Thursday, March 6, 2014

New York Yankees news and notes

The Yankees have some roster openings this spring.  It isn't always the case, some of the young guys

have a chance to break camp and head north.  The Yankees have bullpen positions open and the

fifth starter in the rotation.  They also have utility type and technically second and third although

they expect Kelly Johnson and Brian Roberts to play a lot.  Dellin Betances is one of the young guys

trying to make the team. 

Betances had been a starter all through the minors until last year where he was converted.  He did well as a reliever and has impressed this spring.  I would be on him being in the Yankees bullpen this year.  Betances is a big guy and sometimes it is harder for those guys to get their mechanics in order.  He has done that as a reliever and his biggest problem has been solved.  Control was his main issue but doesn't seem to be much of an issue at this point. 

Betances is only 25 years old and appears to be much more comfortable.  He has pitched 5 1/3 innings this spring which are the most on the team.  He has allowed one hit and two walks with four strikeouts.  Betances said this "I think it's just more time on the mound.  Instead of having to wait every five days, I get to pitch every two, three days: maybe every day when its back-to-back.  I feel like the more time I have on the mound, I feel like the more consistent I'm able to be with my delivery and that's, I think, the key for me." 

Eduardo Nunez had a big day on Wednesday.  He was 3-3 with a double and single but more importantly he played a good second base.  Nunez said he is just trying to prove he can play.  He is hitting 364 through 11 at bats.  There really isn't much question about his offense though, it is his defense that has been the question mark.  Nunez worked out with Robinson Cano again this winter.  He said he did spend time working out at second as well as short and third.  This winter included more second then usual though.  He figured after Cano signed with Seattle that he would need to be able to play second to be on the team. 

Yangervis Solarte is a utility guy who is having a great spring.  He had another hit on Wednesday and made his second start.  He has eight total hits and an average of 667 this spring.  Mark Teixeira will make his spring debut on Thursday. 

There are no injuries to report which is good because last year it started early in the spring.  Teixeira and Jeter were both hurt as well as Curtis Granderson.  They have only had Tex recovering from his wrist surgery and Soriano being sick this year. 

CC Sabathia was supposed to throw a simulated game on Thursday but he didn't on the field due to rain.  I am not sure if he ended up doing it inside.  Manny Banuelos is scheduled for an inning on Saturday.  It will be his first time facing opposing hitters since having Tommy John surgery in 2012. 

Tyler Austin hit off a tee on Thursday morning.  He said it felt great.  He has been easing back into baseball activities since experiencing right wrist soreness earlier in the spring.  Scott Sizemore is scheduled to play again on Thursday off the bench.  David Phelps had a side on Thursday.  He and CC were the only pitchers scheduled to do non-game work on Thursday. 

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