Hughes Looking Great

Phil Hughes started today against the Twins and had a great game. In four innings he didn’t allow any runs and retired the first 9 batters. He showed good control and was able to place the ball where he wanted. After the game, Girardi said:

“He’s doing everything that he has to do to be successful, it seems he’s growing as a pitcher.”

Even Ron Gardenhire (the Twins’ skipper) complemented Hughes:

“He’s got good stuff. He’s as advertised. I thought he did what we try to get our guys do, and that’s pitch.”

So, Johan who? Ok maybe its too early to say that, but I really think that Hughes will be better for us in the long run. He has the dedication, work ethic, and talent to become a great pitcher.

Hughes was taken out after the fourth and Kei Igawa was put in. Surprisingly Igawa was not his horrible self, not allowing any hits today (although he did walk 3). He was in for two innings. We ended up winning 6-4 and our Spring training record improves to 4-4.

Just a quick recap of yesterday’s game, which I haven’t written about yet:

We ended up losing to the Rays 4 to 1. Moose started and allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings. The main story of the day was a collision between Yankee catcher Francisco Cervelli and Rays’ Elliot Johnson that led to Cervelli’s wrist being broken. Johnson lowered his shoulder and ran into Cervelli; it was definetely uncalled for considering it’s Spring training. Girardi is furious, but Don Zimmer came out today and said he doesn’t understand why Girardi is mad. I wonder why, maybe it has something to do with the fact that one of his players got injured in a game that doesn’t count for either team?

More Spring Training

Now we’re on a losing streak. It’s not a big deal because its Spring training and the reason why we lost is because we certainly aren’t playing our best players all the time since Girardi (like every manager) is testing out the other guys too.

On the 6th we lost to the Reds, 8 to 12. Wang had a bad start, being pulled in the first after allowing 6 runs. He later said:

“My stride was too long, my ball was not moving. I’ll fix it quick.”

It isn’t something to worry about as long as it doesn’t continue. A lot of players come into Spring training a little rusty. Just look at Barry Zito. I know he’s not what he used to be, but I doubt he will be repping an ERA of over 100 all season.
Yesterday we lost to the Astros, 9 to 5. Jose Veras and Steven White both allowed 2 runs late in the game, which gave the Astros the win. Rivera made an appearance in the 4th and struck out two, throwing all strikes except for one. Shelley’s streak is over, going 0 for 3 in his last at-bats.

In other Spring Training news, a few of our players have minor injuries. It isn’t anything serious and they would probably play through them had it been the regular season, but since it isn’t they are taking it easy by playing less. Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada both have a similar problem in their right lats with soreness. Matsui, who hasn’t played in a game this Spring, is having problems with his right knee, but is expected to play soon.

Next up are the Devil Rays, at 1:15EST today; the game will be broadcasted on YES if anyone wants to watch it.

First Loss of Spring Training

Well it was bound to happen; we got our first loss of Spring training today against the Twins. Ian Kennedy started, but didn’t have a great outing, allowing a home run in the second. Joba got some pitching time later too, but it wasn’t his day either. He ended up giving up two hits, walked a player, and hit one in the two innings he was out. Everyone has their off days. Chamberlain later said:

“It was just one of those days. You live and learn. It’s bound to happen.”

Shelley continued his excellence today, with yet another home run (this time a solo shot.) His batting average so far this Spring (in four games) is .636 and he has two homers and 9 RBIs! Hopefully he can keep that up and carry the momentum into the season, even though we are a bit away from that right now.

Tomorrow it’s the Reds, in Cinci at 1:05pm EST

5 Perfect Innings

Today the Yankees took on the Blue Jays in Toronto and again looked very strong. The game was cut short due to rain, so only 5 innings were played. Phil Hughes, Scott Patterson, Kei Igawa and Billy Traber pitched a perfect 5 innings (yes that’s not a typo, Igawa was part of it; in fact he pitched more than the rest with 2 innings today and a combined 13 strikes for 18 pitches.) A lot of our starters didn’t get much playing time with many of the AAA guys out there today. Shelley was in for a little bit and manged to get another RBI today before he was taken out. He is having a great Spring training so far.  This has been a nice start to training and hopefully we can continue it and play similarly when the games that count come around.

Tomorrow there is a quick intrasquad game as well as one against the Minnesota Twins at 1:15pm

7-6 Vs. Astros

It has been a great start for the Yankees so far. They won again today, this time against the Astros. It is not just the winning, but seeing guys who are iffy stepping up. Sure its just Spring training, but its still a preview of what might be coming. Who stepped up today? Arguably the guys who we need the most to step up this year: the relievers. Steven Jackson, Dan McCutchen and Mark Melancon all got some relief time (total of 3 innings) and they were all successful in keeping the Astros from scoring and taking the lead. Moose was the starter, but Jeff Karstens got the win in a good effort today (he pitched three scoreless innings.)

Yankees in Toronto tomorrow, game starts at 1:05pm EST

7-7 Vs. Phillies

Today the Yankees tied the Phillies in their second spring training game, 7 to 7. Pettitte started and said he felt lousy the first inning, but he was better in the second. He didn’t look too distracted from all of the Mitchell madness, so I think he will be fine going into the regular season.

The other big story today was the first basemen. I was really too fast jumping at the conclusion that Shelley will take the 1st baseman position. I just got caught up in the excitement. Today’s performances by the first basemen put them right up there with Shelley in terms of how good they look this Spring. Giambi and Lane both homered in todays game which makes 4 of the top 5 candidates (Duncan, Betemit, Giambi, and Lane) for first baseman having homered in the first two games. That’s one of those good problems to have.

Up next are the Astros (tomorrow at 1:05pm EST)