Yea ties aren't supposed to occur in baseball, but it's an exhibition game. Players are only looking to put some work in and get ready for the season.
The Yanks offense was led by two guys in position battles: Angel Berroa and Melky Cabrera. Berroa, battling Cody Ransom for the backup infielder job, went 2-3 with a solo home run and a double along with 2 runs scored. He is now hitting .571 this spring while Ransom is hitting only .167 after going 0-3 Monday. Melky and Brett Gardner are battling for the starting center field job, and Melky got the start on Monday. He went 2-3 with a triple, a run scored, and 2 RBI. Jorge Posada returned from a sore shoulder as the DH, and was 1-3 with an RBI. Nick Swisher also scored a run for the Yanks.
Chien-Ming Wang made his first start of the spring on Monday, which was also his first appearance in a live gaming since injuring his foot last June in Houston. He pitched 2 scoreless innings and allowed only 2 hits. Long reliver candidate Brett Tomko allowed an earned run in 2 innings while striking out 2. Anthony Claggett and George Kontos allowed 4 earned runs in 2.1 innings, and Steven Jackson allowed 3 hits in 1.2 innings. Wilkin De La Rosa allowed a hit and struck out one in his one inning of work.
The Yanks take on Derek Jeter and team USA at 1pm on YES and MLB Network. Phil Hughes starts for the Yanks and Derek will be hitting 2nd for team USA.
3/1/09
The Joba Question: Starter or Reliever?
This has been a big question the whole offseason. Recently, Joe Girardi announced his starting rotation for the start of the regular season, which included Joba in the 5th spot, and expecting him to start about 30 games.
So is this the right decision? Should Joba be a starter or reliever? Let's examine...
Joba - Starter Edition
Joba has 4 great pitches, namely his fastball and curveball/slider. Through the course of a game, Joba seems to only get stronger, as evidenced by his start at Fenway last year during a 1-0 win against the Red Sox. Joba, although a 5th starter this year, could be a number 1 or number 2 guy in the rotation his entire career if he is allowed to.
Joba's inning limit this year is around 150 innings. Hopefully by next year, Joba will have a limit between 180 and 200 innings, so he can be used more like a normal starting pitcher. So by next year, he could be throwing 200 innings per year for years to come, and probably at high success.
Joba - Relief Edition
Using Joba in relief would bring back memories of Mariano Rivera and John Wetteland in 1996. In '96, if the Yankees were winning after 6, the game was basically over. Rivera would pitch the 7th and 8th, while Wetteland would pitch the 9th. Joba could be used in the same role as Rivera in '96, and being the ultimate set-up man to Rivera. The Yanks have many questions in the bullpen going into spring training, with Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte battling for the 7th and 8th innings, and Mark Melancon waiting in the wings.
Joba would also be able to use his 2 best pitches exlusively, and would not see batters a second time in a single game. He could also mold into Mo's successor. We all know Joba can be successful in this role, posting a 0.38 ERA in 19 games as a reliver in 2007.
The Debate
If Joba was used in the bullpen this season, he probably would only reach about 100 innings at the most, which would hinder any chance of developing into a starter by next season. Also, the Yanks have many relief prospects, such as Mark Melancon, who could see time in the Bronx very soon. Placing Joba in the bullpen this year would also giving starting chances to Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and others.
So what do you think? Would you rather see Joba pitch 200 innings per year as a starter or become Mo's possible successor in the bullpen?
I personally am torn on the decision. While I believe a strong bullpen is important for any title contending team, seeing Joba dominate for 200 innings in the upcoming years is a very tempting offer. Or Joba could dominate in the bullpen in 2009 and make every Yankees game a 6 inning affair.
Hopefully, the Yankees management has made the right decision...
So is this the right decision? Should Joba be a starter or reliever? Let's examine...
Joba - Starter Edition
Joba has 4 great pitches, namely his fastball and curveball/slider. Through the course of a game, Joba seems to only get stronger, as evidenced by his start at Fenway last year during a 1-0 win against the Red Sox. Joba, although a 5th starter this year, could be a number 1 or number 2 guy in the rotation his entire career if he is allowed to.
Joba's inning limit this year is around 150 innings. Hopefully by next year, Joba will have a limit between 180 and 200 innings, so he can be used more like a normal starting pitcher. So by next year, he could be throwing 200 innings per year for years to come, and probably at high success.
Joba - Relief Edition
Using Joba in relief would bring back memories of Mariano Rivera and John Wetteland in 1996. In '96, if the Yankees were winning after 6, the game was basically over. Rivera would pitch the 7th and 8th, while Wetteland would pitch the 9th. Joba could be used in the same role as Rivera in '96, and being the ultimate set-up man to Rivera. The Yanks have many questions in the bullpen going into spring training, with Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte battling for the 7th and 8th innings, and Mark Melancon waiting in the wings.
Joba would also be able to use his 2 best pitches exlusively, and would not see batters a second time in a single game. He could also mold into Mo's successor. We all know Joba can be successful in this role, posting a 0.38 ERA in 19 games as a reliver in 2007.
The Debate
If Joba was used in the bullpen this season, he probably would only reach about 100 innings at the most, which would hinder any chance of developing into a starter by next season. Also, the Yanks have many relief prospects, such as Mark Melancon, who could see time in the Bronx very soon. Placing Joba in the bullpen this year would also giving starting chances to Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and others.
So what do you think? Would you rather see Joba pitch 200 innings per year as a starter or become Mo's possible successor in the bullpen?
I personally am torn on the decision. While I believe a strong bullpen is important for any title contending team, seeing Joba dominate for 200 innings in the upcoming years is a very tempting offer. Or Joba could dominate in the bullpen in 2009 and make every Yankees game a 6 inning affair.
Hopefully, the Yankees management has made the right decision...
Albaladejo, Montero Hurt in Loss
Jon Albaladejo took a come-backer off his left ankle during the 3rd inning. He left immediately and is day-to-day with a bruise.
Jesus Montero strained his right groin while catching Mark Melancon in the 9th inning. He suffered the injury trying to recover a passed ball. He will probably miss at least a few games, and expect the Yanks to be cautious with their top prospect.
Jesus Montero strained his right groin while catching Mark Melancon in the 9th inning. He suffered the injury trying to recover a passed ball. He will probably miss at least a few games, and expect the Yanks to be cautious with their top prospect.
Yanks Lose to Reds 13-11
Great day for the Yanks hitters, but definitely not for the pitchers.
Brett Gardner had another great game, going 2-3 with a homer and a double. Derek Jeter went 3-3 with 2 runs scored. Mark Teixeira went 2-3 with a run scored and Alex Rodriguez went 2-3 with 2 RBI and 2 doubles. Robinson Cano went 3-3 with 4 RBI, including a solo homer in the 4th inning. John Rodriguez also hit a solo homer in the 4th for the Yanks and had an outfield assist. Kevin Cash also went 2-3 with a double.
Xavier Nady continues to struggle early on, going 0-3 with a strikeout and leaving 3 runners left on base. Yankees hitters had 11 runs and 18 hits through the first 6 innings on Aaron Harang, David Weathers, Arthur Rhodes, and Chad Cordero, but managed only 1 hit over the last 3 innings.
Every Yankee pitcher gave up a run in the game. Starter Alfredo Aceves started and gave up 3 runs, including a Chris Dickerson 2 run homer, in his one inning of work. Jon Albaladejo allowed 4 hits and a run in 1.2 innings of work, before being knocked out of the game on a comebacker. J.B. Cox pitched 1.1 innings, allowing an earned run. Damaso Marte gave up 2 runs in his inning of work on solo homers by Chris Dickerson and Joey Votto, and Brian Bruney surrendered a solo homer in an inning of work. Christian Garcia allowed 4 runs in an inning of work, picking up the loss. Mark Melancon also allowed an unearned run in his 2 strike out inning.
Brett Gardner had another great game, going 2-3 with a homer and a double. Derek Jeter went 3-3 with 2 runs scored. Mark Teixeira went 2-3 with a run scored and Alex Rodriguez went 2-3 with 2 RBI and 2 doubles. Robinson Cano went 3-3 with 4 RBI, including a solo homer in the 4th inning. John Rodriguez also hit a solo homer in the 4th for the Yanks and had an outfield assist. Kevin Cash also went 2-3 with a double.
Xavier Nady continues to struggle early on, going 0-3 with a strikeout and leaving 3 runners left on base. Yankees hitters had 11 runs and 18 hits through the first 6 innings on Aaron Harang, David Weathers, Arthur Rhodes, and Chad Cordero, but managed only 1 hit over the last 3 innings.
Every Yankee pitcher gave up a run in the game. Starter Alfredo Aceves started and gave up 3 runs, including a Chris Dickerson 2 run homer, in his one inning of work. Jon Albaladejo allowed 4 hits and a run in 1.2 innings of work, before being knocked out of the game on a comebacker. J.B. Cox pitched 1.1 innings, allowing an earned run. Damaso Marte gave up 2 runs in his inning of work on solo homers by Chris Dickerson and Joey Votto, and Brian Bruney surrendered a solo homer in an inning of work. Christian Garcia allowed 4 runs in an inning of work, picking up the loss. Mark Melancon also allowed an unearned run in his 2 strike out inning.
Spring Training Game 5: Yankees at Reds
While Alex Rodriguez tries to delay his meeting with MLB, the Yanks are set to take on the Reds in the 5th spring training game of the season.
Quote from Joe Girardi on A-Rod:
SS - Derek Jeter
1B - Mark Teixeira
3B - Alex Rodriguez
2B - Robinson Cano
RF - Xavier Nady
LF - John Rodriguez
DH - Cody Ransom
C - Kevin Cash
SP - Alfredo Aceves
P - Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jon Albaladejo, Christian Garcia, Mark Melancon, and J.B. Cox
-Gardner has started the spring on a good note, hitting 3-7 with a homer and 2 steals. Melky Cabrera, also battling for the starting center field job, is 1-8.
-Jeter, Cano, A-Rod, and Marte leave for their WBC teams after the game.
-Cody Ransom is 1-6, while his position battle mate Angel Berroa is 2-4.
-Cash is 2-3, but will probably begin his season at AAA Scranton. He will be brought up if Jorge Posada or Jose Molina get injured.
-Today will be the first spring appearance for Aceves. He is in a battle for the long relief role in the bullpen with Dan Geise and Brett Tomko.
-Marte and Bruney are battling for the 8th inning set up role to Mariano Rivera.
-Melancon could make the team out of camp, but if not, should be seen in the Bronx sometime this season.
Game is not on TV today. Back later with a quick wrap up of the game.
Quote from Joe Girardi on A-Rod:
"I think that Alex is hoping that it's possibly not tomorrow, a later date. He talked to me a little bit today about it, that he's hoping it's not tomorrow."CF - Brett Gardner
SS - Derek Jeter
1B - Mark Teixeira
3B - Alex Rodriguez
2B - Robinson Cano
RF - Xavier Nady
LF - John Rodriguez
DH - Cody Ransom
C - Kevin Cash
SP - Alfredo Aceves
P - Damaso Marte, Brian Bruney, Jon Albaladejo, Christian Garcia, Mark Melancon, and J.B. Cox
-Gardner has started the spring on a good note, hitting 3-7 with a homer and 2 steals. Melky Cabrera, also battling for the starting center field job, is 1-8.
-Jeter, Cano, A-Rod, and Marte leave for their WBC teams after the game.
-Cody Ransom is 1-6, while his position battle mate Angel Berroa is 2-4.
-Cash is 2-3, but will probably begin his season at AAA Scranton. He will be brought up if Jorge Posada or Jose Molina get injured.
-Today will be the first spring appearance for Aceves. He is in a battle for the long relief role in the bullpen with Dan Geise and Brett Tomko.
-Marte and Bruney are battling for the 8th inning set up role to Mariano Rivera.
-Melancon could make the team out of camp, but if not, should be seen in the Bronx sometime this season.
Game is not on TV today. Back later with a quick wrap up of the game.
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