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.

Catch my liveblog of the USA’s double-elimination game against the upstart Netherlands team over at SI.com’s FanNation already in progress.

Sorry for the lack of a game wrap on Friday night’s 8-4 loss to the Red Sox. I was travelling. Yesterday, the Yankees won a pair of split-squad games against the Pirates (13-10) and Astros (3-1). That’s too many lineups to list here, so I’ll skip right to the Big Hits, etc.

Big Hits:

Jesus Montero hit a grand slam off Chris Bootcheck of the Pirates, and walked in his two other plate appearances over the last two days. Austin Jackson homered off Denny Bautista of the Pirates and went 2-for-6. Johnny Damon hit a solo homer off Wandy Rodriguez, going 1-for-3 against the Astros. Cody Ransom tripled off Tim Wakefield and doubled off Wandy Rodriguez, going 3-for-7. Xavier Nady doubled off Wakefield, went 1-for-6, and still hasn’t drawn a walk this spring. Shelley Duncan doubled of Takashi Saito, going 2-for-4. Kyle Anson doubled in four at-bats. Angel Berroa went 3-for-6.

Who Pitched Well:

A.J. Burnett pitched four perfect innings against the Astros, striking out three. Brett Tomko allowed just two singles in 3 1/3 innings against Boston while striking out five. Ian Kennedy struck out five Pirates while allowing just an unearned run on three hits and a walk (though he also thew wild on a pickoff and hit a batter). Brian Bruney pitched a perfect eighth against Houston striking out two. Steven Jackson pitched a perfect sixth inning against the Red Sox. Jonathan Albaladejo pitched a perfect fourth inning against the Pirates. David Robertson retired the only batter he faced to save the game against Pittsburgh. Edwar Ramirez pitched around a single for a scoreless seventh against the Astros in his spring debut. Jason Johnson pitched around a pair of singles for a scoreless ninth against Houston.

Who Didn’t:

Chien-Ming Wang gave up seven runs (though only one was earned due to a Juan Miranda error), on six hits, including home runs by Mike Lowell and David Ortiz, in a mere 1 2/3 innings. Mark Melancon gave up five runs on a walk and six hits, four of them for extra bases, while recording just two outs in the ninth inning against the Pirates.

Battles:

Brett Gardner went 1-for-5 with a walk and a steal. Melky Cabrera went 1-for-4. Nick Swisher went 0-for-2 with a walk and a steal. He still doesn’t have an extra-base hit, while Xavier Nady, who went 1-for-6, doubled but still doesn’t have a walk.

Ouchies:

Robinson Cano (right shoulder tendonitis) and Damaso Marte (left shoulder tendonitis) had MRIs yesterday after returning from the WBC. Cano’s injury is believed to be normal spring training discomfort. Alex Rodriguez is off his crutches. Mariano Rivera threw 40 pitches in batting practice and will get into his first spring game on Tuesday. Edwar Ramirez (shoulder) and Jason Johnson (cancer) each pitched in a game for the first time this spring yesterday; both pitched well.

Cuts:

Ian Kennedy, Christian Garcia, and Michael Dunn were optioned. Don’t expect to see either of them before September, if then.

Kevin Russo, Colin Curtis, Kyle Anson, Austin Romine, Jesus Montero, and Mark Melancon were reassigned to minor league camp. Melancon could reappear in the bullpen as early as April. None of the rest are likely to see the majors this year as Garcia is coming back from an assortment of injuries and Romine and Montero are starting the year at High-A Tampa.

Today’s news is powered by one of the great ambassadors and spokesmen of the game … the late Buck O’Neil.

• Cano and Marte returned from their WBC games with some health issues.
• The Bombers, perhaps in response to their difficulties in selling those premium field box season ticket plans, are holding an “Open House” this weekend where you can sit in/pick out your own seat.
• Meanwhile, you can register for a random drawing for an opportunity to buy regular season game tickets on-line.
• The News has a nice article on the “no-name” relievers (non-Rivera):

Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Phil Coke, Dave Robertson and Jonathan Albaladejo might not be household names – heck, they are barely recognized by Yankee fans – but the Bombers are confident that this group of no-name relievers has what it takes to join Rivera, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte to form a successful bullpen.

Veras (60 games, 57-2/3 innings, 63 strikeouts), Ramirez (55 games, 55-1/3 innings, 63 strikeouts) and Coke (one run in 12 outings) helped contribute to a Yankees bullpen that ranked fifth in the American League last season with a 3.79 ERA, which was nearly a third of a run lower than the league average. That number becomes even more impressive when you consider that their 543-1/3 innings were more than any team in the league other than the Rangers, who tossed 572-2/3. …

The Yankees’ bullpen topped the AL in strikeouts with 523, which was 87 more than second-place Texas. The Yankees’ .235 opponents batting average ranked third in the league, trailing only Tampa Bay and Toronto, while the opponents’ on-base percentage was .310, second in the league to the AL East champion Rays.

In addition, Yankee relievers led all AL teams in strikeout/walk ratio (2.46) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.66), showing that Cashman’s plan to stock the system with young power arms was beginning to pay off.

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Today’s news is powered by a “What’s My Line” appearance by Bobby Murcer (from 1971) …..

• MLB.com has an article on Hughes and Kennedy looking to redeem themselves in 2009.
• Fan favorite Jim Kaat now has his own website, kittykaat.com.  Also, Kaat will also return to the broadcast booth this season, calling a few games for the MLB Network.
• The Yanks have now reached contract agreements with all their non-arbitration players.  Joba Chamberlain will earn $432,575 if, as expected, he spends the entire season with the big club.
• PeteAbe gives us the salary list for those non-arbitration players.
• Mariano Duncan turns 46 today.  Duncan was a godsend at 2B for the Yankees in 1996, hitting .340 in 400 ABs.  He never learned how to take a walk, earning a mere nine free passes in 417 PAs that season (.352 OBP).  For his career, he walked a little more than once every 25 PAs.
• Happy 50th birthday to Luis Aguayo (spot starter at 3B for ’88 squad).
• On this date in 1937, Lou Gehrig signs for $38,000 with a $750 signing bonus.
• On this date last year, 59-year-old Billy Crystal makes an appearance in a Yankees spring training game. He strikes out on a full count from Paul Maholm after hitting one ball just foul.

Today’s news is powered by quite possibly the worst pro sports team music video ever (yes, worse than the “Super Bowl Shuffle”) … ladies and gentlemen … the 1986 LA Dodgers:

• Mariano Rivera appears to be right on schedule recovery-wise:

Rivera said he worked at about 90 percent of his regular velocity. He will throw batting practice again Saturday, and believes he could pitch in his first game of the spring Monday at home against the Phillies.

“If it feels as good as it feels now, there will be a game,” Rivera said. “Everything feels great.”

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The Yankees didn’t hit much and CC Sabathia and Alfredo Aceves gave up a bunch of runs. Yanks lose to Tigers 7-4.

Lineup:

S – Melky Cabrera (CF)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
S – Jorge Posada (DH)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
R – Cody Ransom (3B)
R – Angel Berroa (2B)
S – Ramon Peña (SS)
R – Kevin Cash (C)

Subs: Juan Miranda (1B), Doug Bernier (2B), Eduardo Nuñez (SS), Justin Leone (3B), Austin Romine (C), Todd Linden (RF), Austin Jackson (CF), Colin Curtis (LF), Hideki Matsui (DH)

Pitchers: CC Sabathia, Alfredo Aceves, Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Mark Melancon

Opposition: The non-WBC Tigers.

Big Hits:

No Yankee had an extra-base hit, but Johnny Damon went 2-for-2 with a walk, and Mark Teixeira, who is hitting .529 this spring, went 2-for-3. The rest of the team had just two singles (by Cody Ransom and Juan Miranda).

Who Pitched Well:

Brian Bruney and Jose Veras each pitched a perfect inning while striking out two. Mark Melancon pitched around a single for a scoreless eighth.

Who Didn’t:

After a scoreless first inning, CC Sabathia gave up five runs on five hits in the second, capped by a Gary Sheffield homer, and was pulled with two outs in that inning. Sabathia said he felt fine, but was having trouble locating his pitches. Alfredo Aceves then gave up a second home run to Sheffield, a solo shot, as well as a solo home run to Triple-A outfielder Wikin Ramirez.He also gave up a walk and a double, but only struck out one in his 3 1/3 innings.

Battles:

Melky Cabrera went 0-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base, and a run scored. Nick Swisher went 0-for-3 with two walks and a sac fly, but left six other runners on base. Angel Berroa went 0-for-3. Jose Veras is locked in. Mark Melancon still hasn’t given up an earned run. Alfredo Aceves has struggled in two of his three outhings this spring.

Ouchies:

Mariano Rivera and Edwar Ramirez both threw bullpens without incident.

WBC:

Derek Jeter and the USA take on Venezuela at 6:30 tonight (that’s now, actually) to decide the seeding for Round 2, but I won’t be liveblogging it this evening. My next liveblog will be of the USA’s first Round 2 game on Saturday.

Many of us long for the ballparks of our youth.  We’d love one more chance to walk through the corridors and glance upon the field where our childhood heroes played.

One enterprising Yankee fan is pursuing that desire in a unique way. Rick Kaplan, by day a mild-mannered CAD Systems Administrator, is in the midst of building a 3-D interactive recreation of the old Yankee Stadium, circa 1973.

Right field alley

Aerial view

I got the chance to interview Kaplan regarding his Yankee fandom, the reasons behind this audacious project and the challenges inherent in bringing the old Stadium “back to life”.

BB: How old were you on your first visit to the Stadium?

RK: Having grown up in the Bronx (Mosholu Pkwy), the Yankees were my home team. We used to get Yankee tickets through the PAL (Police Athletic League). I guess I went to my first Yankee game around 1965.

BB: Did you have any favorite players or memories of the Stadium?

RK: Most of the Yankee games I went to, we would be in the upper deck and I vividly remember how thrilling it was to walk out on the catwalks to get to our seats. You would be suspended above the mezzanine level – looking down on the crowd – and then emerge through the portal into the upper deck stands, which were impossibly steep. It was both thrilling and scary at the same time (I don’t think liability would permit such a design today).

I also remember being in the bleachers a few times (left field) and how far away from the field it seemed.

My favorite player as a kid was Horace Clarke.

I remember before the 1967 whitewash, the exterior concrete skin was badly cracked. It looked a bit tired. I really like the post-‘67 look, with the white paint on the outer walls and façade and the blue seats. That’s the time period my model represents.

BB: Did either of your parents get to the pre-renovated Stadium?

RK: Before my brothers and I started taking the subway on our own, my Mom would take us to Yankee Stadium. My dad, a Giant fan (and then a Met fan after the Giants left) would take us to Shea to see the Mets. I found out later that he and Uncle Fred never set foot in Yankee Stadium all the time they lived in New York (My uncle Fred still lives in Queens). I think they considered it enemy territory.

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With the nation’s economy in the tank, and our best player on the DL, we could all use a good laugh. So, today’s news is powered by the late, great George Carlin:

• It appears the Yanks are beholden to Ransom:

As for acquiring a fill-in for Rodriguez, Cashman said again on Tuesday that he is not actively searching. “I’m not optimistic about doing anything,” he said. “I’m not going to be proactive in trying to do something.” Cody Ransom, a 33-year-old journeyman, is in line to step in for Rodriguez. “With the team not wanting add payroll, not wanting to hurt the farm system and stuff like that, and we’re going to get Alex back, we’re going to go with what we have in camp,” Cashman said.

• The Captain has been getting to know the BoSox’ Pedroia and Youkilis, and it appears to be a mutual admiration society:

“You get to know guys playing against them, as players,” Jeter said. “But one of the good things about something like this is you get an opportunity to put personalities with the players.” Previously, Pedroia and Youkilis had only spent time with Jeter as part of last year’s AL All-Star team. … “I like to keep it loose and have fun,” Pedroia said after yesterday’s workout at Rogers Centre, where Team USA resumes play tomorrow night, having already clinched a berth in this weekend’s second round in Miami. “I think [Jeter] kind of laughs at me the whole time. He probably thinks I’m crazy.” Youkilis said he has always respected Jeter, but spending the past week with him has taken that admiration to another level. “[Jeter] has been unbelievable, and you see why he’s the captain of the Yankees,” Youkilis said.

• There was a Moose sighting at Steinbrenner field:

The recently retired right-hander was a special guest visitor at Yankees camp on Tuesday, escaping the Pennsylvania cold for a vacation and some fun in the sun. He has no regrets about his decision to walk away from the game. “I’m doing nothing,” Mussina said, grinning. “And when I walked through the weight room, I knew why I’m doing nothing. I feel good being retired.” As he would later reveal, Mussina knew last spring that 2008 would be his final season. There was no point during the offseason that he thought about changing his mind, he said, and even when pitchers and catchers began reporting to Spring Training camps, Mussina found himself content. … Mussina’s former corner locker is now occupied by CC Sabathia, and Mussina greeted his replacement, calling him “Mr. Sabathia” and telling him to keep the space.

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Did you guys watch the Netherlands vs. Dominican Replublic elimination game last night? The game went scoreless into extra innings. The D.R. got a run in the top of the 11th on a walk and a ball the right fielder lost in the lights that was ruled a triple. Then, with Carlos Marmol on the mound, three outs from elimination, the Netherlands’ sent up a pinch-hitter who led off with a double, moved to third on an out, and scored on a single by Gene Kingsale, the right fielder who lost the ball in the top of the inning. In checking Kingsale at first during the subsequent at-bat, Marmol threw wild to first, sending Kingsale, the winning run, all the way to third due to the large foul territory at Hiram Bithorn Stadium. Marmol struck out the batter for the second out, but with two strikes, Yurendell de Caster hit a cue shot down the first base line that defensive replacement Willy Aybar booted, allowing de Caster to reach safely just ahead of Aybar’s throw to Marmol at first and Kingsale to come home with the winning, and clinching run.

My heart is still racing. I haven’t been that wrapped up in a game since the 2004 ALCS.

Oh yeah. Blah blah Yankees blah 7-1.

Lineup:

L – Brett Gardner (CF)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
R – Xavier Nady (RF)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
R – Cody Ransom (3B)
R – Jose Molina (C)
L – Juan Miranda (1B)
R – Angel Berroa (SS)
S – Ramiro Peña (2B)

Subs: Eduardo Nuñez (SS), Kevin Russo (3B), Jesus Montero (C), Shelley Duncan (RF), Austin Jackson (CF), John Rodriguez (LF), Kevin Cash (DH)

Pitchers: Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, Kei Igawa, Christian Garcia, Anthony Claggett

Opposition: The non-WBC Reds

Big Hits:

A three-run homer by Shelley Duncan off Jordan Smith in his only at-bat and a solo shot by Juan Miranda (1-for-3) off Nick Masset. Hideki Matsui doubled and walked in three trips. Ramiro Peña doubled and singled in three trips.

Who Pitched Well:

Joba Chamberlain, finally. After failing to reach 90 miles per hour in his first start and walking four of five batters and not getting an out in his last outing, Joba hit 96 mph, struck out three and walked none in three innings. That he also gave up a run on three hits (one a Chris Dickerson triple) was no big deal. Talking to Alex on the phone this evening I said Joba would have to pitch three solid innings for me to get over the concerns I had following his first two outings. Well, he did, so I’m over it.

Kei Igawa pitched two perfect innings and struck out two. He hasn’t given up a run all spring and would be pitching his way into the long-man race if not for the fact that he’s Kei Igawa. Anthony Claggett pitched a perfect ninth striking out two. Christian Garcia pitched around a walk in the eighth and struck out two. Phil Coke struck out three in two scoreless innings, giving up just three harmless singles.

Who Didn’t:

No one.

Battles:

Brett Gardner went 2-for-3, pushing his spring average back over .400. Xavier Nady broke his string of extra-base hits with a single in two trips, though he still hasn’t drawn a walk. Phil Coke dropped his spring ERA blew 2.00 with two scoreless innings.

WBC:

Francisco Cervelli is on his way back to camp as Italy was eliminated from the WBC by Venezuela. Cervelli was praised for his intensity, leadership, and work behind the plate for Team Italy, but went just 1-for-7 with a walk and a strikeout. I don’t doubt that Cervelli could catch in the majors right now, but from what I’ve seen of him, he has some work to do on his hitting.

Robinson Cano and Damaso Marte are also on their way home due to the Netherlands stunning and thrilling upset. Cano went 3-for-13, all singles, with a walk and a K. Marte pitched a pair of scoreless innings, striking out two and allowing only a single.

Derek Jeter is thus the only Yankee remaining in the WBC. He and the U.S. will play Venzuela to determine the Round 2 seeding tonight at 6:30. If they lose, they’re realy going to screw up my plans for Saturday.

In 1984, Topps printed its final card for Lou Piniella as a player. Even though he was hitting .302 at the time, Piniella realized that he was blocking the way of younger outfielders in the organization and agreed to retire in the midst of that season. The sweet swing, the reliable hands, and the clubhouse agitation—all prominent features of the longtime Yankee—departed the Bronx to make room for a new wave of outfield youth.

Piniella was one of the last remnants of Gabe Paul’s regime as Yankee general manager. After the 1973 season, Paul sent aging reliever Lindy McDaniel to the Royals for Piniella, who had won the American League’s Rookie of the Year in 1969 but had slumped to a .250 batting average and a .291 on-base percentage during his final season in Kansas City. Paul figured that Piniella had endured an off season, nothing more. Piniella fit Yankee needs precisely—given their lefty-leaning lineup—providing them a semi-regular outfielder and DH who would play against all left-handers and occasionally against right-handers, too. In three of his first five seasons in pinstripes, Piniella hit .305 or better while filling in day-to-day gaps in left field, right field, and at DH. He became a vital complementary piece to the world championship teams of 1977 and ’78, culminating in his miraculous “stop” of Jerry Remy’s sun-screened line drive in the tiebreaking playoff game of 1978.

Aside from his one-hop snare of Remy’s drive, I’ll remember two features of Piniella’s game more than others. First, he owned one of the best opposite-field strokes of any hitter I’ve seen. As he took his stance, he kept his hands back, wrapped almost behind his right shoulder. With his left shoulder tucked in and his back visible to the pitcher, Piniella pushed the ball toward right field with the same kind of ease and precision that most players reserve for their pull side. Then there was his reliability in the field. Though he lacked speed and had nothing more than an average throwing arm, Piniella possessed hands of velvet. If he could reach a fly ball, he caught it. And whenever he pounded his fist into his glove, he was sure to make the play.

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Today’s news is powered by a view of hip labrum surgery (not for the easily squeamish, but hey … what OTHER baseball website is gonna offer you this?):

• The initial hip labrum surgery for A-Rod was deemed a success.
• Did you know that golfer Greg Norman and ice skater Michelle Kwan have had the same procedure done?  Its part of an excellent article detailing the physiology at play in A-Rod’s surgery.
• First it was pool …. now Girardi has the players “golfing” … on the basepaths.
• Andy Pettitte realizes the pitchers have to step up in the absence of A-Rod.
• The Captain believes the Yanks will survive without Alex … cause …. what choice do they have?:

“We were hit pretty hard last year,” Jeter said. “You’re talking about the combination of Jorge and Hideki, that’s a pretty big chunk right there, two guys in the middle of your lineup.

“But hopefully Al is not going to be gone for long. I don’t know the timetable, but you hope he’s back sooner rather than later.”

Can the Yankees survive without A-Rod?

“We have no choice,” Jeter said. “But we have enough guys on our team that we’ll be all right.”

• Count Wallace Matthews in the camp of “he should have had the whole procedure done now”:

By announcing that A-Rod will undergo a scaled-down surgical hip repair this morning, then be rushed back into the lineup ASAP, the message they are sending out is an SOS.

As in, Save Our Season. How misguided is that?

In the interest of long-term safety, they could have chosen to shut down their $275-million third baseman for four months, allow him to take as much time as he needs to recover, and try to muddle through with the other $190 million or so worth of ballplayers still on their active roster. …

… But the Yankees didn’t do any of those things. Instead, in announcing A-Rod’s fast-track recovery plan, they made an unmistakable announcement of their own: We can’t win without this guy.

Forgetting, conveniently, that in five seasons, they have yet to win a thing with him.

[My take: There are back-handed compliments … and then there are back-handed putdowns.  But I do agree that for the long-term health of A-Rod, having the entire procedure done now in one shot would have been preferred.]

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The Yankees only drew one walk yesterday afternoon and Ian Kennedy was awful, thus the 6-2 loss to Toronto. Meanwhile, the Netherlands took a 1-0 lead on Puerto Rico into the bottom of the eighth, putting them six outs from a Round 2 berth. Sadly, Puerto Rico rallied to advance instead, but Netherlands has had one hell of a ride. They re-match with the Dominican Republic at 6:30 tonight on the MLB Network. Loser goes home. Lang levensecht honkbal!

Lineup:

L – Brett Gardner (CF)
S – Melky Cabrera (LF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
S – Jorge Posada (DH)
S – Nick Swisher (RF)
R – Jose Molina (C)
R – Angel Berroa (2B)
R – Justin Leone (3B)
S – Ramiro Peña (SS)

Subs: Juan Miranda (1B), Doug Bernier (2B), Eduardo Nuñez (SS), Kevin Russo (3B), Kevin Cash (C), Todd Linden (RF), Austin Jackson (CF), Colin Curtis (LF), Shelley Duncan (DH)

Pitchers: Andy Pettitte, Dan Giese, Ian Kennedy, Steven Jackson, Jonathan Albaladejo, David Robertson

Opposition: The non-WBC Blue Jays.

Big Hits:

Brett Gardner‘s third home run of the spring, a two-run shot off Jays’ prospect Brad Mills. Again, this man had three home runs all of last year, including spring training (when he hit none). Mark Teixeira (2-for-3) doubled. Angel Berroa, who is 9-for-18 with five extra-base hits this spring, doubled in two trips.

Who Pitched Well:

David Robertson pitched a perfect ninth inning. Jonathan Albaladejo preceded him by pitching around a single in the eighth while striking out two. Steven Jackson struck out the only batter he faced. Andy Pettitte struck out two in a scoreless inning and two-thirds, though he did walk one and give up a double to Aaron Hill.

Who Didn’t:

Ian Kennedy got beat about the head and neck, giving up five runs on five hits (including three doubles and a Travis Snider homer), a walk, and two wild pitches in 2 2/3 inings. After a poor outing his last time out, Kennedy said that he had lost the feel for his curveball. Clearly, he didn’t get it back before his appearance today.

Battles:

Starting in center, Brett Gardner went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer, while Melky Cabrera, starting in left, went 1-for-3 with a single. Nick Swisher went 0-for-3; he has seven walks, but just two hits this spring, both singles. Xavier Nady, who didn’t play yesterday, has three hits, all for extra bases, and no walks. As a result, Swisher’s line is all on-base percentage, while Nady’s is all slugging. Check it out:

Swisher: .133/.409/.133
X. Nady: .176/.176/.529

Using Gross Production average, which properly weights on-base percentage against slugging and converts the result to the batting-average scale, Swisher is hitting .217 and Nady is hitting .213. That’s a wash, though I would rather have Swisher getting on base regularly than have to wait around for one of Nady’s big hits.

Be afraid: with Cody Ransom starting at third, the Yankees will need a reserve infielder. Among all the players in camp, Angel Berroa currently trails only Gardner in total bases and home runs, and leads all players in hits, more than half of which have gone for extra bases.

On the mound, David Robertson and Jonathan Albaladejo both pitched well. Dan Giese gave up a single and a two-run homer to Russ Adams, but nothing else in 2 1/3 innings, striking out two along the way.

Here’s a quick look at the relievers battling for the last four spots in the bullpen:

Jose Veras: 3.00 ERA, 3 IP, 3 BB, 6 K
Robertson: 2.25 ERA, 4 IP, 1 BB, 6 K
Albaladejo: 2.45 ERA, 3 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 3 K
Phil Coke: 3.00 ERA, 3 IP, 0 BB, 1 K
Melancon: 0.00 ERA, 4 IP, 2 BB, 4 K
S. Jackson: 3.86 ERA, 4 2/3 IP, 1 BB, 4 K
Dan Giese: 6.58 ERA, 8 1/3 IP, 2 BB, 6 K
A. Aceves: 7.36 ERA, 3 2/3 IP, 2 BB, 2 K
B. Tomko: 2.57 ERA, 7 IP, 1 BB, 5 K

Edwar Ramirez has yet to pitch in a game due to shoulder bursitis.

Giese’s ERA is inflated and Aceves has pitched only twice (the first bad, the second good). A lot could happen within that group in the next four weeks.

Cuts:

Pitchers Kanekoa Texeira, J.B. Cox, George Kontos, Eric Hacker, and Wilkin De La Rosa were reassigned to minor league camp. Andrew Brackman was optioned to Single-A Charleston. Of the first group, Cox will land back in Triple-A, and Kontos and Hacker might join him depending on how quickly Scranton’s rotation fills up, but Texeira, who is likely ticketed for Double-A Trenton, is the pitcher to watch. As for Brackman, he posted a 5.56 ERA and 1.44 K/BB in eight starts in the Hawaiian winter league this offseason. Those starts and his three spring innnings (3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 0 K) are the only action he’s seen since making 13 starts for NC State in 2007. He has some work to do.

Ouchies:

Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches in the bullpen and said he felt “tremendous.” Jorge Posada made a dozen throws to second base and said he “felt great.”

Italy upset Canada in the Pool C “losers” game, so Francisco Cervelli will be away from camp for an extra day as Italy takes on Cervelli’s native Venezuela in a double-elimination game at 5pm tonight on ESPN2. Cervelli went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in the game against Canada.

Which reminds me, I failed to include the WBC Yankee stats from yesterday. Here they are:

Derek Jeter: 0-for-2 with a walk
Robinson Cano: 1-for-3 with a walk

To help pass the time until Opening Day, let’s see what you know about college hoops.  Join up in the first (hopefully annual) “Bronx Madness” tourney. Its free to play, and is hosted by Yahoo! Sports Tournament Pick’em!

To accept the invitation, just follow this link. For reference, here’s the group information.

Group ID#: 42001
Password: banter

We are using a slightly modified scoring system, as described below.  In addition to points for each correct pick,  for any correct picks where the underdog wins, you will receive bonus points equal to the winning team’s seed minus the losing team’s seed, multiplied by the seed bonus values below.

We aren’t offering any prizes, but maybe we’ll put the winner’s name on the sidebar … Enjoy!

An open letter to A-Rod’s handlers …

To whom it may concern:

In light of recent events where Alex Rodriguez has spoken to the media, in both controlled and extemporaneous settings, it is my belief that you should consider a gag order for your client/relative. (New York Times columnist Harvey Araton agrees.) Certainly, you’ve read the analysis of his press conference performance in this space and elsewhere, and are aware of the dent your client/relative’s credibility has taken. This past week, his comments about Jose Reyes would have been fine if he hadn’t added these 13 words: “I wish he was leading off on our team, playing on our team.” In fact, it spurred the Daily News to run a Top 10 list of dumbest A-Rod quotes last Wednesday.

Now, with the labrum tear in his hip — naturally, people will jump to conclusions that it’s steroid-related, despite reports to the contrary — there are greater questions to ponder. Why do the partial surgery as opposed to getting the whole thing done? Is this short-term solution best for the long term? What led to that decision? Is Alex in consistent pain? Does the hip hurt after extended periods of rest? Sleep? How about walking up and down stairs? While cortisone shots would help, would they have an adverse effect on the healing process? Inquiring fans want to know, provided he can tell us something without inadvertently offending someone and then issue an apology through a publicist. Maybe the Yankees don’t want him to speak and potentially say anything incriminating. Judging from the commentary of how the organization has handled his hip injury over the last 10 months, you have to wonder if Brian Cashman and the rest of the brass are not fully committed to nine more years of Alex Rodriguez in a Yankee uniform.

We know Alex is going to be a target. He’s the highest paid and arguably most talented player in professional baseball. In general, Yankee fans are concerned about his health, mainly because it’s impossible to replace the production he can provide in the lineup. He’s still the most important piece to their offense. We want to see Alex recover, get back on the field and help the Yankees win their first World Series since the turn of the century. What we don’t want to see is him speaking to the media, fumbling his words and giving us more reasons to liken him to Manny Ramirez with a different type of insanity. Some fans are already at that point.

Maybe Bernie Williams is right; time away from the team, and the game, will be good for him.

We hope so.

Regards,
Will Weiss

______________________________________

ELSEWHERE …
• Harvey Araton espouses on the First Amendment, A-Rod, and Selena Roberts in a column published last Monday. For anyone entering Journalism School or interested in reporting and mass communication/media theory, this is a must-read. [Props to Diane Firstman for the recommendation.]

• With A-Rod out, the shift in Yankee coverage is shifting toward C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira. This makes sense, since both will be under even more pressure to perform, now that the team will be without Rodriguez for an extended period of time.

• Though he’s not affiliated with the YES Network anymore on a full-time basis, Jim Kaat shared his thoughts on the PED issue with Kevin Kernan of the Post, and proved once again why he’s one of the classiest individuals you’ll ever meet.

• Maybe this is being nitpicky, but did anyone else notice that the flag patch on the right sleeve of the United States’ World Baseball Classic team’s uniforms had the stars on the wrong side? (It was in the upper right corner, instead of upper left.) Neither Dave O’Brien nor Rick Sutcliffe noticed it on the ESPN broadcast. And nothing I read as far as game coverage noticed the gaffe.

NEXT WEEK: What should the key stories be as we count down to Opening Day, and how would you like to see them covered? Send your submissions here.

Until then …

Over at SI.com, I take a look at how the loss of Alex Rodriguez though as late as mid-May will effect the Yankees bottom line of wins and losses and conclude that they’ll get by just fine with Cody Ransom at third base for a few weeks. Any one remember Erick Almonte?

It’s not unheard of for a team to be unfazed by the loss of one of its stars for a month or so. The Yankees themselves have survived similar blows in the past. In 2003 Derek Jeter separated his shoulder on a collision at third base on Opening Day and was out until May 13. The Yankees went 25-11 (.694) with Jeter on the shelf and had a three-game lead in the East when he returned. Last year the Rays lost Evan Longoria for a month down the stretch after he suffered a fractured wrist, but went 19-11 (.633) without him and maintained their lead in the East. The previous year the Phillies lost Chase Utley to a broken hand for a month late in the season, but went 17-10 (.630) in his absence and maintained their virtual tie with the Mets atop the NL East. All three of those teams won their division.

Powered by the memory of Joe DiMaggio, who passed away 10 years ago yesterday, here’s the news:

• As you most likely know by now, A-Rod and the Yanks have decided to proceed with a lesser form of hip surgery on Monday.

The decision eliminates the option of Rodriguez treating the injury with rest and rehab and playing through the season without surgery. But this operation will not completely correct the hip.

“The surgery that will just repair the labrum tear right now would shorten his rehab,” Cashman said. “Then, following the conclusion of the season, going in and repair the remaining aspects that need to be repaired.”

• ESPN’s Stephania Bell has a detailed explanation of the anatomy being poked and prodded:

Surgery to repair the labrum alone, without addressing any underlying bone issues, results in a shortened time frame. During surgery the damaged piece of labrum is either repaired or resected (removed), depending on the extent and location of damage. Since the labrum does provide some protection for the joint surface itself, surgeons aim to preserve as much of the healthy tissue as possible. Following surgery, the athlete is required to go through a “protective” phase, during which the amount of weight-bearing is limited to allow the tissue to heal, and range-of-motion and strengthening exercises are increased incrementally. Later in rehab, the athlete returns to weight-bearing exercises, which then get more complex in scope (meaning they start to look sport-specific — baseball-type exercises, in Rodriguez’s case — as opposed to basic leg-strengthening exercises). Once the athlete has demonstrated sufficient strength and stability, he can return to sports drills and eventually return to play. Complete recovery from a labral resection or repair typically ranges from 10 to 16 weeks. This scenario allows Rodriguez to return for the majority of this season, with the announced second surgery in the postseason to address any bone issues.

[My take: I realize I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to orthopedic surgery, but wouldn’t it be better to “go in” just once and get it all over with?  My thought is if the Yanks had a more-than-competent replacement at third, they would have had Alex go for the “complete” procedure now, rather than do it in two trips.]

• Rodriguez’s surgery is fueling plenty of rumors, including one involving the Royals:

Alex Rodriguez’s decision to undergo surgery on his hip is fueling rumors that the Yankees are interested in Mark Teahen as a temporary replacement at third base.

Royals officials, for now, are brushing off the speculation, and general manager Dayton Moore has long maintained that Teahen is more valuable now to the club than in previous years because of his versatility.

“What I’m hoping,” one Royals official said, “is they sign (second baseman Mark) Grudzielanek. That way, we get a (compensatory) draft pick.”

• Tidbits from PeteAbe:
  • Matsui may bat cleanup during A-Rod’s absence.
  • A.J. Burnett didn’t realize he was dealing at 98 on the gun during his last start.
  • Girardi is thinking of Cody Ransom, and ONLY Ransom, as an internal replacement for A-Rod.

(more…)

The Yankees drew ten walks and clubbed six extra-base hits in the process of doing to the Tigers what Team USA did to the Tigers-heavy Venezuelan team in the WBC. The USA won 15-6. The Yanks won 12-3.

Lineup:

S – Melky Cabrera (CF)
L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Nick Swisher (1B)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
R – Xaver Nady (RF)
R – Cody Ransom (3B)
R – Jose Molina (C)
R – Angel Berroa (SS)
R – Doug Bernier (2B)

Subs: Juan Miranda (1B), Eduardo Nuñez (2B), Ramiro Peña (SS), Justin Leone (3B), Austin Romine (C), Colin Curtis (RF), Brett Gardner (LF-CF), Austin Jackson (LF), John Rodriguez (DH)

Pitchers: A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes, Brian Bruney, Andrew Brackman, Eric Hacker, Mark Melancon

Opposition: The non-WBC Tigers.

Big Hits:

A three-run homer by Angel Berroa, who also doubled in his three at-bats and drove in four runs. A solo homer by Xavier Nady (1-for-3). A triple by Ramiro Peña (1-for-2). Doubles by Cody Ransom (2-for-2 with a stolen base) and Eduardo Nuñez (1-for-2). Jose Molina also went 2-for-2 with two walks.

Who Pitched Well:

In his Yankee debut, A.J. Burnett allowed just a single in two scoreless innings, though he struck out no one. Phil Hughes then threw three hitless innings striking out four, though he also walked two. Eric Hacker pitched a perfect eighth inning. Mark Melancon pitched around a walk in the ninth.

Who Didn’t:

Brian Bruney gave up a single, a walk, and a two-run homer to Busta Will Rhymes in the sixth.

Battles:

Melky Cabrera went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks, but also was both caught stealing <i>and</i> picked off first base. Brett Gardner went 0-for-3. Nick Swisher walked three times in four trips. Xavier Nady homered in three trips. The OBP/SLG schism continues.With Alex Rodriguez having arthroscopic surgery, Cody Ransom is no longer fighting for the utility infielder job. He has the starting third base job. That could mean Angel Berroa, who had a big day as mentioned above, could make the team as the reserve infielder. If Brian Cashman is going to make a move, it shouldn’t be for a fill-in third baseman, it should be for a better utility man. Phil Hughes isn’t fighting for anything given that the rotation is full, but he’s making damn sure that he’s the first guy to get the call if any of the five starters blows a gasket. Mark Melancon hasn’t given up an earned run this spring in four innings.

Is it just me, or does it seem the Yankees can’t ever get through spring training without a significant injury to a key player?

Now that I’ve whined about the latest Yankee woes, let’s put the hip injury to Alex Rodriguez in proper perspective. In regards to recent history, major spring injuries are really nothing new to the franchise. While A-Rod will be spared surgery and the disabled list, at least for the moment, several prominent Yankee players of the past have not been so fortunate during the six weeks that constitute spring training. Injuries, along with suspensions, have become a common theme.

*During the spring of 1986, the Yankees’ prized off-season acquisition, left-hander Britt Burns, began experiencing pain in his hip. The news could not have turned out worse. Doctors diagnosed Burns with a degenerative hip condition, one that would require a complete hip replacement. Expected to fill a much-needed void as a legitimate No. 1 starter, Burns never pitched a game for the Yankees. The hip replacement ended his major league career at the age of 26. With Burns shelved, Dennis Rasmussen stepped up and delivered a career year (including 18 wins), as the Yankees finished second, five and a half games behind the Red Sox. With a healthy Burns, the Yankees would have made that pennant race very interesting.

*Three years later, the Yankees received another devastating blow when they learned that Dave Winfield would need back surgery. Although the injury did not end Winfield’s career, it did wipe out his entire season before it even began. The Yankees tried to fill the breach by concocting trades for Mel Hall and Steve Balboni, but those measures helped only slightly as an already flawed Yankee team stumbled to a record of 74-87, the franchise’s worst mark of the 1980s. After recovering from his back operation, Winfield would appear in only 20 games for the Bombers in 1990 before being dealt to the Angels for past-his-prime right-hander Mike Witt.

*This one did not involve injury, but it had the same effect. In March of 1992, the Yankees learned that Pascual Perez had been suspended for one year because of a failed drug test. The flaky right-hander would miss the entire season—and would never again appear in a major league game. Perez likely would have made little difference for the rebuilding Yankees, who would finish with a record of 76-86 as an AL East also-ran.

*During spring training in 2000, MLB announced that Darryl Strawberry had failed a mandatory drug test, resulting in a one-year suspension. Not only did the “Straw Man” miss all of 2000, but he never again played in a major league game, in part because of an ongoing battle with cancer. The Yankees didn’t miss a beat, however. With a deep bench and a healthy supply of DH’s and outfielders, the Yankees won the AL East in 2000 on their way to a third consecutive world championship.

*In 2007, Chien-Ming Wang landed on the disabled list because of a spring training hamstring pull. Wang did not require surgery, but would miss a handful of starts at the beginning of the season before recovering to log 19 wins and nearly 200 innings. (Andy Pettitte also missed Opening Day because of an achy back, but did not have to hit the DL.) Wang’s spring setback turned out to be a harbinger of things to come, as the Yankees endured a wave of injuries to starting pitchers in April and May. The Yankees recovered, somehow, to win 94 games and make the playoffs in Joe Torre’s last season at the helm…

***

In some ways, A-Rod’s injury could not have come at a worse time (unless it had happened in the middle of a pennant race). If the Yankees had suspected Rodriguez’ hip was a real concern six weeks or even a month ago, they could have chosen from several credible options on the free agent market. Ty Wigginton would have been a terrific pickup, while Joe Crede would have been a decent, though risky, alternative (because of his bad back). At this point, there is nothing left on the third base shelf, unless the Yankees consider the possibility of converting one of two free agent second basemen. The underrated Ray Durham and the ageless Mark Grudzielanek are still unemployed, but neither wants to retire. If Durham has enough of an arm to make the third-to-first throw, he could be an option at the hot corner, perhaps a platoon partner for Cody Ransom with A-Rod moving to DH. If Rodriguez can gut out the entire season at third, Durham could still be useful as a bench player, backing up A-Rod and Robinson Cano, while serving as an emergency outfielder. Furthermore, his presence would not preclude the Yankees from making a larger deal, for someone like Adrian Beltre or Garrett Atkins, should Rodriguez have to miss the entire season.

In terms of immediate trade possibilities, let me suggest two low-priced alternatives. My first choice is Braves backup Martin Prado, a slick fielder who is also skilled at reaching base, could fill a potential gap at third base and then assume an important bench role if A-Rod returns later. Prado, 25, can play both third and second. The Braves need outfield and relief help, two areas of depth for the Yankees. (How about Melky Cabrera and Dave Robertson?) Another choice is Dallas McPherson, who is buried behind Jorge Cantu on Florida’s depth chart. McPherson, 29, has defensive limitations and will never be the player that the Angels once forecast, but he has Death Valley power and draws walks. A left-handed batter, he could platoon with Ransom during an A-Rod absence. A Grade-C pitching prospect would likely be enough to entice the Marlins…

***

Former Yankee Tom Sturdivant died last Saturday at the age of 78, the cause of his death not immediately revealed. Though not a household name, Sturdivant made his mark in New York during the 1950s. He’s probably best remembered for throwing a devastating curveball, which earned the right-hander the nickname “Snake,” reflecting the pitch’s extreme and sudden movements. (Strangely, learning about Sturdivant’s nickname made me think almost immediately of “Snake Pliskin,” the hero of Escape From New York.) At his peak, Sturdivant emerged as an important part of Yankee pitching staffs that helped the team win three straight pennants and one world championship from 1955 to 1957. In 1956, Sturdivant won Game Four of the World Series—the game that everyone forgets because it directly preceded Don Larsen’s perfect game.

After a terrific two-and-a-half-year run, Sturdivant hurt his arm in 1958, rendering him to mere journeyman status. Pitching mostly in relief, he bounced around both leagues, making stops in Kansas City, Boston, Washington, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and then a return engagement in New York—this time with the expansion Mets. He called it quits in 1964, ending a ten-year career with a won-loss record of 59-51 and a respectable ERA of 3.74.

Anyone who watched the Yankees snooze against the Braves this afternoon instead of the USA’s nail-biting win over Canada in the WBC missed out big time. For what it’s worth, the Yanks lost 3-1.

Lineup:

L – Johnny Damon (LF)
S – Melky cabrera (CF)
S – Mark Teixeira (1B)
L – Hideki Matsui (DH)
R – Xavier Nady (RF)
R – Cody Ransom (SS)
R – Justin Leone (3B)
S – Ramiro Peña (2B)
R – P.J. Pilittere (C)

Subs: Shelley Duncan (1B), Doug Bernier (2B), Eduardo Nuñez (SS), Kevin Russo (3B), Kyle Anson (C), Todd Linden (RF), Austin Jackson (CF), John Rodriguez (LF), Austin Romine (PH), Jorge Posada (DH)

Pitchers: Chien-Ming Wang, Brett Tomko, Phil Coke, Kanekoa Texeira, Wilkin De La Rosa, Michael Dunn

Opposition: The non-WBC Braves starters.

Big Hits:

The Yankees scattered six singles. No one had two. No one even reached base more than once. Justin Leone singled in the only Yankee run of the game with two outs in the fourth.

Who Pitched Well:

Chien-Ming Wang and Brett Tomko both turned in similar three-inning performances, both allowing one run on a solo homer (Casey Kotchman off Wang, Greg Norton off Tomko), two other hits, no walks and striking out five between the two of them. Wang threw 27 of 33 pitches for strikes, an absurd 82 percent. Michael Dunn pitched a perfect ninth striking out one.

Who Didn’t:

No one, really, but Phil Coke gave up a solo home run to lefty Brandon Jones, as well as another hit, in his lone inning of work and didn’t strike anyone out. That was the worst Yankee pitching performance of the day.

Battles:

I doubt Phil Coke‘s inning is going to hurt him much, but worry that Brett Tomko‘s outing will help him in the long-man battle. Melky Cabrera went 0-for-2 with a walk. Xavier Nady went 0-for-3. Cody Ransom went 1-for-3.

Ouchies:

Hideki Matsui went 1-for-2 in just his second game of the spring and will start again tomorrow. Jorge Posada remains on schedule to catch next weekend. Jesus Montero had no lasting effects from his groin strain the other day. He’s fully available.

WBC:

Derek Jeter doubled and singled in the USA’s win over Canada. Jimmy Rollins pinch-ran for him in the fifth, Davey Johnson’s subtle way of using Rollins as a defensive replacement with the USA leading in the game. For more on the Jeter-Rollins quandry for Team USA, see my liveblog at SI.com.

Robinson Cano went 1-for-5 in the Dominican Republic’s stunning 3-2 loss to the Netherlands. Damaso Marte pitched a perfect inning in that game.

Francisco Cervelli flied out in his only at-bat in Italy’s 7-0 loss to Venezuela.