Grapefruit League Game 9-Yankees at Tigers

The New York Yankees are traveling to Lakeland today to play the Detroit Tigers. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will both be pitching tomorrow. Here are some morning notes and the Yankees lineup. Alex Rodriguez had a update on his situation with meeting with the federal investigators. Here is what he said "They're working to schedule something that allows me to cooperate, and get my work in." Alex Rodriguez would prefer for the meeting to take place in Tampa and the Yankees have a off day on Monday so that should work but we will see. A-rod said he is looking forward to hearing from his lawyers sooner then later and is looking forward to getting this behind him. He said "I think the key thing to remember about this, it is a investigation about someone else. I don't really focus on that, I am focused on our team and Boston on Opening Day." He also added that his hip feels good and that he is not trying to overdo it this spring. He will have to see surgeon Mark Philippon and take some picture of the hip at some point in the future. He doesn't think that will happen until the All Star break or at some point when the Yankees are out west. Yankees Lineup: Granderson(CF) Johnson(DH) Teixeira(1B) Cano(2B) Thames(RF) Gardner(LF) Rivera(C) Vazquez(3B) Pena(SS) I will have some more later on from Joe Girardi this morning. The game is not televised but I will have a recap and any other notes later on today also so check back for all the action taking place today in Yankees Land.

Yanks go for 5 in a row

The New York Yankees will take on the Baltimore Orioles tonight from the stadium. Sergio Mitre will be on the mound making his Yankees debut. He hasn't pitched in the majors since Sept 2007, he missed all of last year with Tommy John surgery and then was suspended 50 games to start this year for PEDS, he claimed it was a mistake, something he took at GNC but anyway here he is. He is 10-23 in his career with a 5.36 era. Here are the pregame notes and lineup from Peter Abraham. The Yankees are 30-16 at home this year, 24-9 in their last 33 games at home. The Yankees are 42-22 since A-rod came back which is the best record in the major leagues over that stretch. The Yankees team era is 1.50 since the all star break. The Yankees have only scored 11 runs since the all star break. Melky Cabrera is only batting 230 since June 1st and is 2 of 13 since the break. Mo and Phil Hughes didn't pitch last night so they will be ready to go for tonight. The Orioles are 1-13 in divisional road games this year and 15-30 overall away from Camden Yards. Brett Tomko was DFA'D to make room on the roster for Sergio Mitre. He is in the rotation for good for now but I bet the Yankees make a trade for a Washburn or Cliff Lee or someone like that in the next 9 days. Yankees Lineup: Jeter(SS) Damon(LF) Tex(1B) A-rod(DH) Posada(C) Swisher(RF) Cano(2B) Cabrera(CF) Ransom(3B)

Manny Suspended for PEDS

Manny Ramirez was suspended 50 games today for violating the drug policy. The Dodgers called up a minor league outfielder to take his place. A-rod is expected back tomorrow and this seems to be good for him as it will take the attention away from him or at least some of it. I really think Alex has a chance to redeem himself to some degree now, the Yankees are once again struggling without him, they desperately need him. If he comes back plays well, the Yankees win and he stays out of trouble which is a big if then I think he can come back from all of this and be a hero at least to Yankee fans. A-rod has made mistakes but he still isn't Bonds or Clemens or even Manny and I really think people want to love A-rod but it has been hard to do. I think this is his chance to get everyone on his side and rewrite his legacy.