Swish Leaves Game With Tight Left Hammy

Nick Swisher left today's game with a tight left hamstring and will go for a precautionary MRI. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

Garcia to the Pen, Phelps to the Rotation

From Bryan Hoch:

Freddy Garcia has been dispatched to the Yankees' bullpen, with rookie David Phelps first in line to take the veteran right-hander's place in the rotation.

Garcia was battered by the Tigers for six runs in 1 2/3 innings on Saturday in a 7-5 Yankees loss, the second straight start Garcia only recorded five outs, and the change did not come as a shock to the hurler.

"When you're pitching [poorly] out of the rotation, what do you expect?" Garcia said. "When you don't do your job, what are they supposed to do? That's what happened. They're honest. I didn't pitch the way I was supposed to pitch. It's reality."

...

"I'll be OK, man. I know," Garcia said. "I've been playing this game for a long time, and a lot of things happened to me before, and I always came off on the top. It's not going to be different. So, we'll see what happens."

With his 12.51 ERA this was a move the Yankees pretty much had to make.

Game 20: Yankees vs. Tigers

REGULAR SEASON GAME 20
YANKEES vs Tigers
First Pitch: 4:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (11-8)
Derek Jeter DH
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez SS

Starting Pitcher: RHP Freddy Garcia (0-1, 9.75 ERA, 1.92 WHIP)

TIGERS (10-10)
Austin Jackson CF
Brennan Boesch RF
Miguel Cabrera 3B
Prince Fielder 1B
Andy Dirks LF
Brad Eldred DH
Alex Avila C
Jhonny Peralta SS
Ramon Santiago 2B

Starting Pitcher: LHP Drew Smyly (0-0, 1.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP)

The Trade That Just Keeps Giving: Surgery For Pineda

So, what will the defenders of this deal say now?

Just to break things down for you, instead of A) trading Montero for Cliff Lee a couple years ago, or B) keeping your best hitting prospect, the Yankees traded him for a guy who had one good half of a season and is now headed for shoulder surgery. Fantastic!

No word yet on how long Pineda will be on the shelf, but I can only assume it will be a while. People are speculated that he'll be done for the year, and the only info I could find was that an injury like this normally takes 3-6 months to recover. I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but what a great trade!

Garcia To Start On Saturday

Following tonight's loss in Arlington, Joe Girardi announced that the Yankees will have their normal rotation after Thursday’s off day and will not be skipping Freddy Garcia. It was widely assumed that the Yanks would skip the struggling right-hander with the Tigers in town this weekend, but instead Garcia will get the ball on Saturday, with Nova pitching on Friday and CC finishing off the series on Sunday. If the Yankees had skipped Garcia, he would likely have pitched on Monday against the Orioles, a scenario that seems to make a lot more sense than the one Girardi decided to go with.

No News On Pineda After MRI

From Mark Feinsand:

Michael Pineda was examined by Yankees team physician Dr. Chris Ahmad Tuesday, undergoing a dye-contrast MRI on his injured right shoulder. The team did not release the results, as Pineda's agent, Fern Cuza, had already requested that his client be seen by arm specialist Dr. David Altchek, even before the MRI had been scheduled.

Joe Girardi was not disturbed by the fact that Pineda wanted a second opinion. He was already troubled by the fact that the pitcher had to leave his start Saturday early with shoulder pain.

"Coming out of the game was disturbing to me on Saturday," Girardi said. "We’ll find out what’s going on. Hopefully it’s good news.”

Given that the three weeks of rest wasn't enough to get Pineda past his tendinitis, Girardi figures that it will take longer than that for the pitcher to get back on a mound even if nothing else comes out of the MRI. That means a return to the majors no earlier than June, and even that might be on the optimistic side.

“It’s not what you want," Girardi said. "We thought we were going to get a power pitcher that pitched very well and we believed had a very huge upside. Right now, we don’t have him and right now I can’t tell you when we’re going to get him back. That part is disappointing.”

Between the arm issues Pineda is having and the lack of effectiveness of the back of the rotation, it sure would have been nice to sign someone like Wilson or Darvish in the off-season. If you saw tonight's 2-0 loss to Texas, Darvish sure looks like he's going to live up to the that hype.

Matsui to Sign With Tampa

I hate seeing former Yankees, especially those with WS MVP awards, signing with a division rival. Hopefully he does well when they play the Red Sox.

Game 16: Yankees @ Rangers

REGULAR SEASON GAME 16
YANKEES @ RANGERS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: MY9/ESPN | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (9-6)
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Eduardo Nunez DH
Chris Stewart C

Starting Pitcher: LHP CC Sabathia (1-0, 5.59 ERA)

RANGERS (13-3)
Ian Kinsler 2B
Elvis Andrus SS
Josh Hamilton LF
Michael Young 3B
Mike Napoli 1B
Nelson Cruz RF
Yorvit Torrealba C
Brandon Snyder DH
Craig Gentry CF

Starting Pitcher: LHP Derek Holland (2-0, 3.10 ERA)

Garcia to be skipped?

From George A. King III:

Joe Girardi has his rotation set through Friday night against the Tigers at Yankee Stadium.

What the Yankees manager doesn’t have — at least publicly — is a starter for Saturday.

Since last night’s game against the Red Sox at Fenway Park was washed out, CC Sabathia starts tonight against the Rangers instead of working last night.

Ivan Nova goes Friday, but Girardi has options for Saturday. He can bring Sabathia back on regular rest or go with the struggling Freddy Garcia. But what Girardi won’t do is insert rookie David Phelps into the rotation.

“After that, we’ll see,’’ Girardi said of Nova.

Because Thursday — Garcia’s normal day — was dark on the schedule, skipping the veteran right-hander was possible. Now, that is a stronger possibility if another starter doesn’t require an extra day of rest.

It also mentions in the article that Girardi asked Garcia if he was healthy and the right-hander said he fine. At this point I see no reason not to skip him. Until the back end of the rotation is settled, there's no reason to throw back to back stinkers if you can avoid it, and in this case they can. Also, maybe the extra time off will help Garcia figure out what's going wrong on the mound.

This Week in Yankees History (4/22-4-28)

This Week in Yankees History

April 22nd - April 28th

April 22nd

1881 - Former Yankees INF Neal Ball (1907-1908) was born (1881-1957). Neal Ball hit .241 in 155 games for the Yankees, before he was sold to Cleveland.

1903 - At American League Park, the New York Highlanders lost their 1st game to the Washington Senators by the score of 3-1, before 11,950 fans. Washington elects to bat 1st, but the New Yorkers score in the bottom of the opening inning to take a 1-0 lead. Each starter gives up 6 hits with Jack Chesbro, the NL top winner last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-6) taking the loss for the Yankees. Al Orth, in his 2nd season with the Washington Senators is the winner.

1904 - After surrendering a leadoff single to Senators batter Kip Selbach, New York Yankees starter Jack Chesbro pitches no-hit ball the rest of the game, beating the Washington Senators by the score of 2-0.

1915 - Pinstripes first appeared on the New York Yankees player uniforms.

1918 - Former Yankees Minor League manager (1971) and MLB Coach (1982), MLB manager (1961-1963), MLB Player (1939-1960) Mickey Veron was born (1918-2008). Mickey Veron was a 1st Baseman from 1939 to 1960, mostly with the Washington Senators during his long MLB career. Mickey was an AL All Star team member for 7 seasons. He won 2 AL Batting crowns. Mickey was a New York Yankees minor league manager in 1971 with the Manchester Yankees. In 1982, he was a Yankees MLB coach. Also he was the 1st manager for the expansion 1961 Washington Senators, he managed the club until 1963. He was a MLB coach for the Pirates, Expos and the Cardinals. Later he managed and coached in the minor leagues for several MLB organizations, before retiring from the game.

1920 - Outfielder Babe Ruth plays his 1st game as a New York Yankee. Babe goes hitless and his outfield error proved to be the game losing miscue in a 6-5 loss to the Philadelphia A’s.

Yanks-Sox Finale Postponed

Pettitte To Start For Double-A Trenton on Wednesday

From George A. King III:

Andy Pettitte is no longer just a hopeful wish to give the Yankees rotation a boost.

The 39-year-old un-retired lefty is scheduled to start for Double-A Trenton on Wednesday in New Jersey. It will be Pettitte’s fourth minor league outing, and he likely will throw 80 to 85 pitches. After that the Yankees likely would want Pettitte to come close to the 100-pitch mark in his final two minor league games.

“It’s getting closer to reality now,’’ Girardi said of Pettitte’s re-entry into the Yankees’ rotation after sitting out last season. “Sixty-eight pitches [Friday in an extended spring training game], you are getting closer. Andy was a guy who was right around 100 for us anyway.

“That’s realistic to look at three more minor league starts and make a real evaluation of where he is at,’’ said Girardi, who will have to remove somebody from the rotation to make room for Pettitte.

The sooner Andy can get back to the rotation, the better. With Hughes and Garcia throwing the ball as poorly as they have the rotation could use all the help they can get.

Swisher's 2-Run Double From Inside Fenway

(No, I was not there.)

The Montero Trade Just Keeps Getting Better!

From Matt Snyder:

Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda has been shut down again due to weakness in his right shoulder, manager Joe Girardi told reporters Saturday (including Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com). Pineda was scheduled to throw two innings in an extended spring training game. Now he's scheduled to see a Doctor Monday in Tampa.

"I can't tell you when we'll get him back now," said Girardi.

Pineda, 23, was the Yankees' big ticket acquisition this past offseason, as they traded promising young slugger Jesus Montero for him. But Pineda has been unable to get his shoulder into shape due to continuing "weakness" or "fatigue."

Meanwhile, as we get accustomed to our new damaged goods, Jesus Montero has started the 2012 campaign a bit slow, but hey, at least he's healthy.

Game 14: Yankees @ Red Sox

REGULAR SEASON GAME 14
YANKEES @ RED SOX
First Pitch: 3:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (7-6)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Eric Chavez 3B
Russell Martin C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Ivan Nova (2-0, 4.15 ERA)

RED SOX (4-8)
Mike Aviles SS
Ryan Sweeney RF
Dustin Pedroia 2B
Adrian Gonzalez 1B
David Ortiz DH
Kevin Youkilis 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia C
Cody Ross LF
Jason Repko C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Clay Buchholz (1-0, 9.82 ERA)

Yanks Sign Nelson Figueroa

Game 13: Yankees vs. Twins

REGULAR SEASON GAME 13
YANKEES vs. TWINS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (6-6)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez LF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 2B

Starting Pitcher: RHP Phil Hughes (0-2, 9.00 ERA, 6.54 FIP)

TWINS (4-8)
Denard Span CF
Jamey Carroll SS
Joe Mauer C
Josh Willingham LF
Justin Morneau DH
Ryan Doumit RF
Danny Valencia 3B
Chris Parmelee 1B
Alexi Casilla 2B

Starting Pitcher: RHP Anthony Swarzak (0-2, 3.75 ERA, 4.92 FIP)

Yanks To Wear Throwback Uniform For Opener on Friday

If you did not know--I was out all day yesterday and did not know either--the Yankees and Red Sox will be wearing 1912 throwback uniforms on Friday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

The Red Sox have worn these throwbacks before (below), but this will be a first for the Yankees. It'll be odd seeing the Yanks in something other than the usual road greys, but being that it was the Yankees Highlanders who were the visitors when Fenway opened in 1912, it'll be cool to see it all play out the way it was 100 years ago, same teams, same ballpark, same uniforms. Hopefully, the Yankees will win this one.

 

Yanks Have No Plans To Talk Extension With Martin

As Heyman says, this is standard practice for the Yanks. In other Martin-related "news", he doesn't hate the Red Sox anymore. Well, actually he never did:  

Damn it, Russ! At least lie.

Gardner to the DL

From Mark Feinsand:

Brett Gardner is headed to the disabled list with a bone bruise and strain of his right elbow, an injury he seemed to suffer while making a sliding catch in the third inning Tuesday.

...

“He took BP today and said he felt fine, but when he went to take his swings in the cage at 6:20 or 6:30, it wasn’t fine,” Girardi said. “At some point in between that, it must have flared up.”

I was told that Gardner only took a handful of swings during BP, telling people that his elbow was sore. The second round of swings apparently cinched it, prompting the Yankees to send him for the MRI.

The team has looked very mediocre to start the year and now, considering that Gardner is one of only a few Yankees actually hitting the ball (.321 so far), this could be a tough loss. Relief pitcher, Cody Eppley, will replace Gardner on the 25-man roster.

Tonight's Yankees Lineup & Other News

Derek Jeter DH
Nick Swisher 1B
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Andruw Jones RF
Curtis Granderson CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Brett Gardner LF
Chris Stewart C

CC Sabathia LHP

- Teixeira will sit due to flu-like symptoms.

- Just a normal off day for Russell Martin, who is currently hitting .160 after going hitless in his last 9 ABs. Seems like he could use the day, no?

- Andy Pettitte will pitch for class-A Tampa on Friday.

- Michael Pineda was on the mound yesterday and threw a 26-pitch bullpen session. He will throw another in a few days and shortly after thatwill make his first minor league appearance as he works his way back.

You're the Yankees GM.....Your Move.

I like to blog because I enjoy telling everyone out there how I feel about various topics. Us bloggers don't have filters & whatever we feel like saying, we're going to publish it whether people are going to agree with that opinion or not.  I do enjoy that because when I write, my objective is not to please people.  I write to tell the world how I feel.  But something else that I enjoy is being able to interact with others & having a rational, adult conversation on the topic at hand.

I get to publish my opinion on everything New York Yankees-related on here & I love it.  We all have opinions on what they should do from their starters, to the front office, to their minor league system.  I have a ton of thoughts on what I'd like to see done but it's not about my opinion this time.

Faithful readers of Sliding Into Home, what would you do if you were the General Manager of the 2012 New York Yankees?  Feel free to lay out a long-term plan by putting an emphasis on development or a short-term plan to go all in to win the World Series as soon as possible.  That's the beauty of posting on the internet, your voice will always be heard...so let's hear it.


Twitter: @trevwolff

Game 10: Yankees vs. Twins

REGULAR SEASON GAME 10
YANKEES vs. TWINS
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES/ESPN | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (5-4)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF

Starting Pitcher: RHP Freddy Garcia (0-0, 5.97 ERA)

TWINS (2-7)
Denard Span CF
Jamey Carroll SS
Joe Mauer DH
Josh Willingham LF
Justin Morneau 1B
Ryan Doumit C
Danny Valencia 3B
Clete Thomas RF
Alexi Casilla 2B

Starting Pitcher: RHP Carl Pavano (0-1, 5.93 ERA)

Looking Like Andy's Targeting a Mid May Return

From Mark Hale:

The way things looked for Andy Pettitte after yesterday’s minor league outing, it seemed possible he would need just two more starts before rejoining the Yankees. Pettitte’s return to the major league seemed imminent, meaning Phil Hughes might get just two more turns to solve his woes.

Both Pettitte and Hughes, however, will be getting more time.

Following Pettitte’s second minor league game yesterday in Tampa, manager Joe Girardi said the un-retired lefty still will make four more starts in the minors.

“I consider this his second start,” Girardi said, “and usually you give a guy six starts.”

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last night Pettitte will have just four days’ rest before pitching on Friday. If he continues on that schedule for his next four minor league outings, he would make his last one on May 5. Barring physical setbacks, Pettitte would be lined up to pitch for the Yankees as early as May 10 at home against the Rays.

Pettitte had no trouble against Single-A Clearwater, firing four scoreless, allowing two hits and no walks and striking out three. He got up to 47 pitches, throwing 31 for strikes

Hughes gets yet another life line as he'll now get at least four more starts while the Yanks wait for Pettitte. Hopefully he can at least keep the Yankees in those games, but forgive me for not being too optimistic.

Tebow and Wade Receive A Bronx Cheer

From ESPN New York:

Tim Tebow has work to do if he's going to win over New York sports fans.

The new backup quarterback for the Jets was booed at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night when he was shown on the giant video board -- even though he was wearing a Yankees cap.

Sitting in the third row next to the Los Angeles Angels dugout, Tebow cracked a smile and acknowledged the camera. There was a smattering of cheers, but most of the initial reactions were boos.

...

Sitting next to Tebow was Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, also booed when he was shown on the scoreboard earlier in the game. But those boos quickly turned to cheers when Wade held up his Yankees cap.

Knicks rookie guard Iman Shumpert was also in attendance. Shumpert was the first of the three players shown on the big screen, receiving a nice round of applause.

To my knowledge, Shumpert was not sitting with Pope Tebow or Wade. At least I hope he wasn't.

Game 9: Yankees vs. Angels

REGULAR SEASON GAME 9
YANKEES vs ANGELS
First Pitch: 8:05 PM | TV: ESPN | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (4-4)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF

Starting Pitcher: RHP Ivan Nova (1-0, 2.57 ERA)

ANGELS (3-5)
Erick Aybar SS
Howie Kendrick 2B
Albert Pujols 1B
Torii Hunter RF
Vernon Wells CF
Bobby Abreu LF
Mark Trumbo DH
Maicer Izturis 3B
Chris Iannetta C

Starting Pitcher: RHP Jerome Williams (4-0, 3.68 ERA in 2011)

Game 7: Yankees vs. Angels - Opening Day in The Bronx

REGULAR SEASON GAME 7
YANKEES vs ANGELS
First Pitch: 1:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (3-3)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: RHP Hiroki Kuroda (0-01, 6.35 ERA)

ANGELS (2-4)
Erick Aybar SS
Bobby Abreu RF
Albert Pujols 1B
Kendrys Morales DH
Mark Trumbo 3B
Vernon Wells LF
Maicer Izturis 2B
Chris Iannetta C
Peter Bourjos CF

Pitching: RHP Ervin Santana (0-1, 7.94 ERA)

Scouts Say Jeter Looks "Quicker"

From George A. King III:

Veteran scouts who have watched Derek Jeter since 1996 believe he has gotten quicker at 37 than in previous seasons.

“His legs look quicker,’’ said a scout who watched Jeter play against Baltimore this week. “The first step out of the box is quicker. It doesn’t seem to show up in his range in the field, but the first step from the plate is quicker.’’

The scout timed Jeter in 4.24 and 4.25 seconds from home to first. The major league average from the right-handed batter’s box to first is 4.3.

Scouts who watched Jeter play against the Rays on Tropicana Field’s turf said Jeter was faster.

“He was 4.20 in Baltimore and the watches had him at 4.16 on the turf,’’ a scout said. “He looks great. He has found a natural fountain of youth.’’

I don't know how it's possible for someone to improve their quickness at 37, but it's Jeter so anything is possible.

His .370 batting average is actually his highest batting average through the first six games of the season since 2005, when he was hitting .435 at this early point in the season.

Posada To Throw Out First Pitch Tomorrow

From David Waldstein:

It has been six months since an emotional Jorge Posada walked out of Yankee Stadium, unable to express himself publicly except through his tears. Posada knew that night, after the Yankees’ season-ending loss to the Detroit Tigers, that he had played his final game as a Yankee.

...

But on Friday, Posada will have his chance to see how much the fans appreciated him. The Yankees announced on Wednesday that Posada would throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Friday’s home opener against the Los Angeles Angels. While Derek Jeter, Posada’s closest friend on the team, said he would not catch the pitch, another one of Posada’s longtime teammates volunteered for the duty.

“Definitely, I would like to,” said Mariano Rivera, who played almost all of his career with Posada.

...

“I think it’s great,” Girardi said. “I’m happy to see him and I know all the guys will be happy to see him as well. It adds to the excitement. I’m sure the fans are going to show their appreciation for him, as well they should. He was a great Yankee.”

...

“It will be a special moment for him,” Jeter said. “I don’t want to speak for him, but I can only imagine what it will be like.”

...

“I think he’s going to be very emotional, knowing Jorge,” Rivera said. “But at the same time, he’s going to be very happy. We’ll be happy. I’ll be happy to see him. I haven’t seen him since he retired.”

It'll be great to see Jorge back in the Bronx, and with a "worried" Kuroda going up against Albert Pujols and the Angels, it will probably be the highlight of the day.

Kuroda Worried About His Stadium Opening Start

From Andrew Marchand:

Hiroki Kuroda has never played in Yankee Stadium. So when he throws the first home pitch for the Yankees a little after 1 p.m. on Friday, he will have more nerves than anything else.

"Rather than being excited, I'm more worried about how I'm going to perform," Kuroda said through his interpreter.

...

"Since I've never pitched at Yankee Stadium, I'm a little bit pre-occupied," Kuroda said. "I just have to do my best."

Kuroda added that he's "honored" to be getting the ball in the home opener.

Is it just me or do you also hate hearing Yankees admit they're worried?

The Pinstripes Turn 100 Today

From Bobbie Dittmeier:

In a wooden ballpark located on The Hilltop in upper Manhattan, northwest of the Polo Grounds and close to the shores of the Hudson River, the New York Highlanders were ready to open their 1912 season. Their opponents on this day, April 11, were the Boston Red Sox. They were not rivals.

The Highlanders, commonly called the Yankees but a year away from formally taking on the name, had altered their uniforms nearly every year since their arrival from Baltimore in 1903. This season, they had another new look, sported by 23-year-old Ray Caldwell as he delivered the first pitch of the season.

They had added pinstripes.

Theirs were not the first baseball pinstripes. That honor belongs to the Chicago Cubs, who introduced them on their road uniform in 1907. But these pinstripes, as it turned out, would be different.

They were Yankees pinstripes. Born on April 11, 1912. One hundred years ago.

The pinstripes were actually originally black, not the current midnight blue. And in 1913 the Yankees briefly got rid of the pinstripes until they rturned for good in 1915. Dittmeier also talks about some Pinstripe myths in the article, so make sure to check the rest out here.

MLB.com also has a video with an interview with Jeff Nelson about The Pinstripes.

Soriano Likely Unavailable Tonight

From Lou DiPietro:

The Yankees may be a little short in the bullpen when they close their season-opening six-game road trip in Baltimore on Wednesday night.

Reliever Rafael Soriano tore the nail on his right middle finger while warming up during Tuesday night’s win over the Orioles, and manager Joe Girardi isn’t sure if Soriano will be available for the series finale.

"He tore his nail on a slider," Girardi told the media when asked why Soriano was warmed up during the seventh inning and then sat back down in favor of keeping rookie David Phelps in the game.

Coming off an extra-inning game where everyone (but Soriano) pitched, you'd like a full pen, but with CC pitching tonight it probably won't be an issue.

Game 4: Yankees @ Orioles

REGULAR SEASON GAME 4
Yankees @ Orioles
First Pitch: 7:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS

Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-3)
Derek Jeter SS
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Mark Teixeira 1B
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez 3B

Starting Pitcher: RHP Ivan Nova

ORIOLES (3-0)
Nolan Reimold LF
J.J. Hardy SS
Nick Markakis RF
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
Mark Reynolds 3B
Wilson Betemit DH
Chris Davis 1B
Robert Andino 2B

Starting Pitcher: LHP Brian Matusz

Repeat After Me "Giambi Wasn't a Bust"

Jason Giambi has not been a New York Yankee since 2008 & ever since his last appearance; the masses have only been saying one thing about him.  Bust.  That could not be further from the truth.  Did he live up to the contract that was awarded to him based on his previous three seasons in Oakland beforehand?  Definitely not.  The Yankees thought that they were getting a high average offensive threat that was going to hit close to 40 bombs a year.

That version of Giambi was alive & well during the first year of his contract but that was the only year we would see it.  Having said that, it doesn’t make the guy a bust by any stretch of the imagination when you look at his offensive output for the rest of his Yankee career.  In 2004 and 2007, the guy wasn’t healthy and the numbers represent that. 

>He was no longer a high average hitter but Batting Average, while important, is not the be all and end all for batting statistics.  Personally, I am more interested in a player’s On-Base Percentage.  The lowest OBP that Giambi put up during his healthy Yankee seasons was in 2008, when his was .373.  To go with that, he was sporting an .876 OPS.  Power-wise, that may not be what the Yankees signed up for on December 13, 2001.  However, that is still an immensely effective Major League hitter, and that is in the final year of his contract.  During the course of the contract, he would put up OBP’s of .435, .412, .342 (injury shortened year), .440, .413, .356 (injury shortened year), and .373.  Except for a respectable .271 batting average in 2005 and his monster year in 2002, the average was always relatively low. 

When you look at the On-Base Percentages and his power output throughout his Yankee days, you cannot possibly call him a bust.  The inevitable comparisons have already begun and those are between the Giambino and Mark Teixeira.  Frustrated fans over the past three years have seen Mark go from all-around offensive threat to a more one dimensional homerun hitter.  They have said things like “Great, he’s turning into Giambi.”  Now, Teixeira has plenty of time to return to his 2009 form but comparing him to Giambi as if that is a bad thing, is an insult to Giambi. 

In 2009, Tex put up an On-Base Percentage of .383, which is fantastic and pretty much on par with what he has done throughout his career.  But we’re not comparing their careers as a whole; we are talking about what they have done as members of the New York Yankees.  Now, thus far .383 is Tex’s peak (for now).  By comparison, Giambi’s peak OBP with the Yankees is .440.  I mentioned what his lowest OBP was earlier in the article, and that is merely ten points lower than Teixeira’s highest.  Yet, people are calling Giambi a bust?  If he’s a bust, what does that say about Mark Teixeira? 

Before you begin with the baseless insults that make absolutely no sense, I am not calling Teixeira (I hate spelling this name) a bust.  I am simply putting out there that if this trend continues, those screaming about Tex “turning into Giambi” offensively would only be so lucky.  Those people that look only at Batting Average need to check the rest of Giambi’s baseball card because he was an offensive beast as a Yankee.  Worth the salary?  Nope, but then, who is?  Bust? Not even remotely close…now I want all of you to repeat that until it finally sinks in.

Twitter: @trevwolff

How The Knicks Saved Easter (and Passover)

I probably should be upset about this embarrassing season-opening sweep. After all, the Rays thoroughly outplayed and outcoached the Yanks in this three-game set. But I don't. Not at all actually. First of all, there's no reason to begin to panic over three games in April. Oh, and this happened:


Hopefully, most of you are Knicks fans and were able to enjoy this in the midst of the Yankees ugly opening series. If not, well that's what you get for rooting for the Nets.

Happy Easter and Happy Passover.

Game 3: Yankees @ Rays

REGULAR SEASON GAME 3
YANKEES @ RAYS
First Pitch: 1:40 PM | TV: YES/TBS | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-2)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher DH
Raul Ibanez RF
Brett Gardner LF
Chris Stewart C

RHP Phil Hughes (0-0, -.-- ERA)

RAYS (2-0)
Desmond Jennings CF
Carlos Pena 1B
Evan Longoria 3B
Matt Joyce LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Luke Scott DH
Jeff Keppinger 2B
Jose Molina C
Sean Rodriguez SS

RHP Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, -.-- ERA)

Game 2: Yankees @ Rays

REGULAR SEASON GAME 2
YANKEES @ RAYS
First Pitch: 7:10 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-1)
Derek Jeter DH
Nick Swisher RF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Curtis Granderson CF
Andruw Jones LF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez SS

Starting Pitcher: RHP Hiroki Kuroda (0-0, ---)

RAYS (1-0)
Desmond Jennings CF
Carlos Pena 1B
Evan Longoria 3B
Matt Joyce LF
Ben Zobrist RF
Luke Scott DH
Jeff Keppinger 2B
Jose Lobaton C
Reid Brignac SS

Starting Pitcher: LHP David Price (0-0, ---)

Girardi on Why He Overmanaged Yesterday's 1st Inning

From Chad Jennings:

Girardi said intentionally loading the bases in the first inning was because of the matchup and because of the opposing starter. CC Sabathia had great numbers against Carlos Pena, and Girardi expected a low-scoring game against James Shields. “Sean Rodriguez has hit (Sabathia) hard,” Girardi explained. “And it’s not something I’ll do a lot in the first inning with CC, but as I said, Shields has been pretty tough on us. … I felt good about CC getting him out, but it didn’t work.”

If you're wondering, here was CC's take:

“I knew I had some success off him, but like I said, it’s a lefty so I knew if I make the right pitches then we get out of it. … It was a lefty, so I felt like it was the right move.”

The problem I had with the move (before the home run happened by the way) goes beyond batting average against and any kind of stat. I just feel that you don't manage games in April like it's October. It's far too early in the season for this kind of crap.

Also, and probably more importantly, CC had no command in that first inning and putting him in a situation against a power hitter who has hurt the Yankees in the past, with no margin for error, was just asking for trouble in my opinion. Pena can also hit a fastball and that was all he saw that at-bat, also due to CC's lack of early command. Luckily, it's only game 1 of a very long 162-game schedule and pretty much meaningless.

Pettitte to Make Extended Spring Start on Monday

From Lou DiPietro:

After finishing a strong week with a successful bullpen session on Friday morning, Andy Pettitte has been scheduled to start an Extended Spring Training game for the Yankees on Monday.

Pettitte...threw a 45-pitch bullpen session at the Yankees’ facility in Tampa Friday and reported no issues.

He will now take the mound on Monday to face a Phillies Minor-League squad, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Pettitte told him on Thursday night that his arm felt great.

It seems like everything is moving along smoothly for Pettitte. It's expected that he'll throw a handful of extended spring training starts. After that, I assume he'll have a rehab stint in the minors, and then it's on to The Bronx.

Hoch: Pineda Likely Out Until Early May

From Bryan Hoch:

Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda will remain behind at the club's Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla., when the team goes north, and he's unlikely to pitch at the Major League level in April.

Pineda was placed on the 15-day disabled list with right rotator cuff tendinitis, retroactive to March 31, and he made about 25 tosses on flat ground during the Yankees' workout at Tropicana Field on Thursday.

"I think if he wouldn't have been able to play catch, we wouldn't have been too excited," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "But he was able to play catch, and he felt pretty good."

Girardi is not sure when Pineda will be able to get back on a mound and said it is "safe to say" the hurler will be lost at the big league level for all of the season's first month.

George A. King III is reporting that the numbers of tosses was 43, but either way he's began his throwing program, which appears to be a good sign.

King also reported that after the throwing session, Pineda and Larry Rothschild worked on a bullpen mound without a ball, "concentrating on his setup and motion."

Game 1: Yankees @ Rays --- Opening Day!

REGULAR SEASON GAME 1
YANKEES @ RAYS
First Pitch: 3:05 PM | TV: YES | Radio: WCBS
Here are the lineups:

YANKEES (0-0)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Robinson Cano 2B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Nick Swisher RF
Raul Ibanez DH
Russell Martin C
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: LHP CC Sabathia (0-0, --- ERA)

RAYS (0-0)
Desmond Jennings CF
Ben Zobrist RF
Evan Longoria 3B
Jeff Keppinger DH
Sean Rodriguez SS
Carlos Pena 1B
Elliott Johnson 2B
Jose Molina C
Matt Joyce LF

Pitching: RHP James Shields (0-0, --- ERA)

Yanks Opening Day Roster

Catchers
Russell Martin
Chris Stewart

Infielders
Robinson Cano
Mark Teixeira
Derek Jeter
Alex Rodriguez
Eduardo Nunez
Eric Chavez

Outfielders
Brett Gardner
Curtis Granderson
Nick Swisher
Raul Ibanez
Andruw Jones

Starting Pitchers
CC Sabathia
Hiroki Kuroda
Ivan Nova
Phil Hughes
Freddy Garcia

Relievers
David Phelps
Boone Logan
Clay Rapada
Cory Wade
Rafael Soriano
David Robertson
Mariano Rivera

The Yankees also signed Ramon Ortiz to a minor-league deal and Justin Maxwell was designated for assignment.

Yanks Trade Kontos to Giants for Chris Stewart

In 183 at-bats with the Giants last season, the 29-year-old (http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/stewach01.shtml) hit .204/.283/.309 with 3 HR and 10 RBI. He also threw out 39% of runners trying to steal. Cervelli threw out just 14% in each of the last two years.

Yanks Release Jorge Vazquez

Boone Logan Having Some Back Problems

According to those who've watched spring training this year, Clay Rapada looks like he'll be the main lefty out of the pen as the season begins.

Marchand: Pettitte to See Game Action vs. Mets

From Andrew Marchand:

New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte will see game action for the first time since ending his brief retirement when he pitches against the New York Mets in Wednesday's spring training finale.

Pettitte is set to go one inning at Steinbrenner Field. The left-hander called it a big step in his return after his workout on Tuesday.

Pettitte ended a one-season retirement by agreeing to a minor league contract on March 16. He could be ready to join the Yankees in May.

Pettitte threw his second simulated game Saturday, and talked on the phone with pitching coach Larry Rothschild after a 25-pitch bullpen session on Monday.

"I bounced back pretty good after that last one, so we feel like an inning would be good tomorrow," Pettitte said. "I realized I feel good enough to pitch."

Hey, a reason to watch spring training. Nice!

Nick Swisher: Great Ballplayer, Even Better Person

Among the thousands of professional athletes throughout the world, there are so many out there that have to bicker over the very last dollar on their contract.  So many other players are out setting terrible examples by mouthing off to management and fans, getting arrested, and just plain looking like self-entitled jerks.  Do not count Nick Swisher among them.  Out of the countless half hearted interviews that I've seen athletes give to reporters, Swish is just as enthusiastic about giving them as he was when he first came up to the big leagues with Oakland.  He is the blueprint of what professional athletes should be.

When do you ever see Nick Swisher not smiling?  He just comes off as the happiest person in the world.  He is getting paid a fortune (compared to your average joe) to play a kid's game & the way he acts, he knows he is a truly lucky guy.  He is adored by New York City due to his all-out hustle, on-field production, but even more importantly, his off of the field production.  Contrary to what sports fans think, it is more important to be a good person as opposed to a great ball player in life.  Fortunately for us Yankees fans, we get to have both when it comes to Swisher.  He touches the lives of sick children with his charity known as "Swish's Wishes" and also helps out with Barry Zito's "Strikeouts for Troops."  Not only is this completely admirable, he even put himself out there by recording an album titled "Believe" to benefit "Swish's Wishes."  How many athletes would do that?  Not too many (if any), I'd imagine.

I cannot harp on this enough for those that don't get the pleasure of seeing Swish on a regular basis, he just gets it.  That's pretty much all that you can say.  Personally, I've never had the pleasure of meeting the guy.  But every person that I've read about that has, and the few that I know, all say the same thing about him.  They all say that he is the most down-to-earth person they've ever met.  He may be a millionaire adored by a ton of people, he doesn't act like it though.  He deserves all of the accolades that comes his way, and this is coming from a person that is usually disgusted by the salaries of professional athletes.

I am proud of Nick Swisher & I am even more proud that he is a New York Yankee.  Let's hope that we see him in Pinstripes for years to come.  If that isn't in the cards though, I will still be proud because I can say that I had the pleasure of watching a great ball player & an even better person for four years.

Twitter: @trevwolff

Pettitte Still Needs His Pitching Legs

From George A. King III:

Andy Pettitte’s arm is fine, but his legs still require work.

“They are not in shape,’’ the Yankees pitcher said after throwing two innings of a simulated game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa on Saturday morning. “I don’t know how I will continue to progress. … Normally you hit a point where you kind of go, but … I could definitely tell that I wouldn’t have had many more pitches and being strong where I want to get them.’’

Pettitte threw 33 pitches (25 strikes) in an exercise that began at 8:15 Saturday morning.

...

Manager Joe Girardi, who with pitching coach Larry Rothschild watched Pettitte throw, has hinted the left-hander could pitch in the final spring training game Wednesday against the Mets at GMS Field. That, however, is in doubt.

“The last thing I want to do is rush something,” Pettitte said. “My point is that it’s not that big of a deal.’’

“That would be coming back early and that’s not something we are looking for,’’ Girardi said.

With Michael Pineda starting the season on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, Pettitte was asked if there was any way he would try to accelerate his comeback. Most estimates have him ready for the big leagues early next month.

“Not at this point, it wouldn’t be smart,’’ Pettitte said. “It all depends on how I go out there and throw my pitches. [The simulated game] was great, but it’s not a real game. It’s still not another team.’’

I guess this is to be expected. After all the guy has been sitting on a couch for over a year.

Yankees Sign RHP Jason Bulger to Minor-League Deal

Here's more info via the Yankees press release:

"Today the Yankees signed RHP Jason Bulger to a minor league contract. He will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday.

Bulger appeared in five games for Los Angeles-AL in 2011, posting an 0-1 record with a 0.96 ERA (9.1IP, 6H, 4R, 1ER, 10BB, 7K, 2HR). He spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Salt Lake, appearing in 35 games with a 1-0 record and a 4.03 ERA (38.0IP, 31H, 17ER, 17BB, 49K, 7HR).

Originally drafted by Arizona in the first round (22nd pick) of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft, Bulger has compiled a 7-2 career Major League record with a 4.33 ERA (133.0IP, 112H, 64ER, 75BB, 16HR) in 125 games over seven seasons with Arizona (2005) and Los Angeles-AL (2006-11)."