Sure, the Yankees won, 5-1, but the best part of yesterday’s game was having Jorge Posada back behind the plate.
Lineup:
S – Jorge Posada (C)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
S – Melky Cabrera (CF)
R – Angel Berroa (3B)
S – Ramiro Peña (SS)
R – Doug Bernier (2B)
Subs: Juan Miranda (1B), Eduardo Nuñez (SS), Justin Leone (3B), Francisco Cervelli (C), Shelley Duncan (RF), Austin Jackson (CF), Todd Linden (LF), Robinson Cano (DH)
Pitchers: Andy Pettitte, Phil Coke, Jose Veras, Anthony Claggett, Steven Jackson
Big Hits:
Nick Swisher (1-for-3) finally picked up his first extra-base hit of the spring, a double off Bob Keppel. The Yankees had four doubles in all, the others by Jorge Posada (2-for-2), Melky Cabrera (1-for-2, BB), and Angel Berroa (1-for-2). Ramiro Peña went 2-for-3, but was both picked off first base and thrown out attempting to steal second, negating both times on base.
Who Pitched Well:
Everyone really. Andy Pettitte pitched around a double and a single for three scoreless frames. Anthony Claggett threw a 1-2-3 eighth, and both Jose Veras and Steven Jackson pitched around lone hits for scoreless innings.
Who Didn’t:
Phil Coke gave up the only run on three singles and a walk, but that was all he allowed in three innings while also striking out two, so it’s hard to say he didn’t pitch well.
Battles:
Three innings for Phil Coke continues to suggest that he’s in the longman battle, which is otherwise being won by Brett Tomko, who is the type of pitcher the Yankees should be avoiding. Nick Swisher‘s first extra-base hit came before Xavier Nady‘s first walk, for whatever that’s worth. Melky Cabrera had a solid day at the plate with a double, a walk, and two runs scored. Jose Veras dropped his spring ERA below 2.00, while Steven Jackson brought his below 3.00.
Ouchies:
Jorge Posada caught in a game for the first time since July 19 of last year. He only caught the first four innings and didn’t have to throw to second during play, but threw to second between innings and said afterwords that he felt strong. He’ll catch again Tuesday and Thursday, taking the days in between off. Robinson Cano‘s appearance at DH suggests the Yankees aren’t to worried about his tender shoulder. His MRI, as well as Damaso Marte‘s have been pushed back to today. Also, Pete Abe reports that Hideki Matsui beat out a double-play ball, which is a good indication that his knees are feeling good.
WBC:
Derek Jeter, the only Yankee left in the tournament, went 0-for-3 with two walks against the Netherlands as the USA’s DH. The U.S. beat the Dutch 9-3. Check out my SI.com liveblog of the game. I’ll also be liveblogging the USA’s double-elimination game against the winner of tonight’s Venezuela-Puerto Rico matchup, which is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7pm on the MLB Network.
Tomko is the type of pitcher the Yankees should avoid, but for whatever reason, never do.
And yes, I know every team does it. But Its so annoying to watch your team try to get blood from a stone.
[1] my sentiments exactly..think I am still scarred from the multiple Ponson signings..
I will be floored if Sidney Ponson doesn't pitch in a game for the Yankees by the end of the 2010 season. I expect him to show up at some point this year, to be honest. Someone in that front office is infatuated with him, and as long as he remains unsigned, I hold my breath.
Japan with the 6-0 shutout against Cuba..he and Darvish a good 1-2 punch for sure. Too bad the US team seem to have no clue..what the blast is Davey Johnson doing this tournament??!
[1] The same could have been said about Aaron Small in 2005. Sometimes you do get blood from a stone. Either way, Tomko doesn't factor into the Yankees long-term/significant plans, so I wouldn't waste time worrying about it.
[4] Johnson, and even some players, still seem to be treating this like an exhibition. Hopefully, the commitment from the U.S. continues to grow and catches up to some of the other teams over the next couple of tournaments.
Also, Lindstrom was way out of line throwing over the head of the Netherlands hitter. That's not the way to represent your country.
Lindstrom threw behind the runner's rear, not over his head. Still unnecessary, but not as dangerous.
What was the deal with Lindstom, anyway? I didn't see much of the game, I tuned in just in time to see the umpires try to restore order.
The Mexico - S. Korea game last night was pretty good, did anyone else see it?
For the first time in recent memory, the Yanks do not have any pre-season candidates for the 60-day DL, so bringing up a non-roster player will require DFAing someone else. They will already need to clear one roster spot for a reserve infielder, so I doubt that they will DFA a second player to bring up Tomko.
And if they really want to bring up a non-roster player as the long man, what about that Japanese guy with the 0.00 ERA?
God no.