Game Day - Yankees vs. Pirates

After winning both games of yesterday's split squad action the Yanks have run their Grapefruit League record to 3-4. Today they square off against the Pirates for the third time this spring. It's a nice mild day for baseball in Tampa with the temperature in the 60's with some wind. The game is airing on YES at 1:05 p.m.

Yankees
Jeter - SS
Johnson - DH
Posada - C
Rodriguez - 3B
Granderson - CF
Swisher - RF
Winn - LF
Miranda - 1B
Russo - 2B

LHP C.C. Sabathia

Pirates
McCutchen - CF
Cedeno - SS
Milledge - LF
Jones - RF
LaRoche - 3B
Clement - 1B
Crosby - DH
Young - 2B
Jaramillo - C

RHP Charlie Morton

Things to Watch: Nick Johnson is playing back-to-back games, so it appears his back is completely fine. He's also slotted in the two hole with Granderson hitting out of the five spot, despite the fact that a righty is on the mound. The team obviously likes Johnson's OBP in front of the three and four hitters. Granderson is patrolling center once again, he hasn't played left in any of his spring appearances. Sabathia's workload will increase today, look for him to go about four innings and rev things up a little. Scheduled to pitch out of the bullpen is Boone Logan, Dustin Moseley, Hector Noesi, Royce Ring and Romulo Sanchez. Here are some great pictures from yesterday's action.

Game Notes: The Yankees fell to the Pirates 12-7. Sabathia had a rough first inning and allowed four runs. He settled down after and his final line was seven hits, one walk, five runs and two strikeouts in two and 1/3 innings. He threw 55 pitches, 34 for strikes, and was up in the zone most of the day, the result of a mechanical flaw. LoHud noticed a little history repeating. Nick Johnson went 2-2 with two solo home runs, he looked fully healthy and he gave credit to Kevin Long for working on his mechanics in order to allow him to drive the ball using his legs. Granderson showcased some speed on a triple. Swisher had another hit and another RBI, giving him a team high four RBI in five spring games. Royce Ring pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout. Romulo Sanchez showed off some wicked stuff in his one and 1/3 innings - he didn't allow a hit and struck out two, but he walked the last guy he faced.

Here are the game wrap ups from LoHud and Bombers Beat.

Edwar Ramirez was traded to the Rangers for cash considerations.

Francisco Cervelli went through a full workout today and he's expected to rejoin the lineup on Friday.

Yankee Stadium will host the debut of the newest NCAA football bowl game, the Pinstripe Bowl, on December 30th, 2010. The game will be sponsored by New Era and will air on ESPN.