Joba steps up as Yanks fall down

The New York Yankees lost to the Philadelphia Phillies today by the score of 6-2. The big story of the day though was the way Joba Chamberlain pitched. He looked really good today and has now not eliminated himself from the 5th starters competition. I am going to recap the pitchers and then the hitters and then have some notes.

Andy Pettitte made the start for the Yankees, it was his first start against live competition. He pitched 4 innings and gave up 2 runs on 5 hits with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts. I would say it was a pretty good outing for being his first time out with real competition. He was throwing simulated games because of the rainouts. Damaso Marte pitched in relief of Andy and just had a terrible day. He didn't record an out and gave up 4 hits and 3 runs. He left the game after getting hit in the back by a Ryan Howard line drive. He should be ok but he is going to be sore for a while after that. Joba Chamberlain finished the game off with 3 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 run. He walked a batter and had 3 strikeouts.

Francisco Cervelli who survived a scare after getting beaned in the head is tearing it up offensively. He had 3 hits today and is batting 582 in the spring. He has the second highest average on the team. Brett Gardner had 2 hits and Nick Johnson had a hit and rbi. Mark Teixeira, Marcus Thames and Randy Winn each had a hit.

• Andy Pettitte had this to say "I threw a lot of good stuff, a lot of good pitches. My location I thought was fairly good. The balls that they hit, were just balls that I just didn't quite finish on a couple of them."

• Damaso Marte said he is fine after getting hit by a line drive off of Ryan Howards bat. Joe Girardi asked him if he had Bud Seligs signature on his back and he said no just seams.

• Andy Pettitte threw 55 pitches, 36 of them were strikes and Joba threw 47 in the game and about another 15 in the bullpen afterwards.

• Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain are on the same schedule so Joe Girardi said that there is a good chance that Andy Pettitte will pitch in a minor league game in his next start so Joba can make another start

• Tomorrow night against the Rays none of the 5th starter candidates will pitch. Joe Girardi said we will see some of the relievers. Dave Robertson and Chan Ho Park are expected to pitch. Javier Vazquez will start the game.

Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 9:45 PM 0 comments Labels: Andy Pettitte, competition, concussion, Francisco Cervelli, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, New York Yankees, notes, offense, Philadelphia Phillies, Pitching, story, strikeouts

Monday, March 15, 2010

Yankees Off Day

The Yankees were off today so it was very quiet in Tampa. The Yankees did send 2 more pitchers down to minor league camp today. The pitchers were Hector Noesi and Ivan Nova. The total amount of players in major league camp is now 52. If you are looking for some good minor league stuff then check out the Lohud Yankees Blog. Chad Jennings is the main beat writer and he had spend the last 7 years in Scranton covering the AAA team there. It was the Phillies at first but then became the Yankees. He was at minor league camp today with the Big Club being off. He wrote some good notes on his blog which can be found at http://yankees.lhblogs.com. It will be interesting to see if there is any A-rod news tomorrow. I hope he met with the FEDS today on the off day and then that is put to rest. The Yankees are going to have their full lineup tomorrow and Mariano Rivera is expected to make his first appearance of the spring. If you just want to see him don't turn the game on late, he will be in there early to get his work in. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 11:23 PM 0 comments Labels: A-rod, blog, Chad Jennings, Journal News, major league camp, Mariano Rivera, minor league camp, New York Yankees, spring training, Tampa

Some postgame Yankees Notes

Sam Borden had a interesting post on Joba and Phil Hughes on the Lohud Yankees Blog. If you haven't seen it check it out at http://yankees.lhblogs.com/. He is saying the reason you shouldn't get hung up in spring stats which I for the most part don't do is because there are things you don't know. Joba Chamberlain for instance has been told to work inside this spring so in that bad inning that is all he was doing no matter the results and Phil Hughes has been told work on your changeup and that is what he was doing when he gave up a homerun today. The point is if you say this guy did this and this one did that it doesn't really mean anything because in the season they wouldn't be doing the same thing. The most important thing is for them to stay healthy and get their arm stength up. The Yankees know what they are doing and are going to determine who they feel is the best 5th starter and who belongs in the bullpen. I know there will always be debate but the Yankees are looking at certain things and it isn't just the stats, I have a hunch they want Hughes to be the 5th starter and they know Joba will be good in the 8th inning role and future closer. I think this is how it will wind up and Aceves will fill the role he did last season with Mitre or Gaudin as the longman and the other getting traded or released.

There is also audo of both Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes on the Lohud Yankees blog. I forgot to mention this earlier but the Yankees announced yesterday that they will have a Bowl Game at Yankee Stadium. The game will be held on December 30, 2010 and broadcast on ESPN. It will be called the New Era Pinstriped Bowl.

Joe Girardi mentioned this morning that today will be the last tune up start, after today he will really start juding the pitchers for the 5th starter spot. Joe Girardi has been using a lot of different lineups over the past few days and said sometime towards the end of spring training he would want his regular lineup together for an extended period of time. March 16th is the day after an off day and Girardi said he will have all his regulars playing. That is supposed to be Mariano Riveras first appearance also of the spring.

Andy Pettitte, Javier Vazquez, Damaso Marte and Mariano Rivera all threw in the bullpen today. They stayed behind in Tampa and didn't make the trip. Cervelli caught Pettitte and Alfredo Aceves and I haven't heard otherwise so I am sure it went well and that he should be ready to catch in a game on Friday. Jesus Montero caught Javier Vazquez and Chad Gaudin. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 5:21 PM 0 comments Labels: 5th starters, baseball, bullpen, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Mariano Rivera, New Era Pinstriped Bowl, New York Yankees, notes, Phil Hughes, postgame, regulars, Sam Borden, spring training

Joba not good, Phil Hughes appears to be in the lead

The New York Yankees defeated the Detroit Tigers today in Lakeland. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes both pitched renewing the 5th starter battle. Joba was not very good giving up 5 hits and 6 runs in 2 1/3. He breezed through the first 2 innings and then ran into trouble in the 3rd. He gave up 4 consecutive hits and a grand slam. He also had 3 walks and a strikeout. Phil Hughes came out of the bullpen and pitched pretty well. He gave up 1 run and 3 hits in 2 2/3 innings with 0 walks and 2 strikeouts. I think the Yankees want Hughes to be the 5th starter and Joba to be in the pen and so far Hughes hasn't done anything to not win the 5th starter job. The interesting thing to me is that Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves are pitching the best, I do think they could also both end up in the pen with Gaudin getting traded but we will see what happens. Jason Hirsh is a darkhorse but he threw another perfect inning today with 2 strikeouts. He has made several appearances without giving up a run and has a bunch of strikouts this spring. Andrew Brackman pitched a inning giving up 2 hits and a run with a strikeout. Grant Duff got the win pitching a scorless inning and giving up a hit. Ryan Pope got the save pitching one inning and giving up a hit but he had 2 strikeouts.

Mark Teixeira had a homerun today, his first of the spring. He finished the day with 2 hits, a rbi and walk. Curtis Granderson has started to get his bat going the last couple of days. He was 2-3 with a walk and rbi in his first appearance against his old team. Johnny Damon did not play for the Tigers as he sat out with turf toe. Greg Golson was 1-2 with 2 rbi, Colin Curtis was 1-2 with a rbi. Jaime Hoffman was 1-2 and Brett Gardner was 1-2 with a walk. David Winfree was 2-2 with a rbi and Mike Rivera was 1-3 with a rbi. Jorge Vazquez was 1-2 with 2 rbi and Reegie Corona was 2-2. The Yankees will take on the Atlanta Braves tomorrow night under the lights in Tampa. A.J. Burnett will get the start against Jair Jurrjens. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 5:10 PM 0 comments Labels: 5th starters, baseball, blog, Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers, hits, homeruns, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Johnny Damon, New York Yankees, offense, Phil Hughes, Pitching, traded

Grapefruit League Game 9-Yankees at Tigers

The New York Yankees are traveling to Lakeland today to play the Detroit Tigers. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will both be pitching tomorrow. Here are some morning notes and the Yankees lineup. Alex Rodriguez had a update on his situation with meeting with the federal investigators. Here is what he said "They're working to schedule something that allows me to cooperate, and get my work in." Alex Rodriguez would prefer for the meeting to take place in Tampa and the Yankees have a off day on Monday so that should work but we will see. A-rod said he is looking forward to hearing from his lawyers sooner then later and is looking forward to getting this behind him. He said "I think the key thing to remember about this, it is a investigation about someone else. I don't really focus on that, I am focused on our team and Boston on Opening Day." He also added that his hip feels good and that he is not trying to overdo it this spring. He will have to see surgeon Mark Philippon and take some picture of the hip at some point in the future. He doesn't think that will happen until the All Star break or at some point when the Yankees are out west.

Yankees Lineup:
Granderson(CF)
Johnson(DH)
Teixeira(1B)
Cano(2B)
Thames(RF)
Gardner(LF)
Rivera(C)
Vazquez(3B)
Pena(SS)

I will have some more later on from Joe Girardi this morning. The game is not televised but I will have a recap and any other notes later on today also so check back for all the action taking place today in Yankees Land. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 12:39 PM 0 comments Labels: 5th starters, Alex Rodriguez, all star break, baseball, hip surgery, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Girardi, Lineups, New York Yankees, notes, PEDS, Phil Hughes, recap, surgeon

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Grapefruit League Game 5-New York Yankees At Minnesota Twins

The New York Yankees are taking the long bus ride down to Fort Myers today to face the Twins. Sergio Mitre will get the start, Chad Gaudin will also pitch continuing the battle for the 5th starter spot. Here are some quick pregame notes as there wasn't much going on this morning and the Yankees lineup.

• Francisco Cervelli will be examined today by a team doctor at the minor league complex. The minor leaguers are taking their physicals today. He will see a neurologist tomorrow, the Yankees are being extra careful with him which is a good thing. If everything goes well he will hopefully be back by Tuesday or Wednesday.

• Tony Pena is not with the team today as he has the flu. He will see a doctor and I hope it isn't what Joba had and it will spread through the team.

• Joe Girardi wasn't too concerned with Andrew Brackman struggling with his command yesterday. He said "His mechanics are a lot cleaner then they were." Chan Ho Park will throw live BP tomorrow along with Mariano Rivera and Damaso Marte. Park could get into a game by next weekend if not sooner.

• The Yankees have a split squad tomorrow and Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson and Randy Winn are among the players heading to Bradenton to face the Pirates. Alfredo Aceves will get the start. Javier Vazquez will get the start at home against the Phillies.

Yankees Lineup:

Brett Gardner(CF)

Nick Swisher(DH)

Mark Teixeira(1B)

Robinson Cano(2B)

Marcus Thames(LF)

Jaime Hoffman(RF)

Mike Rivera(C)

Ramiro Pena(SS)

Brandon Laird(3B)

The game is not being televised at all today. You can follow along at http://yankees.lhblogs.com/ or at http://mlb.com/ The Lohud Blog does a good job with the updating of what is going on during the game. I will have the postgame recap, notes and comments as always so check back later on tonight.

Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 10:43 AM 0 comments Labels: Alex Rodriguez, bus ride, command, concussion, Derek Jeter, Francisco Cervelli, lineup, New York Yankees, notes, road trip

Recap of todays Yankees game and some Notes

The New York Yankees took it on the chin today losing to the Toronto Blue Jays by the score of 9-1. The story of the game though wasn't the final outcome it was Francisco Cervelli getting beaned in the head and leaving the game. He did seem ok on the field and was helped off of it but did get up under his own power. He was taken to a local hospital for precautionary testing which included a CT scan. The tests were negative and he said he was feeling a little dizzy and had a headache but he should be back in a couple of days. The story of the game on the field would be A.J. Burnett making his first start.

He wasn't great but he was happy that he got his work in and did what he wanted to do. He was throwing only a fastball and changeup and as Joe Girardi said, his out pitch is the curveball and if you take that away, it is a different pitcher. He wasn't concerned with the results, just that he got his work in and starts to feel good about his changeup. His line on the day was 1 2/3 innings, 5 hits, 2 runs and 1 walk. He guessed that he threw 10 changeups on the day. Here is what Jorge Posada said about his outing "He's starting it down, that's the big thing. He's finishing it well. There was one of them that was up, hit off the end of the bat, but I thought he did a great job."

Boone Logan was very impressive again, in his debut he retired all 4 batters he faced and 3 were lefties. Today he pitched 2 perfect innings with 2 strikeouts. I know it is early but he is really making a case to be the second lefty if the yankees carry one. Jonathan Albaladejo on the flip side was just awful, it was actually painful to watch. He got torched for 7 hits and 5 runs in 1/3 of an inning. He also walked a batter. That is his second bad outing, I don't think he will be making the team out of spring training this year. Mark Melancon continues to impress, the Yankees still have high hopes for him. He pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up 0 runs on 1 hit and had a strikeout. Andrew Brackman who really struggled last year after coming back from Tommy John surgery but has looked better in bullpens was bad today also. He pitched 1 inning giving up 3 hits and 2 runs. The other guys who pitched were Romulo Sanchez who pitched an inning giving up a hit and walk but 0 runs and Jason Hirsch who pitched a perfect inning with a strikeout.

The offense didn't do much at all. Reegie Corona, Brandon Laird, Colin Curtis,Austin Romine, Juan Miranda and Kevin Russo all had a hit. If you notice these are all minor league guys. Colin Curtis has been impressive so far this spring and Reegie Corona is a guy they like, he has been known for his defense. Austin Romine is right behind Jesus Montero as top catching prospect and Juan Miranda has had big numbers in AAA and Kevin Russo is a super utility type guy who has a outside chance of making the team. The lone RBI was a groundout off the bat of Ramiro Pena who is the frontrunner to be the utility guy again this year.

Francisco Cervelli obviously will not make the trip tomorrow, Mike Rivera will take his place. Amaury Sanit will also not make the trip after appearing in todays game. Dave Eiland confirmed today that Mariano Rivera, Damaso Marte and Chan Ho Park will all throw a batting practice session on Monday. They are the only pitchers who have yet to face live batters.

Andy Pettitte is pitching a 2 inning simulated game tomorrow and will move forward as if it was a real game. This will count as his first outing Dave Eiland said.

Nick Johnson took batting practice today and felt good afterward. He said "I took a few swings in the cage, felt loose."

Kei Igawa pitched well yesterday and Joe Girardi didn't rule out the idea of him creating a place for himself as a lefty reliever. I would bet against him ever pitching for the Yankees again though but you never know.

The Yankees will play the Twins tomorrow afternoon in Fort Myers. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 8:28 PM 0 comments Labels: Andy Pettitte, baseball, batting practice, blog, Dave Eiland, Francisco Cervelli, Joe Girardi, Joe Girardi pitchers, Mariano Rivera, minor leaguers, New York Yankees, Nick Johnson, offense

Yankees Lose To Phillies

The New York Yankees lost to the Philadelphia Phillies by the score of 3-2 this afternoon. CC Sabathia got the start and wasn't perfect giving up 2 hits and 2 walks in 2 innings. He didn't give up a run though and was pleased with his first outing. He said April 4th is when it matters and he understands what he has to do to get ready. He said that his delivery was so-so and that he had a couple of times where he fell off the mound and wasn't headed toward the plate. He said he will work on that in his bullpen coming up. Roy Halladay who started for the Phillies was his usual self facing the Yankees. He pitched 2 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts.

Zack Segovia, Zach McAllister, Ivan Nova and Mark Melancon all pitched scoreless innings. Segovia gave up a walk and Melancon gave up a hit but had 2 strikeouts. Romulo Sanchez pitched 2/3 of an inning giving up 2 hits, a run and a walk. Boone Logan pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings and Wilkens Arias blew a save and got the loss pitching 2/3 of an inning giving up 3 hits and 2 runs, he did have a strikeout.

The Yankees offense didn't see anyone get more then a hit. Jaime Hoffman, Jesus Montero, Robinson Cano, Eduardo Nunez, David Winfree, Colin Curtis, Jose Gil and Brandon Laird all had one hit. Colin Curtis is really trying to make a name for himself after hitting a 3 run walkoff homerun yesterday. The rbi's were produced by Jose Gil and David Winfree. Winfree is another one of the outfielders trying to stick as the 5th OF but he is a long shot, Jaime Hoffman is the rule 5 pick who has to make the team and stay on it all year or be offered back to the Dodgers for half the price 25,000. Jorge Posada, Randy Winn and Ramiro Pena all struck out twice.

The Yankees will host the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow afternoon at 1:00PM with Phil Hughes getting the start. Joba Chamberlain is scheduled to pitch also in this game. The game will be televised on the YES network. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 5:51 PM 0 comments Labels: baseball, blog, bullpen, CC Sabathia, Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, offense, Phil Hughes, Philadelphia Phillies, Pitching, Roy Halladay, strikeout, YES network

News and Notes from Yankees Camp

Chan Ho Park arrived in camp today, he said he has been throwing in Korea. He long tossed today and will throw a bullpen tomorrow. Edwar Ramirez was designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Park. The official press release from the Yankees can be found here.

Chan Ho Park will wear number 61. Brian Cashman said they are treating him like today was his first day of spring training, which it was technically. He was throwing bullpens and training in Korea but the Yankees will start his throwing program the same way they did the other pitchers. He will throw a bullpen tommorrow and Cashman said he won't get into a game the first week of exhibition games. That still will give him enough time to be ready for opening day, the Yankees just don't want to rush him and have him get hurt.

Here are the pitchers who threw live batting practice today: Group 1-Joba Chamberlain, CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes,Boone Logan,Zach McAllister,Ivan Nova,Hector Noesi.

Group 2: Kei Igawa,Dustin Moseley,D.J. Mitchell, Mark Melancon,Jeremy Bleich,Kevin Whelan.

CC Sabathia threw 28 pitches today. He faced Mike Rivera,Marcus Thames,Randy Winn and Nick Johnson. He said this "They didn't take many swings, but it is good to have that hitter judge your pitches. It doesn't matter whether they swing or not." He was asked if he is ready to finally pitch in a game and he said " We will see, I feel good though. My bullpens went real well, I get Monday off then throw another bullpen, so I will be fine. I'm looking forward to it. Today definitely helped, getting back going and getting used to facing guys." Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 4:42 PM 0 comments Labels: baseball, basketball games, batting practice, blog, Brian Cashman, bullpens, CC Sabathia, Joba Chamberlain, New York Yankees, non roster invites, Phil Hughes

A Year Later and A Different A-rod

Alex Rodriguez was under a tent last year in Tampa admitting his steroid use. He went through a very difficult press conference and then had to go to Colorado to have surgery and rehab his hip. He came back to the Yankees on May 8th and was a different person buying into the team concept. He went on to become a World Series Champion and playoff hero and now he was under the tent again this year in a very different press conference. Today was all about how last year was, how he has changed. He said he will continue to do the things he did last year and just focus on baseball. He said the taste of being a champion only leaves him hunger for more.

Here are some of the quotes from his press conference today " I kind of divorced myself from the idea of numbers." This is what he said on Johnny Damon "I was just crossing my fingers, hoping he would come back."

This is what he said about Derek Jeter " He was born to be a Yankee."
The full audio of the press conference can be found at http://yankees.lhblogs.com/ It can also be heard at http://mlb.com/ and http://yankees.com/

The springs first live batting practices were today and basically the pitchers called out the pitches and location and for the most part the hitters just stood there. Here are the pitchers who threw batting practice and the 2 groups they were in.

Field 1: Chad Guadin, Sergio Mitre,Jon Albaladejo, Royce Ring, Grant Duff and Arias

Field 2: Alfredo Aceves,Jason Hirsch,Dave Robertson,Segovia,Sanchez and Sanit.

They tried to mix up the outfield assignments for instance both Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson were in LF. Ramiro Pena was at second. CC Sabathia will start the second spring training game. One of the 5th starter candidates will start the opener and it won't be Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes according to Joe Girardi. He made that announcement today so it will be Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre or Alfredo Aceves. Posted by Gary W. Marchese Jr. at 5:07 PM 0 comments Labels: Alex Rodriguez, bating practice, CC Sabathia, general manager, Joe Girardi, Joe Girardi pitchers, New York Yankees, open heart surgery, press conference, steroids, World Series Champion