Yankees Recap

The New York Yankees defeated the Cincinatti Reds 7-1 tonight in Tampa. Joba Chamberlain got the start and was much better giving up 3 hits and 1 run in 3 innings. He did top out at 96 on the gun and his control was much better. This was definitely a good sign and a step in the right direction. The run was given up when Brett Gardner had trouble with a fly ball that he should of caught. Brett did have 2 hits though, Shelly Duncan hit a 3 run homerun showing he can have power at anytime and making the Yankees think about putting him back on the 40 man or at least pay attention to him. Hideki Matsui had a double and a walk and looked pretty good scoring from second. Cody Ransom is trying to make us forget about Arod with 2 more hits. When the starters came out Austin Jackson had a rbi hit and ended the game with a beautiful running catch in the gap. The Yankees other top prospect Jesus Montero looked good behind the plate and had a nice opposite field hit. The pitchers behind Joba were also solid, even Kei Igawa throwing 2 more scoreless innings looking real good not that it matters. Christian Garcia looked impressive with 2 strikeouts, this kid has a ton of potential and Anthony Claggett who the Yankees love looked good in his one inning. CC makes his second start of the spring tomorrow against Detroit in Lakeland. Just a quick side not, how in the world did the Netherlands advance and knockout the Dominicans, this may be the greatest upset in the history of sports.

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.

CC and Wang Today With Dave Eiland

Both looked good today with Wang getting Arod on two sliders and CC well he is just crazy good. This information came from Peter Abraham of the Journal News

Day 1 of Full Squad

It was revealed today that Big Tex will bat third and Arod fourth. Joe Girardi also said today that Hideki Matsui will DH in all of the spring games. He wants his knees to get to the point where he is able to run well. I definitely see the value more and more of keeping Nady and Swish, they are going to need everyone they have. Joe G said right now Matsi is the leading candidate to hit fifth. Christian Garcia and Eric Hacker have caught the managers eye as well as Andrew Brackman. Jorge Posadas reason for leaving the press conference yesterday was he had something to do with his kids. If Arod did something like that they would go nuts and not believe his reason. Arod was the last one out to the field today and recieved a ovation, the fans seemed to treat him warmly. He did not speak to the media today saying talk tomorrow guys. The bottom line is with the fans if he produces and the team wins no one is going to care, on the road doesn't matter because he gets booed anyway. Damaso Martes hamstrings are stiff but he will be fine. Francisco Cervelli is expected back on Monday. Swisher and Tex signed a lot of autographs and talked to the fans a lot. I really think these guys are good guys and will help with the chemistry a lot. I can't wait to the games begin next week and we start counting down to opening day.