Yankees News and Notes on a Wed night

The New York Yankees have started to play better ball in the last couple of days. The offense is starting to get it together and the pitching has been impressive. Here are some notes from Wednesday. Mariano Rivera had high praise for prize prospect Manny Banuelos calling him the best prospect he has ever seen. He is about to turn 20, he will begin the year in AA but I wouldn't be suprised to see him in AAA and the majors probably by next season. Brian Cashman said most likely they will go with what they have, it is possible that something happens by the end of March but not likely. He is talking about the pitching situation. Cashman has to feel good about what he has seen so far though with Garcia, Colon, Nova and even Mitre all pitching very well. The young kids have been impressive also so the Yankees know they are coming. Girardi said this could be the best bullpen he has had. I would agree with that with a dominant eighth and ninth inning and very good relievers in front of the two closers at the end. Joba, Dave Robertson, Boone Logan and Pedro Feliciano are all good relievers. Girardi said he was impressed with Sorianos debut, he didn't expect much else then what he saw. Eduardo Nunez played left field and caught the only ball that was hit to him out there. The Yankees want him and Ramiro Pena to play there this spring just in case they are needed in a pinch this year. Nunez raised his spring average to 375 with five stolen bases, he has been impressive and he may supplant Pena as the utility guy on the team. Russel Martin and Andruw Jones hit their first homeruns as Yankees. The Yankees had seven starters in the lineup tonight and they all had at least one hit.