Spring Game 33: Yankees at Blue Jays

Andy Pettitte makes his penultimate start of the spring, he will pitch again at the New Stadium on Saturday against the Cubs. There isn't much else to settle as the Yankees have their roster down to 30, there is one bullpen spot left which will probably go to Jon Albaladejo and then the utility infielder between Angel Berroa and Ramiro Pena. This isn't a big deal either as when Arod gets back, Cody Ransom will be back to that job and either Pena or Berroa will be in the minors or released. I am sure the Yankees are at the point they just can't wait to leave Wed night as this has been a very long spring. I will be back later with some notes and recap of the game. Spring Game 33: Yankees at Blue Jays Posted using ShareThis

Gardner is the CF

Brett Gardner was named the starting CF by Joe Girardi after todays game. He said the plan is for Melky to be on the team, so if he isn't traded he will be the backup. I think this is the right move, Gardner played so well at the end of last year and this spring, he takes better routes on balls, has unbelievable speed. When he gets on base he just creates havoc, the only thing Melky does better is throw the ball. Melky will have enough chances to play though, he can play LF when Damon gets a off day, or come in late for defense there and if Gardner doesn't play well and he does then he will be back in CF. Girardi said they both played well this spring, and that Melky had a tough year last year but came into camp ready to go. Melky said he was disappointed but will do whatever he can to help the team. I am wondering if he will also announce the bullpen and the utility guy which really isn't a big deal since it is only until Arod comes back then Cody Ransom will go back to that role, more later as it develops.

Mets recap and notes

I am not trying to neglect the Mets but just have forgotten to write about them. The Mets defeated the Florida Marlins yesterday 5-4. After the game Jerry Manuel still wouldn't commit to anyone as the fifth starter even though we assume its Livan Hernandez, he said he likes the kid Gee. It appears Jose Reyes will be the leadoff hitter followed by Luis Castillo, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado. I think this is the right choice, if you hit Castillo 8th it would hurt him I believe. He has looked good this spring so maybe the Mets will actually get something out of him. Mike Pelfrey got the start for the Mets today against the Orioles but because of a long rain delay only threw 13 pitches and then they didn't bring him back out after the delay. He will pitch 90-95 pitches on Thursday. The Mets were defeated 5-1 on a rainy, muddy day. Brian Stokes pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up 2 hits and 2 walks with 0 runs. Sean Green pitched an inning giving up 1 hit, 1 run with 1 strikeout. Casey Fossum pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up 6 hits, 3 runs with 2 strikeouts. The offense didn't do much but was led by Ryan Church who was 2-4 with a rbi, Marlon Anderson was 1-4. Jeremy Reed was 1-2 with 2 walks, Nick Evans was 1-3 with a walk. Brian Schneider was 1-3. The Mets will play Baltimore again tomorrow night at home and it will be on SNY.

Yankees Recap and Notes

The New York Yankees defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates today in a wild game by the score of 9-8. AJ Burnett got the start and just didn't have it at all for the first time this spring. He pitched 4 1/3 innings giving up 10 hits, 7 runs, 6 of them were earned, 3 walks and 1k. He gave up 3 homeruns. He said after the game that his mechanics were just messed up all day. He said he was messed up and that his arm feels fine. Damaso Marte pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 2 hits and 1 run. Mariano Rivera pitched an inning, he gave up a leadoff single then proceeded to strike out the side. He is the man, greatest closer of all time. Phil Coke was outstanding pitching 2 innings giving up 1 hit, 0 runs, 4 strikeouts. Jose Veras closed it out with a scoreless inning giving up 2 hits. Johnny Damon led the offensive attack going 3-4 with a rbi, Derek Jeter was 1-3 with a rbi. Nick Swisher was 1-3 with 2 rbi and 2 walks, Hideki Matsui was 1-3 with a rbi and walk. Robinson Cano was 1-4 with a 2 run homerun, thats 2 days in a row he has hit a homerun, he is playing very well this spring. I am expecting a huge year out of Robbie Cano and so are the Yankees. Xavier Nady who has seemed to play very well since getting named the RF was 2-3 with a walk, Ramiro Pena was 1-3 with a walk. Brett Gardner was 2-3. The Yankees got Ivan Nova back, he was a rule 5 pick for Padres, they assigned him to AA-Trenton. Jorge Posada said before the game it was so windy yesterday that Wang got blown off the mound a couple of times and he wasn't kidding. He was basically saying yo can't take anything from Wangs performance yesterday due to the weather. Derek Jeter laughed at his bruised pinky being on the back page of the newspaper, he said " I didn't even realize I was hurt." Derek Jeter would say that no matter what unless he just can't get on the field because its a major thing. The Yankees will take on Toronto tomorrow in Dunedin with Andy Pettitte getting the start.

Spring Game 32: Pirates at Yankees

AJ Burnett gets the start but it's raining and even if they do get this game in I am not sure they should let him pitch. Maybe they can get all the relievers some work that need it and let AJ throw inside or something. It looks like Ramiro Pena may get the utility role over Angel Berroa, the decisions of the final roster should come today or tomorrow and now Girardi is saying he may not carry a true long man opting for Jon Albaladejo instead. I am not sure what I think of that because when they used Ohlendorf in that long relief/short relief role last year it didn't work out too well although I think Phil Coke is better suited for it. The game is on WCBS 880 radio in NY today. Check the link below via Peter Abraham for the lineup and notes. Spring Game 32: Pirates at Yankees Posted using ShareThis