vs Jon Lester Wednesday-Andy Pettitte vs John Lackey The Yankees will try to even up the series tomorrow. The games are at 7:00PM and on the yes network and wcbs radio 880AM.

Johan Santana and Mets roll to Victory

The New York Mets got off to a great start with a convincing 7-1 victory today at Citi Field. Johan Santana was his usual self pitching 6 innings and allowing a run on 4 hits. He walked 2 and struck out 5. He was in a tight battle until the Mets opened up the game in the 6th inning with 4 runs, helped out by 3 Marlins errors. The Mets bullpen pitched 3 scoreless innings in support of Santana. Fernando Nieve pitched 2 innings giving up 2 hits and Francisco Rodriguez pitched a perfect 9th inning. Jason Bay, Rod Barajas and Gary Matthews Jr. each had 2 hits a piece. The newcomers really got into the action right away and had a big impact. It was a beautiful day and the Mets really made some improvements on the stadium incorportating their past. Darryl Strawberry threw out the first pitch which was a great thing by the Mets. I was a good day all the way around. The link to my article is below, the Mets and Marlins will continue their series on Wednesday. http://worldnewsvine.com/2010/04/santana-and-mets-roll-on-opening-day/

Welcome to Opening Day

The New York Mets begin their 2010 season at 1:00PM today at home against the Florida Marlins. Baseball is back and what can be better then that. The ace of the staff Johan Santana will take the mound going up against Josh Johnson. Here are the pregame notes I have from the Mets media notes. The Mets are set to open up their 49th season in the National League. They are 31-17 on Opening Day. This is the best winning percentage in baseball on opening day. Johan Santana will make his 5th opening day start and 3rd straight with the Mets. He is 3-1 with a 4.07 era on opening day and won his last 2 with the Mets. The Mets have never opened the season at home against Florida. They have played them twice in Florida to start the season in 1999 and 2008. This is the first time the Mets have opened at home since 2006 and 25th time overall they have opened at home. They are 17-7 in those openers, they are also 17-2 in their last 19 opening days at home. The pregame ceremonies will include renaming the brige beyond the right-centerfield wall Shea bridge. The 4 troops will do the national anthem and God Bless America and Darryl Strawberry will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Mets Lineup: Cora(SS) Castillo(2B) Wright(3B) Jacobs(1B) Bay(LF) Matthews(CF) Francoeur(RF) Barajas(C) Santana(P)

Yankees Lose Opener to Red Sox in Boston | Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Here is the story I did for World News Vine. Click on the link below to read about Opening Night. The [pitching wasn't great but if your a fan of offense then this game was for you. It usually goes this way with these 2 teams at Fenway Park though. If you don't know I am writing for this organization. I need you guys to support me and visit these articles. You can click on the links also, please check me out everyday on here, I will always post the links here as well as continuing to do the rest of the stuff I always do on this blog. Yankees Lose Opener to Red Sox in Boston Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Opening NIght 2010-Yankees at Red Sox

The New York Yankees will begin defense of their title at 8:05PM when they take on the Boston Red Sox from Fenway Park. What a way to begin the season on Easter against your hated rivals. Happy Easter to everyone, hope you are enjoying the day with friends and family and good food. I don't have too many notes but here is your game post. CC Sabathia will go up against Josh Beckett, they are the two aces of their respective staffs. This is the 108th season for the Yankees and second season in a row to start on the road. They lost to the Baltimore Orioles 10-5 last year. The teams will have an off day tomorrow then play Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 7:05PM. The games will be on the yes network in NY. A.J. Burnett will face John Lackey and then Andy Pettitte will face Jon Lester. The Yankees are 14-18 on Easter over the last 50 years. This is just the second time the Yankees are playing Boston on Easter over the last 50 years. The Yankees are 18-10-1 in 29 previous opening days against Boston. They are 6-4 in openers at Fenway Park. The Yankees and Red Sox last played on Opening Day in 2005. The Yankees won that game 9-2. The Yankees have been champs 26 times and went back to the World Series 16 times and repeated 12 times. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Gardner(LF)

New York Mets End Exhibition Season | Not A Good Day | Breaking News WorldNewsVine

The New York Mets got thrased by the score of 11-0 today by the Baltimore Orioles. They are now headed home and will begin the season on Monday from Citi Field. They will face the Florida Marlins with Johan Santana going up against Josh Johnson. I worry about the Mets pitching as they dont inspire much confidence. I think there bullpen might be ok but the starters are a real cause for concern. I do think the lineup will be better with Reyes and Beltran coming back. I think Jason Bay and Mike Jacobs will add some pop they were missing last season. The problem is they are going to have to average at least 6+ runs a game. New York Mets End Exhibition Season Not A Good Day Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Yankees Finish off Exhibition Season | Ready for Real Thing | Breaking News WorldNewsVine

I wanted to announce that I am the sports writer now for World News Vine. I really appreciate the support and attention you have given to this blog. I still will be writing my blog as I always have and welcome the continued support. I want you guys to read and support my articles for this site though as well and need you to click on the links I will be providing. Please pass these on to others so I can get as much support as possible. I will be generating some revenue from this of course but as you know I am dedicated to all the writing I can do and want to become a fulltime Journalist. I thank you for all of your time and support and please spread the word to others. Yankees Finish off Exhibition Season Ready for Real Thing Breaking News WorldNewsVine

Yankees Set Roster/Ready for Opening Night

The New York Yankees finished off their exhibition schedule with a 9-6 win over the future starts this afternoon. I am not going to go in detail about the game. The starters all got a couple of at bats and then came out of the game. Javier Vazquez pitched 4 1/3 innings giving up 7 hits and 3 runs with a walk and a couple of strikeouts. He had a good spring and is ready for the season. The best part of the game was that the regulars got their work in and didn't get hurt. Speaking of injuries all the guys that were nicked up are ready to go for tomorrow night. Jorge Posada played and came through it fine. He will be the starting catcher tomorrow, Francisco Cervelli will be on the roster, he is getting better and had a talk with Joe Girardi and was told if he does get into a game to just be smart. Damaso Marte and Alfredo Aceves both felt better today and will be available out of the bullpen. Here is the Opening Day Roster Starting Pitchers CC Sabathia A.J. Burnett Andy Pettitte Javier Vazquez Phil Hughes Bullpen Mariano Rivera Joba Chamberlain Damaso Marte Dave Robertson Alfredo Aceves Sergio Mitre Chan Ho Park Starting Lineup Derek Jeter(SS) Nick Johnson(DH) Mark Teixeira(1B) Alex Rodriguez(3B) Robinson Cano(2B) Jorge Posada(C) Curtis Granderson(CF) Nick Swisher(RF) Brett Gardner(LF) Bench Marcus Thames Ramiro Pena Francisco Cervelli Randy Winn What do you guys think of your 2010 New York Yankees. They will try and defend the title and I think they have a great shot at doing it. The season is long but this team has a deep lineup and some really good pitching all the way around. It should be a fun season and it all begins tomorrow night in Boston.

Yankees Updates

Marcus Thames has made the team. He said "That was a weight lifted off of my shoulders". He will be a reserve outfielder and get at bats against lefties who he has very good career numbers against. This hasn't been confirmed but according to a source and this is coming from Chad Jennings of the Lohud Yankees Blog the Yankees have signed Chad Moeller to a minor league contract. He will backup Jesus Montero at AAA Scranton. This same source is saying the Yankees have signed utility man Robby Hammock who can catch and play the corners. Damaso Marte, Francisco Cervelli and Jorge Posada all reported progress this morning. Posada is playing in the game today, Marte will play catch and Cervelli will play catch in the bullpen, hit in the cage and ride a stationary bike. They are all expected to be on the roster for tomorrows opener.

Grapefruit League Game 31-Mets at Orioles

The New York Mets will play their final exhibition game this afternoon in Sarasota against the Orioles. The game is at 1:05PM and will be on WFAN radio in New York. The Mets will head home and have a workout tomorrow at Citi Field in advance of Mondays Opener against the Florida Marlins. Jon Niese will get the start today and also expected to pitch are Oliver Perez, Ryota Igarashi and Sean Green. The Mets have one more cut to make before Mondays opener. According to the New York Daily News Francisco Rodriguez will rejoin the team tomorrow. He has been in Venezuela attending to a family matter. The New York Mets have announced that former Met Darryl Strawberry will throw out the first pitch on Monday. This is a good move by the Mets and it is about time they recognize their past.

Final Exhibition Game-Yankees Vs Yankees Future Stars

The New York Yankees will play one final exhibition game today at 1:0PM against Yankees Future Stars. This was set up by Yankees management and apparantly the players aren't too happy about it. The players would of preferred to break camp yesterday after the game and been in Boston for a workout today. They will play this game and then break camp and head to Boston and get there tonight. They will work out tomorrow prior to the game at 8:05PM tomorrow night. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. The Yes network will have pregame coverage starting at 7:00PM. Here are the lineups for todays game Yankees: Jeter(SS) Posada(C) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Swisher(DH) Granderson(CF) Winn(RF) Gardner(LF) Javier Vazquez will start the game. This is pretty much the opening day lineup, Nick Johnson isn't in there today, he should be the DH and #2 hitter tomorrow, Swisher will be in RF and Winn will be on the bench. Yankees Future Stars: Heathcott(CF) Joseph(3B) Montero(C) Adams(2B) Murphy(DH) Curtis(LF) Suttle(1B) Nunez(SS) Mesa(RF) Jon Albaladejo is the starting pitcher.

Mets lose then cut down roster

The New York Mets lost to the Tampa Bay Rays tonight by the score of 4-2. After the game they told Kiko Calero, Chris Carter, Elmer Dessens, Bobby Parnell, Russ Adams and Nelson Figueroa that they will not be on the 25 man roster. I guess with this news it looks like Frank Catalanotto and Jenrry Mejia will make the team. The Mets got a good pitching performance out of Mike Pelfrey and hope this will carry over and he can have a good season. He pitched 6 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. He didn't allow a walk and struck out 4 batters. Fernando Nieve came into the game in the 7th inning and wasn't great allowing a run, 2 hits and walk. He did strike out one in his 2/3 of an inning. Pedro Feliciano retired the only batter he faced. Jenrry Mejia pitched one inning allowing 2 hits and 2 runs but the runs were unearned. The Mets didn't too much offensively against Matt Garza who pitched very well. Mike Jacobs hit a 2 run homerun in the ninth and Jason Bay was 2-2 with a walk. Gary Matthews Jr. had a hit and a walk and Jeff Francoeur had a hit. The Mets play their last exhibition game tomorrow in Sarasota against the Orioles, gametime is 1:05PM. Jose Reyes was 1-4 in a minor league game today, he hit a homerun. He also played 7 innings in the field.

Yankees have caught the injury bug

The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles played to a 6-6 tie this afternoon. The big news of the day though was that Nick Johnson fouled a ball off of his knee in the first inning. He is day to day and stated to the media that he will be playing on Sunday night. It isn't so much that he got hurt but the last couple of days they have had guys coming down with injuries. Alfredo Aceves who has been battling back issues stated today that he will also be ready for Sunday. He pitched one inning today in minor league camp and came out of it in good shape. Damaso Marte has had a sore shoulder. He thinks it is from the strenthening exercises he has been doing on his shoulder. He said this injury is nothing like last year and that he is confident he will be fine. Andy Pettitte started the game today and pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings giving up 7 hits. He walked one and also struck out a batter. Andy was happy with his start saying "I felt like my command could of been a little bit better with my fastball. Other then that I felt really good." He stated that he got tired at the end which he knew would happen. He said even though he threw 100 pitches in his simulated game it isn't the same as the real game, that you can't duplicate the adrenaline. He said the biggest need from this game was to build his stamina up and he was glad to be out there and accomplish that. Mariano Rivera pitched an inning giving up 2 hits and 3 runs but none of them were earned. He also had a walk, strikeout and hit a batter. He hasn't been feeling well the last couple of days but I wouldn't worry about him. Boone Logan pitched a scoreless inning giving up a hit, he also had a strikeout. It looks like he will make the team as the second lefty if they go that way because there is no one else left on the roster. The Yankees sent Royce Ring down. Offensively Randy Winn was 2-5 with a rbi and Mark Teixeira continued his hot spring with a couple of hits. Nick Swisher hit a 2 run homerun and Robinson Cano had a hit and rbi. Alex Rodriguez had a hit and rbi also. The Yankees will take on minor league all stars tomorrow at 1:05PM at George M. Steinbrenner Field. A-rod confirmed a NY Daily News story that he did meet with the Feds on Thursday. He didn't offer any other details then to say read the story. I guess there is nothing else to worry about with that and he will start the season and hopefully have a great drama free season once again.

Grapefruit League Game 30-Mets at Rays

The New York Mets are playing the Rays at Tropicana Field this evening. Mike Pelfrey will make the start. Also available to pitch tonight are Ryota Igarashi, Jenrry Mejia and Pedro Feliciano. Here is the starting lineup for the game: Cora(SS) Castillo(2B) Wright(3B) Jacobs(DH) Bay(LF) Matthews Jr.(CF) Francoeur(RF) Tatis(1B) Barajas(C) Jerry Manuel said on WFAN today that the Mets will be making some decisions on the roster tonight after the game. He wants Jenrry Mejia on the team, said he could eventually be the 8th inning guy. He also said he believes they have enough talent in the bullpen to get the job done. Alex Cora will be the starting SS on Opening Day. He will play both Gary Matthews Jr. and Angel Pagan based on matchups. He is leaning towards breaking up his right handers. Mike Jacobs will probably be the cleanup hitter since he will now be the first baseman.

Grapefruit League Game 28-Orioles at Yankees

Here is the lineup for todays penultimate exhibition game against the Orioles. The game is at 1:05PM from George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The lineup is via Chad Jennings of the Lohud Yankees Blog. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Granderson(CF) Gardner(LF) This is your opening day lineup, looks pretty good to me. Andy Pettitte will make the start today and I don't think there is any rain in the forecast. The Yankees will open their 108th season on Sunday Night in Boston against their oldest and fiercest rivals. The game is at 8:05PM on ESPN. Chan HO Park has not allowed a run in 6 outings this spring. He has pitched 7 innings giving up 4 hits and has struck out 8. The Yankees and Orioles are meeting for the 4th and final time this exhibtion season. The Yankees are 2-1 against them. The Yankees were 13-5 against them last season and it was their 12th straight winning season against the O's.

Additions to Citi Field for 2010

The Mets will display a game day starting lineup above the escalators in the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. That is the main area where everyone comes into the Stadium. Each side of the field level will now display vintage baseball cards of Robin Ventura, Cleon Jones and Dave Kingman. Blue Smoke, Big Apple Brews and Box Frites will be opening additional locations on the promenade level of the stadium. The 1969 and 1986 clubs will be celebrated in the Champions Club. This club was formerly known as the Ebbetts Club. The VIP entrances will be renamed. The first base one will be "Hodges VIP" and the third base will be "Seaver VIP". Left field will be the "Stengel VIP" and each will feature images of them celebrating their careers. There are now banners in the parking lot of Mets from all eras. The outfield bridge will now be known as Shea Bridge in honor of Bill Shea. The homerun apple now resides in front of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda outside of Citi Field. Thank you to Matthew Cerrone for having this information on his www.metsblog.com. It is nice to see the Mets finally recognizing some of their history, it is a year late but better late then never.

Yankees Injury Updates

Here are some of the injury updates from the Yankees: Jorge Posada-He is fine, he could of batted lefthanded today if they needed him too. The situation didn't arise though. Mark Teixeira-He said he felt really good today and you know your own body. He said he knew he would be ok. He was wearing a protective sleeve on his arm today and said Joe Girardi told him he wants him to wear it until he 100% doesn't feel anything at all. Alfredo Aceves-Joe Girardi just said that he is better then he was yesterday and is still scheduled to pitch tomorrow. Dave Robertson-This is a strange one but Joe Girardi saw him shaking his leg during the game and went to check on him. It turned out his shoes were hurting him, Robertson said maybe it is time for new shoes.

Mets lose To Nationals

The New York Mets lost to the Washington Nationals this afternoon by the score of 9-3. John Maine got the start for the Mets and was up and down. He gave up 4 runs on 6 hits with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. Ryota Igarashi pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 1 hit and 2 runs with a walk. Sean Green looked really good today striking out the side in his one inning of work. Bobby Parnell pitched 1/3 of an inning giving up 3 hits and 2 runs. Hisanori Takahashi got out the only 2 guys he faced. The Mets offense was led by Frank Catalonatto and Ruben Tejada who each had 2 hits. Angel Pagan and Gary Matthews Jr. each had a hit and Matthews also drew a walk. Mike Jacobs hit a 2 run homerun, he will now be the first baseman and have a real chance to not let go of the position. Fernando Tatis had a hit for the Mets. The Mets will play the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow night at Tropicana Field, the game is at 6:10PM.

A.J. Looks good in final tuneup

The New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 5-2 today. A.J. Burnett made his final tuneup start before the regular season. He looked pretty good pitching 4 2/3 innings giving up 5 hits and 2 runs. He walked 2 and also struck out 2. Royce Ring struck out the only batter he faced as he is trying to make the team as a second lefty. It is a fierce battle between him and Boone Logan. Chan Ho Park pitched another perfect inning with a strikeout and Dave Robertson pitched a scoreless inning giving up a hit. Joba Chamberlain pitched a scoreless inning with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Curtis Granderson had 2 hits off of lefties today, it looks like he has worked out some of his issues this spring against lefties and is ready for the season. Brett Gardner had a hit, Nick Johnson had a hit, rbi and walk. Mark Teixeira had a couple of hits and Robinson Cano was 2-2 with 2 rbi. I guess the 5th spot is agreeing with him as he has been tearing it up all spring. Nick Swisher was 2-3 and Ramiro Pena had a double and rbi. The Yankees appear to be ready for Opening Night in Boston on Sunday. The Yankees will take on the Baltimore Orioles tomorrow afternoon at 1:00PM on the yes network and ESPN and then have their final tuneup on Saturday afternoon against the Yankees minor leaguers.

Mets Vs Nationals

The New York Mets are playing a early game today, they started at 12 noon and the game is on SNY and WFAN radio in New York. Here are some quick notes from this morning. Francisco Rodriguez left the team to be with his family in Venezuela. Omar Minaya said he will be with the team for Opening Day. Minaya confirmed that Reyes will stay behind for extended spring training when the team breaks camp. He said "He will stay here with the extended program. he is coming along very well. We want him for the whole year and feel it's safter for him to stay down in Florida." There is no date for Reyes return right now. Minaya said it is likely that 12 pitchers are on the roster for opening day. Minaya said "I like our team, when you look at our team, with Jose hopefully getting in the mix, teh team as a unit feels good. Underneath the expectation levels, I think we can prove some people wrong."

Grapefruit League Game 28-Yankees at Blue Jays

Here are some quick notes from Joe Girardis session with the press this morning and then I have the lineup for today. Curtis Granderson will be the CF, they would of been fine with either Granderson or Gardner but the Yankees view Granderson as a everyday player. Gardner still has to earn his playing time, he will play CF the days Granderson does not. Francisco Cervelli has a Grade 1 strain of the hamstring and won't play in anymore exhibition games. Girardi thinks he won't go on the DL and will start the season with the team. Just in case they wanted to get Mike Rivera in these last few games. Girardi didn't committ to a full time platoon with Marcus Thames but it looks like he will get a lot of playing time against lefties. Girardi said he has swung the bat well against lefties and has played well enough in the field. His career numbers against lefties are very good. A.J. Burnett, Royce Ring, Chan Ho Park, Joba Chamberlain,Dave Robertson, Pat Venditte, Craig Heyer and Lance Pendleton are pitchers available today. Yankees Lineup: Granderson(CF) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Posada(C) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Thames(LF) Pena(SS) Laird(3B)

Mets defeat Marlins but have more bad injury News

The New York Mets defeated the Florida Marlins 6-3 this afternoon. Nelson Figueroa pitched 3 scoreless innings giving up 3 hits and striking out 3. Raul Valdez and Hisanori Takahashi pitched a scoreless inning in relif. Jenrry Mejia pitched 2 innings giving up a run but only because of a dropped ball in center by Angel Pagan. David Wright hit another homerun and Mike Jacobs hit 2 doubles. Jason Bay and Chris Carter also hit homeruns. Jeff Francouer was hitless and is only hitting 208 on the spring. The big news of the day was that Daniel Murphy is out 2-6 weeks with a sprained knee. This opens the door for Mike Jacobs who was maybe on his way out but will be the starting first baseman now. Jerry Manuel also announced his rotation for the first week and it is Johan Santana followed by John Maine, Jon Niese, Mike Pelfrey and Oliver Perez. I don't think it matters to much how you put it because it is basically Santana and then hope the rest of the games. I don't think you can feel good at all about this rotation. Jon Niese may be good but the other starters are showing a lot of questions. Perez is what he is and Maine hasn't been healthy in a long time and when he is, he is basically a 5 inning pitcher anyway. Mike Pelfrey is the guy who really needs to step up but has looked bad this spring. Jon Heyman of SI.com is reporting that Jose Reyes will not be with the Mets on Opening Day. If this is true he will miss the first 5 games, the Mets want to be cautious with him according to Heyman. He will not start in any grapefruit league games either then and will keep working in the minor league games. I guess we will see how this plays out the next couple of days.