Weekend Update

The Yankees had split squad games yesterday, against the Orioles at home and the Tigers in Lakeland. Here are LoHud's notes from Saturday's action. Today they squared off against the Pirates (again) and CC Sabathia was on the mound.

Alfredo Aceves continued his hot spring after throwing four innings against the Orioles. He allowed one run on three hits and one walk and struck out one. It was his first earned run in 10 spring innings and he really has looked excellent. He's changing speeds, getting good movement and locating his pitches well. It still early, but the team has to think he's the frontrunner for the final spot in the rotation right now.

Curtis Granderson got his first action in left field yesterday, it was a windy day and he had to make several plays. One of them was a running catch near the stands that was flat out impressive.

Boone Logan (one perfect inning), Royce Ring (one inning, one hit, one K), Mark Melancon (one inning, one hit, two Ks) and David Robertson (one inning, one hit, three Ks) all continued to impress over the weekend. With DeMaso Marte in the fold, is it possible the Yanks carry three lefties out of the pen?

Sabathia showed some progress from his last outing, going four and 1/3 innings while giving up three runs on three hits and two walks, striking out two. He threw 57 pitches, 29 for strikes. He was mainly working on his mechanics that were out of whack last time out and was pleased with the results.

Chad Gaudin and Sergio Mitre both got hit pretty hard and each allowed three runs on five hits and one walk - they had eerily similar bad lines.

It's starting to seem like Joe Girardi is leaning towards having Nick Johnson begin the season as the number two hitter and have Granderson in an RBI spot, like the five or the six hole. Johnson's propensity for getting on base makes him a perfect fit as the two hitter. He also his another home run today, his third of the spring.

Nine players were cut from camp, two of them were Andrew Brackman (optioned to Tampa) and Kei Igawa. Add Zach McAllister to the list too.

Francisco Cervelli went 2-for-3 in his return from a concussion and reported no ill effects. Derek Jeter also returned to the lineup after a bout with the flu.

Randy Winn and Marcus Thames were both in the lineup today and are looking to make the opening day roster. Winn is hoping for a regular outfield gig and Thames is trying for a bench role. Each player went 1-for-3.

On Tuesday, March 16th, Mariano Rivera will make his Grapefruit League debut and Girardi mentioned that it will be the first day he has all his regulars in the lineup. Pay close attention to the batting order and outfield arrangement, it could offer some clues as to the opening day lineup.