Grapefruit League Game 10-Atlanta Braves At Yankees(Weather Permitting)

It is a gray dreary day down in Tampa, there is rain in the forecast. It looks like they will get this game in though. Derek Jeter was in the original starting lineup but was scratched due to flu like symptoms. The Yankees told him to go home so as that he wouldn't pass it on to anyone else. He wasn't going to make the long roadtrip tomorrow so he will have 2 days off. Joe Girardi said he should have him playing in a game on Saturday. Here is the lineup for tonights game and then a couple of quick notes. Yankees Lineup: Winn(DH) Swisher(RF) Teixeira(1B) Rodriguez(3B) Posada(C) Thames(LF) Hoffman(CF) Pena(SS) Corona(2B) The Yankees are scheduled to play the Nationals in Viera which is a long ride, the bus is supposed to leave at 7:45AM but they are calling for bad weather tomorrow. Joe Girardi said that the Nationals are going to call them at 7:30AM if the game is called for tomorrow so they don't have to make the long trip. Here is who is scheduled to go on the trip. Pitchers:Andy Pettitte,Christian Garcia,Boone Logan,Sergio Mitre, D.J. Mitchell,Zach Segovia. Catchers:Francisco Cervelli, Jose Gil, Jesus Montero, P.J. Pilittere,Mike Rivera Infielders:Robinson Cano,Reegie Corona,Nick Johnson,Brandon Laird,Juan Miranda,Eduardo Nunez,Ramiro Pena,Kevin Russo and Jorge Vazquez. Outfielders:Brett Gardner, Colin Curtis,Gorecki, Curtis Granderson,Jaime Hoffman,Jon Weber,David Winfree and Randy Winn. Joe Girardi also announced that he has encouraged Francisco Cervelli to use the helmet with the extra padding. It was the helmet that David Wright was wearing when everyone made fun of him for looking like the Great Mazoo. The thing is I don't care what you look like if you have had head injuries you want to protect yourself as best as you can. There is Joe Girardi audi up at the Lohud Yankees Blog from Sam Borden. Here is the audio. Enjoy the game, it is at 7:00PM on the YES network. I will be back in a little bit with a official game post.

Yankees Win Opener on Walkoff

The New York Yankees defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon in their exhibition opener. The game was tied 3-3 when Colin Curtis hit a walkoff 3 run homerun in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory for the Yankees. A.J. Burnett wasn't around to deliver the pie, but it was a good start as the Yankees started the way they ended with a win. The Yankees also continued on a trend last year of walkoff wins, they sure seem to love the pie. Here are some of the stats and the notes from today. Alex Rodriguez recorded the Yankees first hit of the spring. Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves each pitched 2 scoreless innings. They each also had a strikeout and Gaudin was the only one who allowed a hit with a infield single to lead off the game. Nick Johnson had a rbi double and made a nice pick over at first. He has always been a good first baseman and will provide great defense when Mark Teixeira is dhing or taking a day off. Jon Albaladejo had a rocky outing, he gave up 2 hits and 3 runs without recording an out. Royce Ring pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts. Jason Hirsh faced 2 batters and struck them both out. Sanit pitched a scoreless inning. I really don't know much about him but he is a minor league pitcher. Ramiro Pena had a solo homerun, he was the utility guy last season and I would think he is the frontrunner for the same job this season. He started it off the right way and he did make a couple of nice plays in the field, he is known for his defense though. George Steinbrenner was at the field briefly, he was driven through the concourse and quickly driven out. CC Sabathia is scheduled for 2 innings or 35 pitches tomorrow when he faces Roy Halladay and the Philadelphia Phillies. Javier Vazquez threw a bullpen today becoming the last starter to do so, Joba felt better today and threw a bullpen and then went home. If he feels ok tomorrow he will be good to go for Friday. Derek Jeter, A-rod,Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Marcus Thames, Jon Weber, Francisco Cervelli, P.J. Pilittere and Mike Rivera. If I see this correctly that is 3 catchers which would lead me to belive we will see top prospect Jesus Montero in the game tomorrow. There is Joe Girardi and Curtis Granderson audio up on the great Lohud Yankees Blog by Chad Jennings. You can hear it at http://yankees.lhblogs.com/. The Yankees take on the Phillies tomorrow in Clearwater at 1:00pm, the game is on the MLB network.