Grapefruit League Game 13: Yankees vs. Pirates
March 9, 2011, 7:05 p.m. ET – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, Fla.
TV: None / Radio: None
PIRATES (6-6)
Andrew McCutchen CF, Chase d’Arnaud 2B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Matt Diaz LF, Garrett Jones RF, Steve Pearce 1B, Chris Snyder C, Pedro Ciraico SS
Starting pitcher: Kevin Correia (0-0, 8.31 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Charlie Morton, Daniel McCutchen, Jose Veras, Justin Thomas
YANKEES (5-5-2)Derek Jeter SS, Russell Martin C, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez DH, Robinson Cano 2B, Andruw Jones LF, Eric Chavez 3B, Justin Maxwell RF, Melky Mesa CF
Starting pitcher: Bartolo Colon RHP (0-0, 1.80 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Manny Banuelos, Rafael Soriano, Pedro Feliciano, Daniel Turpen, Luis Ayala
- Hello from Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, where the Yankees are under the lights tonight. Temperatures are in the mid-70s and the wind is blowing out in center field.
- Tonight will be Rafael Soriano’s first spring appearance. The plan is for Bartolo Colon to go four innings, Pedro Feliciano will get one inning and Manny Banuelos is supposed to throw three.
- Mariano Rivera threw his first live batting practice this morning. Yogi Berra was in attendance and reported Rivera “looked pretty good and we should give him another look,” according to Joe Girardi.
- Colin Curtis (jammed shoulder) said that his MRI has been sent to a second doctor for review. At this point, he knows he’s going to miss some time, but is hopeful that this can be rehabbed and will not require surgery.
- Greg Golson (right oblique) is resting tonight and tomorrow. He still feels sore but doesn’t seem too concerned.
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman shot down the suggestion that his team had made a $54 million offer to Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman, who wound up signing a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds. Cashman said the Yankees never got as far as making an offer to Chapman.
- Today was the second annual Yankees coaches vs. media paintball excursion. Everyone’s sporting a few fresh welts and in good spirits about the experience. The media lost to the Bombers, 4-1. At least I got my moment of glory in our one win, first shooting Girardi and Cashman and then going on a mad dash to capture the flag, plugging Mike Harkey and Lauren Moran of the media relations department along the way. Hey, you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.
Grapefruit League Game 12: Yankees at Braves
March 8, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – Champion Stadium – Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
TV: YES / Radio: None
YANKEES (4-5-2)Brett Gardner LF, Nick Swisher RF, Curtis Granderson CF, Jorge Posada DH, Jesus Montero C, Jorge Vazquez 1B, Eduardo Nunez 2B, Brandon Laird 3B, Ramiro Pena SS
Starting pitcher: Freddy Garcia RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Dellin Betances, David Robertson, Robert Fish, Warner Madrigal, Andrew Brackman
BRAVES (7-3)
Martin Prado LF, Jordan Schafer CF, Chipper Jones DH, Dan Uggla 2B, Eric Hinske 1B, Alex Gonzalez SS, David Ross C, Matt Young RF, Shawn Bowman 3B
Starting pitcher: Jair Jurrjens RHP (0-0, 3.60 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Jonny Venters, Yohan Flande, Brett Oberholtzer, Arodys Vizcaino
- Hello from Disney World, where the Yankees and the Braves will have their first meeting of the spring. The Yankees were a little groggy as a group this morning, at least those who were on last night’s trip to Sarasota for the night game against the Orioles. Nice sunny day in Florida, some harmless clouds dotting the blue sky, temperatures in the low 70s. There’s a cool breeze blowing in from left-center field.
- Dude, where’s Joe Girardi’s car? Well, it’s still in Sarasota at Ed Smith Stadium. If you know where the keys went, please call the Yankees. Girardi said they were last seen when Kevin Long went back to the rental car to retrieve a hat. Long says he gave Girardi the keys back, but the skipper isn’t so sure. He had to ride the bus back to Tampa and was not a happy camper.
- Colin Curtis is going to be out for a good amount of time, but the Yankees aren’t sure of the timetable yet. He had his right arm in a sling this morning and said he was “kind of unlucky” to jam his shoulder making a catch on Sunday in Kissimmee, but said it was “a sick catch, though.”
- Greg Golson felt some stiffness in his ribcage yesterday but the Yankees say there are no tests scheduled. The Yankees are seriously entertaining carrying four outfielders to start the year, with Andruw Jones as the backup.
- Ronnie Belliard could get into a game this week after bouncing back better than expected from a strained calf. A natural second baseman/third baseman, he’s competing more with Eric Chavez and Jorge Vazquez than with Ramiro Pena and Eduardo Nunez. In other words, he’s facing long odds to make this team.
- Jorge Posada could play some first base next week. He’s in line to DH all day today.
- Andrew Brackman is set to make his first spring appearance today. Girardi said it’s definitely possible that Brackman could work into the Yankees’ bullpen this year.
Grapefruit League Game 10: Yankees vs. Phillies
March 7, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, Fla.
TV: YES / Radio: None
PHILLIES (5-5)
Shane Victorino SS, Placido Polanco 3B, Jimmy Rollins SS, Ryan Howard DH, Ben Francisco RF, Ross Gload 1B, John Mayberry Jr. LF, Carlos Ruiz C, Wilson Valdez 2B
Starting pitcher: Roy Oswalt RHP (0-0, 4.50 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Vance Worley, Ryan Feierabend, Drew Naylor, Brian Bass
YANKEES (3-5-1)Brett Gardner LF, Russell Martin C, Nick Swisher RF, Curtis Granderson CF, Jorge Posada DH, Eric Chavez 1B, Jorge Vazquez 3B, Eduardo Nunez SS, Ramiro Pena 2B
Starting pitcher: A.J. Burnett RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Joba Chamberlain, Pedro Feliciano, Hector Noesi, Mark Prior
- Who’s ready for baseball? The Yankees have a long day ahead, as they’ll play twice in two cities – split-squad action. This is the day game in Tampa, and half of the roster will head south to Sarasota for a 7:05 p.m. ET meeting with the Orioles.
- Sergio Mitre (1-0, 0.00 ERA) will start the night game. It will be his first start of the spring and third appearance overall.
- This is A.J. Burnett’s second spring start. He last appeared on March 2 vs. Houston and allowed two hits in two scoreless innings.
- Rafael Soriano and Ivan Nova threw simulated games at Steinbrenner Field this morning. They faced Bradley Suttle and Jordan Parraz. Soriano struck out three in his ‘inning’ of work and had to keep going to reach his pitch count.
- The Yankees’ lineup for the night game at Sarasota: Derek Jeter SS, Robinson Cano 2B, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez 3B, Andruw Jones DH, Justin Maxwell LF, Greg Golson CF, Melky Mesa RF, Austin Romine C, Sergio Mitre RHP.
- Pitchers also making tonight’s trip: Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, D.J. Mitchell, Andy Sisco, Ryan Pope, Robert Fish, Eric Wordekemper, Daniel Turpen.
- Six Minor Leaguers have been called across the street to help out today vs. the Phillies. They are: #69 C Mitch Abeita, #70 IF Luke Murton, #76 IF Corban Joseph, #90 IF Jose Pirela, #91 OF Ray Kruml, #96 OF Neil Medchill.
Grapefruit League Game 9: Yankees at Astros
March 6, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – Osceola County Stadium – Kissimmee, Fla.
TV: None / Radio: None
YANKEES (2-5-1)Derek Jeter SS, Russell Martin C, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez 3B, Robinson Cano 2B, Andruw Jones LF, Eric Chavez DH, Colin Curtis RF, Greg Golson CF
Starting pitcher: Phil Hughes RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Steve Garrison, Brian Anderson, Eric Wordekemper, David Phelps
ASTROS (2-6)
Jason Bourgeois CF, Clint Barmes SS, Hunter Pence RF, Carlos Lee LF, Bill Hall 2B, Jason Michaels DH, Matt Downs 3B, Brian Dopirak 1B, Humberto Quintero C
Starting pitcher: Brett Myers RHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Brandon Lyon, Jeff Fulchino, Fernando Abad, Gustavo Chacin, Fernando Rodriguez, Wesley Wright, Henry Villar
- After some overnight showers, the tarp is off the field here in Kissimmee and we will have baseball this afternoon. Partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 70′s, with the flags whipping out in right-center field.
- This is Phil Hughes’ second start of the spring, as the beat writers may try to top our world record – set five days ago – for asking questions about a changeup within a 10-minute interview. Actually, we probably
won’t, but you never know. - Jorge Vazquez may still be an outside contender for a corner infield backup job – you get the sense the Yankees would much rather have a healthy Eric Chavez on March 31 – but he has opened eyes with his bat. Vazquez is hitting .583 (7-for-12) with four extra-base hits (two homers, two doubles) and leads the Yankees with 5 RBIs this spring.
- Alex Rodriguez has doubled in all four of his games this spring and has four two-baggers total.
- Jesus Montero iced his right hand after being clipped with a foul tip and is fine. He’s on this trip.
- Mariano Rivera, the oldest player in Yankees camp, threw a bullpen today to one of the youngest – Kyle Higashioka. The youngest player, 19-year-old Manny Banuelos, also threw to ‘Higgy,’ as did Bartolo Colon.
- Happy 25th birthday to Francisco Cervelli. Not only does he share it with Astros infielder Clint Barmes, but March 6 is also the big day for Shaquille O’Neal, Willie Stargell, Ed McMahon and Michelangelo (the artist, not the Ninja Turtle).
- There are 25 days until Opening Day.
Grapefruit League Game 8: Yankees vs. Nationals
March 5, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, Fla.
TV: None / Radio: WCBS
NATIONALS (3-2)
Jerry Hairston, Jr. CF, Ian Desmond SS, Ryan Zimmerman 3B, Michael Morse RF, Ivan Rodriguez C, Derek Norris DH, Chris Marrero 1B, Jeff Frazier LF, Brian Bixler 2B
Starting pitcher: Chad Gaudin RHP (0-0, 6.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Craig Stammen, J.D. Martin, Sean Burnett, Tim Wood
YANKEES (2-4-1)Brett Gardner LF, Nick Swisher RF, Curtis Granderson CF, Jorge Posada DH, Eric Chavez 3B, Jesus Montero C, Eduardo Nunez 2B, Jorge Vazquez 1B, Ramiro Pena SS
Starting pitcher: CC Sabathia LHP (0-0, 0.00 ERA this spring)
Also scheduled to pitch: Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, Boone Logan, Ryan Pope, Romulo Sanchez
- We’re back with the quick turnaround, a day game after a night game here at The Boss. There are cloudy skies – not a ray of sunshine to be seen – and the wind is whipping the center-field flags briskly toward left field.
- Francisco Cervelli hobbled into the clubhouse this morning on crutches, wearing a walking boot. He said that he was depressed yesterday but is more chipper today, vowing that he’ll continue to work hard to get back on the field as quickly as he can. Bad news – tomorrow is Cervelli’s birthday. He hasn’t had much luck in Spring Trainings: in 2008 he broke his wrist, in 2009 he had pneumonia, in 2010 he got a concussion and now he’s broken his foot. “I think I’m going to change my birthday now,” he said.
- Nats phenom Bryce Harper is on the trip and is scheduled to sub in during the game.
- Alex Rodriguez leads the Grapefruit League with four doubles.
- Last night’s game vs. the Red Sox drew 11,325 fans, a George M. Steinbrenner Field record.
- Current Nats who have worn pinstripes: Chien-Ming Wang, Ivan Rodriguez, Jerry Hairston Jr., Chad Gaudin, Alberto Gonzalez, Tyler Clippard.
- There are 26 days until Opening Day.
Grapefruit League Game 7: Yankees vs. Red Sox
March 4, 2011, 7:05 p.m. ET – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, Fla.
TV: YES / Radio: WCBS
RED SOX (2-3)
Darnell McDonald RF, Ryan Kalish CF, Jed Lowrie 1B, Jason Varitek C, Daniel Nava DH, Josh Reddick LF, Yamaico Navarro 3B, Drew Sutton 2B, Jose Iglesias SS
Starting pitcher: Clay Buchholz RHP (17-7, 2.33 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Brandon Duckworth, Randy Williams, Matt Albers, Tony Pena, Jr.
YANKEES (2-3-1)Derek Jeter SS, Russell Martin C, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez 3B, Robinson Cano 2B, Jorge Posada DH, Andruw Jones LF, Melky Mesa CF, Greg Golson RF
Starting pitcher: Bartolo Colon RHP (Did not pitch in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Pedro Feliciano, Manny Banuelos, Mark Prior, Andy Sisco
- Francisco Cervelli will miss at least four weeks with a fracture in his left foot, the Yankees announced on Friday. Cervelli won’t be able to resume baseball activity until the walking boot comes off in a month, so this effectively sidelines him for at least six to eight weeks.
- With Cervelli’s injury, Jesus Montero’s chances of making the roster have skyrocketed. Here’s what Montero said before tonight’s game: “It seems like I’ve got a big opportunity to be on the team now. I’m going to do my best. I know Cervelli is a great catcher, I know he did a good job last year. Now I get an opportunity and I’m going to do something good about it.”
- Austin Romine is also in the mix, and the Yankees aren’t acting as though his lack of experience higher than Double-A will preclude him from making this a race. Here’s Romine: “Triple-A is good baseball up there, but Double-A has made big strides lately. A lot of guys have gone from Double-A to the big leagues. It’s good ball down there as well. I don’t really see it as a disadvantage.”
- Tonight is Bartolo Colon’s second start of the spring, having faced the Phillies here on Feb. 26 (2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER). He has allowed the only run by a Yankees starter this spring, as Bombers starters h
ave hurled 12 innings of one-run ball, striking out six with two walks. - Richard Gere will throw out tonight’s ceremonial first pitch.
- There are 27 days until Opening Day.
Cervelli out at least four weeks with fractured foot
Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli has a fracture in his left foot and will be out a minimum of four weeks, manager Joe Girardi said on Friday.
Cervelli, who is on crutches and sporting a walking boot, fouled a ball off the foot during a Grapefruit League game against the Astros on Wednesday. He then took a CT scan and MRI, which were sent to New York for further evaluation.
Team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad made the evaluation.
Cervelli’s absence increases Jesus Montero’s chances of winning the backup catcher spot behind Russell Martin, who will make his first start against the Red Sox on Friday night.
Girardi said he still has no plans for Jorge Posada to catch during Spring Training.
Grapefruit League Game 6: Yankees at Rays
March 3, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – Charlotte Sports Park – Port Charlotte, Fla.
TV: None / Radio: None
YANKEES (2-3)Brett Gardner LF, Nick Swisher RF, Curtis Granderson CF, Russell Martin DH, Eric Chavez 1B, Jesus Montero C, Eduardo Nunez 2B, Brandon Laird 3B, Ramiro Pena SS
Starting pitcher: Freddy Garcia RHP (12-6, 4.64 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Ivan Nova, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, Robert Fish
RAYS (1-4)
B.J. Upton CF, Johnny Damon LF, Evan Longoria 3B, Manny Ramirez DH, Matt Joyce RF, Dan Johnson 1B, Sean Rodriguez 2B, Kelly Shoppach C, Tim Beckham SS
Starting pitcher: James Shields RHP (13-15, 5.18 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Juan Cruz, R.J. Swindle
- Another perfectly sunny Florida afternoon as we come to you from Port Charlotte, Fla., a healthy 110 minute drive from George M. Steinbrenner Field. The wind is blowing the flags toward the left field corner and the center-field speakers – which someone compared to a tinny AM radio – is playing Van Morrison’s ‘Brown Eyed Girl.’ It’s another day in Spring Training.
- This will be Freddy Garcia’s first start of the spring, so after today, all of the contenders for the back end of the rotation will have had a turn. Garcia is expected to throw two innings this afternoon.
- The MRI on Francisco Cervelli’s bruised left foot is being looked at by the Yankees’ doctors in New York. Obviously the fear is that he may have suffered a fracture yesterday by fouling a ball off of it. If Cervelli misses any sizable amount of time, Jesus Montero’s odds of making the team would skyrocket, but Joe Girardi said he wouldn’t think twice about carrying Austin Romine without any Triple-A experience. Why? Girardi made the jump too.
- Jorge Posada will begin getting some reps at first base on Saturday.
- Russell Martin is set to catch four to five innings on Friday.
- Johnny Damon held court in the Rays clubhouse for about 10 minutes with the New York writers and said he was never all that close to signing with the Yankees. Damon said the Yankees just couldn’t offer him the playing time he’s looking for at this point in his career.
- There are 28 days until Opening Day.
Grapefruit League Game 5: Yankees vs. Astros
March 2, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – George M. Steinbrenner Field – Tampa, Fla.
TV: YES / Radio: None
ASTROS (0-2)
Michael Bourn CF, Clint Barmes SS, Brian Bogusevic RF, Jason Michaels DH, Bill Hall 2B, Brett Wallace 1B, J.R. Towles C, J.B. Shuck LF, Matt Downs 3B
Starting pitcher: Bud Norris RHP (9-10, 4.92 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Douglas Arguello, Jose Valdez, Casey Fien, Jordan Lyles, Cesar Carrillo
YANKEES (1-3)Derek Jeter SS, Robinson Cano 2B, Mark Teixeira 1B, Alex Rodriguez 3B, Jorge Posada DH, Andruw Jones LF, Francisco Cervelli C, Colin Curtis RF, Justin Maxwell CF
Starting pitcher: A.J. Burnett RHP (10-15, 5.26 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Sergio Mitre, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan, David Phelps
- It’s another pleasant day here in Florida, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 70′s. There’s a steady breeze that is, right now, blowing into the press box, whipping the flags in center field straight in. That might keep some fly balls in the yard, but it’s nothing to complain about.
- Mark Teixeira gathered the beat writers at his locker this morning to announce that he and agent Scott Boras have parted ways. Boras has represented Teixeira since he was 18 years old, but Teixeira said that he wants to focus more on helping the Yankees win and his off-field activities like raising funds for Harlem RBI. Teixeira is entering the third year of an eight-year, $180 million contract, so his next contract isn’t really an issue.
- Expect to see Jorge Posada leave after a few at-bats as a DH, with Russell Martin subbing in. Martin is on the travel roster for Thursday’s game at Port Charlotte against the Rays, so he may be able to get his first action behind the plate.
- There had been talk that Greg Golson – hit in the helmet on S
unday by an errant A.J. Burnett fastball – would play today, but they’ll wait another day. Golson is listed on tomorrow’s travel roster. - Believe it or not, Andrew Brackman is taller than his listed 6-foot-10. Brackman said that the Yankees got him at 6-foot-11 when he reported for his physical, but it wasn’t a complete shock – he’d been hearing from friends that he looked a little taller. He’s hoping that he has stopped growing for real this time.
- Sergio Mitre will pitch in relief today, but he’s set to get his first spring start on Monday. Mitre seems to be an outside contender for one of the Yankees’ vacant rotation slots, lining up alongside Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia.
- Dave Robertson has struck out four of the seven batters he’s faced this spring.
- There are 29 days until Opening Day.
Grapefruit League Game 4: Yankees at Pirates
March 1, 2011, 1:05 p.m. ET – McKechnie Field – Bradenton, Fla.
TV: None / Radio: None
YANKEES (1-2)Brett Gardner LF, Nick Swisher RF, Curtis Granderson CF, Jorge Posada DH, Eric Chavez 3B, Jesus Montero C, Eduardo Nunez SS, Brandon Laird 1B, Ramiro Pena 2B
Starting pitcher: Phil Hughes RHP (18-8, 4.19 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Dave Robertson, Steve Garrison, Brian Anderson, Andy Sisco
PIRATES (2-2)
Alex Presley CF, John Bowker LF, Matt Diaz RF, Garrett Jones DH, Garrett Atkins 1B, Andy Marte 3B, Chris Snyder C, Josh Rodriguez 2B, Pedro Ciriaco SS
Starting pitcher: James McDonald RHP (4-6, 4.02 ERA in 2010)
Also scheduled to pitch: Aaron Thompson, Daniel McCutchen, Chris Resop, Daniel Moskos, Ramon Aguero
- It’s a rainy day in Florida, the first we’ve had since camp began. There were heavy thunderstorms in Tampa this morning but the skies have cleared in Bradenton and there will be baseball this afternoon.
- Derek Jeter is not on the trip, but he drew attention this morning in the batting cages back at George M. Steinbrenner Field as he tries to get his timing right with the revamped stride. At one point, Jeter was surprised to look up from his session hitting off Kevin Long to see a dozen reporters watching each swing. As Long left the cage, someone asked tongue-in-cheek if Jeter was now fixed. Long laughed.
- Phil Hughes makes his first start of the spring this afternoon, and he is working on getting the feel back on his changeup. Hughes got away from using it down the stretch last year and believes it hurt his second-half numbers. The Yankees are pushing him to use it more in ’11, although as Joe Girardi said, he did win 18 games last year so it is difficult to complain a whole lot.
- Jorge Vazquez still seems like a long shot to make the roster, needing to beat out the veteran Eric Chavez, but Girardi believes his glove is passable. The question Girardi has, considering Vazquez’s size, is his range. But his bat has lived up to billing, as he’s hit everywhere he’s been. He’s 5-for-5 this spring with two homers and a double.
- Greg Golson, plunked in the head the other day by A.J. Burnett, is scheduled to take batting practice today. Andrew Brackman will throw again today and could be back on a mound Thursday.
- It will be at least 10 days until Ronnie Belliard can even resume testing his strained right calf. Missing two weeks of games seems to deal a serious blow to what were already slim chances of making the roster over Ramiro Pena or Eduardo Nunez.
- Nick Swisher shaved his head. His explanation? “I was bored.” Moving on…
- There are 30 days until Opening Day.
Bryan Hoch
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