Spring Training Game Thread: Derek & Andy
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(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
The Yankees are playing the Phillies in Tampa tonight, and the game is notable for two very important reasons. First, Derek Jeter is scheduled to play shortstop for the first time since having offseason ankle surgery, and injury that happened five months ago to the day. The Cap’n has already played two games at DH, but now he’ll have to move side-to-side and cover the bag, stuff like that. It’s a big deal given the extent of his injury. I’m not sure how long Joe Girardi plans to play him, but I can’t imagine it would be much more than three or four innings.
Secondly, Andy Pettitte is making his Grapefruit League debut. The veteran left-hander has been throwing bullpens and simulated games on the side, but it’s time to face some opposing hitters and stretch things out for the regular season. He’s probably scheduled for 40 pitches or so, so maybe three innings if things go right. Jeter’s ankle is obvious the top priority tonight, but the Yankees are going to rely on their pitching quite a bit this year. Getting Pettitte back out there is a big first step. Here’s the starting lineup…
- SS Derek Jeter
- LF Ichiro Suzuki
- 3B Kevin Youkilis
- 1B Juan Rivera
- RF Ben Francisco
- DH Matt Diaz
- C Chris Stewart
- CF Melky Mesa
- 2B Gil Velazquez
And on the mound is the former San Jacinto College Gator, Andy Pettitte. No word on tonight’s second stringers, but I like surprises. We’ll find out soon enough. The game is scheduled to start a little after 7pm ET and can be seen on YES and MLB.tv (no local blackout). Enjoy.
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Also, this’ll be the last first Jeter-Mo-Andy game if all goes according to plan.
Did anyone catch the 5-7th innings of the Padres-Angels game earlier today? They let Padres bloggers do the broadcast for those innings. Really cool idea and they were very entertaining, much more than any actual announcers are. YES should do it! Although of course they won’t.
Good idea positioning Velazquez at SS as well (assuming the lineup details above are correct) in case Jeter’s range is limited. But can Rivera cover the entire right side of the infield?
Lol, I see Mike made the correction.
God bless mlb.tv and mlb at bat, perfect for a long day at the office to get to watch Andy and el capitan.
Damn, Andy’s the active leader in Wins, Ks and IP?
He’s been around forever.
Core three tonight?
Nice. Melky 2.0′s got wheels.
Yoooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Nice, we finally have a Yankee that can hit an inside fastball.
Wooo Mike Francesa is mad.
Ben Revere.
What an arm.
Quintero doing his best Cervelli impression.
Good to see Cap’n going first to third on Ichiro’s bloop-ish single as soon as I turned the TV on.
Zolio was optioned, leading me to believe I’m right in thinking that the Yankees are going to go w/ “proven” vets over the Zolio/Mesa/Musty’s of the world for LF/1B/Bench.
Eh. It’s seemed pretty clear Almonte was on the outside looking in, with both FHFRM and Mesa ahead of him for a slot. I’m not sure it’ll be the 1 vet, 1 not-vet that I’d prefer, but I’m really not sure either way, and I don’t think the Yanks are either.
It’s possible Mesa’s being outplayed as well. Would I still go with him, just because?
I still think unless one of the “young” guys really just blows them away, it’s going to be some combination of Rivera, Diaz, and now Fransisco come April 1st.
How does Andy look?
His offspeed stuff looks a little flat, but overall he looks decent.
Good to hear, thanks!
Cliff Lee sucks
Hahahaha.
?
Cliff Lee, his error, and his 60 pitches. I love when we hit Cliff Lee. (I would say “when we beat Cliff Lee” but the game isn’t over yet.)
All right, let’s have Curtis on with John and Susyn every day until he gets back.
That made me want him never to leave the team.
Wish I could catch that. I’ve seen Grandy’s public service promos on Yes for a couple of seasons, so I know he’s no cliche inarticulate “my bat does my talkin’” jock. But here in Ft. Lauderdale I’m too far away from any of the Yankee Network radio stations, so I had to pay the freight for MLB Extra Innings.
Melky Mesa, nice play…Juan Rivera, keep being terrible.
I mean, if we’re judging off ST contributions, Rivera is still raking while Mesa makes a nice play and Ks every time he plays a ST game.
Go Yanks!
Can Yankees put names on back of spring training uniforms please?
Another win, this is a nice little winning streak the Yankees are on.
I think they have allowed three runs in the last four games. Lets hope we can see some of that when the season starts.
I was just reading an article in the Times about Steinbrenner, payroll, etc. I have a question, which is likely been discussed on here before, but I just did some quick cross referencing:
http://www.captainsblog.info/2.....ons/18491/)
If (when) Jeter executes his $8mm player option, that will put the AAV of his most recent contract at $14mm, therefore, tying up potential spending dollars for the Yanks. Quite a bit too. Could the Yanks (and Jeter) theoretically sign a new 2 year deal for $16mm, with incentives? Would that then reduce the AAV since it would be a new contract? Considering the goal is to reduce for 2014 (reset) offering Jeter the 2nd year, for 2015 isn’t much of a concern, considering it’s Jeter and budget won’t have as much relevance at that point. The only caveat would be a roster spot if Jeter really starts regressing.
Not sure any of this would make sense.
Doh. Should have read the comments on that blog first. Someone answered this exact question very well.
And Italy’s bullpen strikes again.