Sunday, March 28, 2010

Weekend Update

The Yankees squared off against the Tigers today and it was 8-0 good guys before the game was cut short in the bottom of the fourth due to rain after a series of delays. Andy Pettitte got through one scoreless inning and then threw five simulated innings indoors. He got himself up to 100 pitches and afterwards declared that he'll be ready for the season. Johnny Damon finally got his on field reunion with his former team and received a nice ovation from the crowd in his first at bat, he then promptly singled up the middle. DeMaso Marte, Boone Logan and Mariano Rivera each pitched a scoreless inning in the game.

With Phil Hughes winning the final spot in the rotation, it has been decided that Joba Chamberlain will pitch out of the bullpen. What hasn't been decided is what exactly his role will be, but we're all assuming he'll be setting up Mo. This move has led to much speculation about Chamberlain's future, is it in the rotation or in the bullpen? Brian Cashman has continuously responded to these speculations by saying that nothing has been decided, and you have to believe him at this point.

The Yankees defeated the Tigers 2-1 on Saturday. A.J. Burnett looked good on the mound and worked with Jorge Posada behind the plate. The two had only good things to say about each other after the game. Burnett went six and 2/3 innings and gave up three hits, one run and three walks while striking out two. He earned his first win of the spring despite not having command of his curveball, he did not throw one change up in the outing. Joba Chamberlain earned the save with a scoreless ninth. His velocity looked good as he was hitting 93-94 with his fastball and he had a good slider working. He did allow a lead-off single, but got a double play from the next batter. Curtis Granderson had two hits and raised his spring average to .297, he's getting it going just in time. Marcus Thames hit his first homer of the spring off of Lefty Nate Robertson on Saturday. Good to see him finally connect with one, he's been struggling for weeks. He most certainly will occupy the final spot on the Yankees bench.

It was hinted at over the weekend that Brett Gardner would be the everyday left fielder while Granderson would patrol center. This was the likely scenario all along and Gardner's speed will work well in left field, which plays very big in the new stadium.

On Friday, the Yankees lost to the Phillies 3-0. Phil Hughes started this one shortly after being told that he's one the competition to be the fifth starter. He struggled a little with his command, but he still threw the ball well. His final line: 3 IP, 2H, 1ER, 4BB, 5K. Mariano Rivera and DeMaso Marte each pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout. Amaury Sanit pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout and then was reassigned to minor league camp.

Chad Gaudin was signed by the A's today, he's had his best seasons pitching for Oakland and will surely be a serviceable arm.

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