Andy Pettitte was fantastic in his last full spring start as the Yankees beat the Blue Jays 3-1. He’ll pitch the second-half of Saturday’s game against the Cubs at the new stadium, and will then start the fourth game of the season against the Royals in Kansas City.
Lineup:
R – Derek Jeter (SS)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
L – Robinson Cano (2B)
R – Cody Ransom (3B)
R – Jose Molina (C)
L – Brett Gardner (CF)
Subs: Eric Duncan (1B), Justin Snyder (2B), Ramiro Peña (SS), Angel Berroa (3B), Kyle Anson (C), Jack Rye (RF), Melky Cabrera (LF-CF), James Cooper (LF)
Pitchers: Andy Pettitte, Damaso Marte, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez
Opponent: The Jays’ starters
Big Hits:
Moonlighting minor leaguer Justin Snyder tripled in his only at-bat. Mark Teixeira (2-for-3, BB), Derek Jeter (1-for-2, BB, SB), and Angel Berroa (1-for-1) doubled.
Cody Ransom went 0-for-2 with a walk, but was both caught stealing and picked off first base (I assume he reached on a fielder’s choice at some point). He made up for that with a great play in the second when Scott Rolen tried to go from first to third on a single to center. Brett Gardner’s throw was strong, but way high. Ransom lept in the air and, in the process of making a half spin, caught the ball and reached across his body to apply a blind tag right at the bag that nabbed Rolen. Good stuff.
Who Pitched Well:
Andy Pettitte allowed just one run on five hits (four of them singles) and no walks in 6 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Edwar Ramirez pitched a perfect ninth inning. Jose Veras pitched around a double for a scoreless eighth.
Who Didn’t:
Damaso Marte faced two batters. One of them (Adam Lind) doubled, the other flew out.
Battles:
Ramiro Peña went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, leaving two men on base. Angel Berroa delivered an RBI double in his only at-bat.
If the Yankees are truly prioritizing defense, it would be reasonable to think that Pena would make the team over Berroa, but if that was really true, Swisher would be the starting RFer.
The other consideration that works against Berroa is that there probably isn't a player on the 40 man roster who is worth sacrificing for one month (or until A-Rod is activated) of his services.
The only reason not to give Pena the job is if they think he needs regular ABs, but otoh, he will get those ABs in a month anyway, and some ML experience now may boost his confidence, which could prove to be a move that benefits the franchise going forward.
Anyone see this back in January? http://tinyurl.com/8x28xm
I am completely unfamiliar with most of these stats so had to use the THT glossary..but am sure hoping he's right about Cano this year.
And in other news, someone who shall remain nameless went 6.2 innings yesterday, with 3Ks, 1 BB 4 hits and one earned run. Not remarkable, except that he didn't come up with yet another injury.
[3] A while back I wrote this with the appropriate Yankee locations. It was easy enough to update, so enjoy! It works better if you play this while reading...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpPvl0X1hKA
You're Pavano
(Sung to the tune of That's Amore by Dean Martin)
In Cleveland town, where Rock is king,
When the DL calls, here's what they sing...
When your arm starts to swell there's one thing we can tell. You're Pavano!
When your car starts to slide like you've had too much wine, you're Pavano!
You say, "Sir, is your vision blured? Don't you feel absurd cashing all of those paychecks?"
Don't know why, something in my eye, need an MRI, and fans say, "What in the heck?"
If there's no turning back for your sacroiliac, you're Pavano!
And your ribs start to ache because there is a break, time to rest...
When you walk in the clubhouse and fall on your wallet, oh no-o!
Scuzza me, but you see, back in Goodyear you'll be Carl Pavano!
Edwar and Veras have had strong springs. I'm glad because early word was that they might not make the team.