Grapefruit League Game 20-Nationals at Yankees

The New York Yankees will take on the Washington Nationals tonight at 7:05PM at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Here is todays lineup via Chad Jennings of the Journal News, this is a second look at what most likely will be the Opening Day Lineup. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Posada(C) Granderson(CF) Swisher(RF) Gardner(LF) Javier Vazquez is making his fourth start of the spring. Mariano Rivera, Mark Melancon, Zack Segovia, Boone Logan and Damaso Marte are also available to pitch. Here are some of the pregame notes. Scheduled to come off the bench tonight are: P.J. Pilittere(C), Juan Miranda(1B), Kevin Russo(2B), Ramiro Pena(SS), Francisco Cervelli(3B), Jon Weber(LF), Greg Golson(CF), David Winfree(RF). Yes Cervelli is playing third, I know its strange. Cervelli played first base way back in 2003. He has never played third base before, not even in the minor leagues. He does take ground balls there routinely though as the Yankees like to have all of their catchers get reps at the corners. The Yankees brought up minor leaguers Luis Nunez(Infielder) and Ryan Baker(C) for the game as backups. Here is the Nationals lineup tonight and on the traveling roster are former Yankees Alberto Gonzalez(SS), Brian Bruney(P), Tyler Clippard(P), and Wil Nieves(C). Nationals Lineup: Roger Bernadina(LF) Christian Guzman(SS) Willie Harris(3B) Josh Whitesell(1B) Justin Maxwell(CF) Adam Kennedy(2B) Ian Desmond(DH) Wil Nieves(C) Willy Taveras(RF) Starting pitcher is Livan Hernandez. This is a pretty no name lineup, there are some names you should know but not much firepower. The game is not on radio or TV tonight so check back later tonight or tomorrow morning if you don't stay up late for the recap and postgame notes.

Grapefruit League Game 19-Tigers at Yankees

The New York Yankees will take on the Detroit Tigers this afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. A.J. Burnett will get the start and be followed by Phil Hughes, Mariano Rivera is also scheduled to pitch. Here are the game notes and lineups for todays game. Johnny Damon will be making his first trip back to Tampa to see his old teammates. This is the 4th of 6 meetings this spring between the two teams. The Yankees are 2-1 against the Tigers so far. Zach Segovia Amaury Sanit and Josh Schmidt are also available to pitch for the Yankees. Schmidt is up from the minor league complex. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Johnson(1B) Posada(C) Rodriguez(3B) Cano(2B) Swisher(RF) Granderson(CF) Winn(LF) Cervelli(DH) Cervelli will start at DH then move to catcher later in the game. The other players scheduled to come off of the bench are Juan Miranda(1B), Ramiro Pena(2B), Reegie Corona(SS), Brandon Laird(3B), Jon Weber(LF), Greg Golson(CF), David Winfree(RF) and Austin Romine at DH. Justin Verlander is making the start for the Tigers and also pitching for them is Joel Zumaya, Jose Valverde, Phil Dumatrait, Phil Coke and Josh Rainwater. Detroits Lineup: Inge(3B) Damon(LF) Ordonez(RF) Cabrera(1B) Guillen(DH) Kelly(CF) Laird(C) Sizemore(2B) Everett(SS)

Yankees Split Squad Games

The Yankees are playing the Detroit Tigers right now at Steinbrenner Field. The game is on the Yes Network. Here is the lineup even though the game already started. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Nick Johnson(DH) Mark Teixeira(1B) Alex Rodriguez(3B) Robinson Cano(2B) Marcus Thames(LF) Jaime Hoffman(CF) Francisco Cervelli(C) Greg Golson(RF) CC Sabathia is making the start. The Yankees added 8 players to the roster today to cover since it is a split squad. They may not play but are needed just in case. Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Albaladejo, Royce Ring, Eric Wordkemper and Ryan Pope are all available to pitch after Sabathia. Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin will pitch later in the road game against the Rays. Zack Segovia and Amaury Sanit are also available. Kevin Russo is getting another start at SS today, they are trying to see if he can play it well enough to be a utility guy. I still think Ramiro Pena will get the job though. Damaso Marte will pitch in relief of Alfredo Aceves tomorrow. Brian Hoch from mlb.com asked Jeter how he was feeling as soon as he walked in the clubhouse. Remember a lot of people thought he got injured yesterday and this is what Jeter said "About What? The weather, health care reform, Avatar, the Pavement reunion?? I guess Jeter isn't too worried about his hand, but this is why he is who he is. He will never tell you anything. Yankees Lineup(Road Game) Brett Gardner(CF) Curtis Granderson(LF) Nick Swisher(DH) Jorge Posada(C) Randy Winn(RF) Juan Miranda(1B) Ramiro Pena(2B) Brandon Laird(3B) Eduardo Nunez(SS)

Yankees Win Opener on Walkoff

The New York Yankees defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon in their exhibition opener. The game was tied 3-3 when Colin Curtis hit a walkoff 3 run homerun in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory for the Yankees. A.J. Burnett wasn't around to deliver the pie, but it was a good start as the Yankees started the way they ended with a win. The Yankees also continued on a trend last year of walkoff wins, they sure seem to love the pie. Here are some of the stats and the notes from today. Alex Rodriguez recorded the Yankees first hit of the spring. Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves each pitched 2 scoreless innings. They each also had a strikeout and Gaudin was the only one who allowed a hit with a infield single to lead off the game. Nick Johnson had a rbi double and made a nice pick over at first. He has always been a good first baseman and will provide great defense when Mark Teixeira is dhing or taking a day off. Jon Albaladejo had a rocky outing, he gave up 2 hits and 3 runs without recording an out. Royce Ring pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts. Jason Hirsh faced 2 batters and struck them both out. Sanit pitched a scoreless inning. I really don't know much about him but he is a minor league pitcher. Ramiro Pena had a solo homerun, he was the utility guy last season and I would think he is the frontrunner for the same job this season. He started it off the right way and he did make a couple of nice plays in the field, he is known for his defense though. George Steinbrenner was at the field briefly, he was driven through the concourse and quickly driven out. CC Sabathia is scheduled for 2 innings or 35 pitches tomorrow when he faces Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies. Javier Vazquez threw a bullpen today becoming the last starter to do so, Joba felt better today and threw a bullpen and then went home. If he feels ok tomorrow he will be good to go for Friday. Derek Jeter, A-rod,Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Jon Weber, Francisco Cervelli, P.J. Pilittere and Mike Rivera. If I see this correctly that is 3 catchers which would lead me to belive we will see top prospect Jesus Montero in the game tomorrow. There is Joe Girardi and Curtis Granderson audio up on the great Lohud Yankees Blog by Chad Jennings. You can hear it at http://yankees.lhblogs.com/. The Yankees take on the Phillies tomorrow in Clearwater at 1:00pm, the game is on the MLB network.

The Boss issues a statement

The Boss George Steinbrenner issued a statement earlier today on the Yankees winning the World Series and here it is: "The Steinbrenner Family and the Yankees Organization are extremely proud of the members of the 2009 New York Yankees for bringing a 27th World Championship to New York City and our fans, the greatest fans in the world. Every World Series victory is special, but this one is especially sweet coming in the first year in our new home. "The 2009 New York Yankees proved that we are the best in baseball. We beat truly worthy opponents in the American League Division Series, the American League Championship Series and the World Series. As we did all season long, we fought hard, never lost focus and gave a true team victory. Our players have a lot to be proud of. This group will become legendary - similar to the 26 World Championship teams that preceded them."Joe Girardi and his team deserve great credit for racking up wins over a long, tough season. "We are so grateful to our fans. They have never wavered in their faith or enthusiasm through the good and bad years. This World Series belongs to them and to all Yankees, past, present and future. "We'll enjoy this win. And the quest for No. 28 begins."

George Steinbrenner makes a statement

The New York Yankees were home relaxing today and will have a workout at Yankee Stadium tomorrow. They will probably watch the Twins/Tigers game afterwards on the big screen inside the stadium. The Yankees owner George Steinbrenner made a statement today through publicist Howard Rubenstein. Here is what he had to say. This has been a tremendous year for our team as we have settled into our new home," Steinbrenner said in a statement issued by Howard Rubenstein. "The New York Yankees are proud of our rich history of outstanding players, and this year's team has worked hard to prove that they are worthy of the great distinction of calling themselves Yankees. "We look forward to finishing what we started this season and never losing sight of our goal -- to bring another championship to the best fans in the world and the great city of New York." It sounds great and hopefully if the Yankees make it to the ALCS the boss will be able to make it to NY. There is no news today as the Yankees will have their workout tomorrow and not finalize the rosters until they find out their opponent.

Game 80: Blue Jays at Yankees

Here are the game note and lineup via Peter Abraham and the Lohud Yankees Blog. I am enjoying the sun and pool today that is why I am not going to write everything out. I do want to say Happy Birthday to George Steinbrenner who turns 79 today, Brian Cashman turned 42 yesterday. Today marks independence day so go out and enjoy the day with family and friends and have a safe and Happy holiday. It also marks 70 years ago today that Lou Gehrig made what is considered to be the greatest sports speech ever. The Yankees will honor him today with a video tribute before the game. They will have #4 which was Lou's number on first base and will wear a patch 4ALS on all their uniforms. The Yes Network will also have a story about a ALS victim and Lou Gehrig. As you are enjoying your bbq and family and friends stop and take a moment and think of Lou Gehrig, a lot of people don't realize how great he was but I suggest you look up his stats or read Luckiest Man which is about him. I am not sure if I will be back later to write the postgame stuff because I am headed out to PA at some point and I will be at the AAA Scranton game tomorrow with the Lohud Yankees blog. I plan on putting some pictures up and writing something about that on Monday. Game 80: Blue Jays at Yankees Posted using ShareThis

Notes from Day 2 of Full Squad

Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras will not be participating in the WBC, they didn't even know they were on the provisional rosters. Damaso Marte won't be running for at least the rest of the week due to his stiff hamstrings, this probably means he too will be out of the WBC. Derek Jeter, Joe Girardi, Bernie Williams, Mark Teixera, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Arod all met with George Steinbrenner who was in his house today. They all said they had pleasant conversations with him, I wish we could find out what was said. He was transferred from a golf cart to a wheelchair and then wheeled up to his office. Alex Rodriguez commented on his first two days saying the fans have been welcoming and that he is enjoying himself on the field. Bernie Williams immediate goal is to not embarass himself in the WBC but if it goes well he may try to come back to the majors. He is taking part in all of the regular drills with the team. CC Sabathia was pleased with how he was throwing today. Nick Swisher has a nice range of music he likes to put on in the clubhouse. I thank Peter Abraham of the Journal News and http://yankees.lhblogs.com for having this information available on his great blog.