Gardner Swipes Center Field

Yankee manager Joe Girardi has officially announced that Brett Gardner will be the first man to play in center field at the new Yankee Stadium (and a little bit more than that as well) as he has beaten out Melky Cabrera for the Yankees CF job. Girardi said that he informed both players of his decision this afternoon after the team's 9-8 win over the Pirates. "Both of them played great," said Girardi. "Melky had a tough year last year, but he played very well in camp. Gardy finnished up strong and had a great camp. We're just going to go with Gardy." The move means that Gardner will most likely be batting ninth in the Yankees order and patrolling CF come opening day on April 6th in Baltimore.

Note to Girardi: Don't Screw This One Up Too

Those may seem like harsh words to a man who will probably never read them, but Joe Giradi really needs to hear them. After making the wrong decision on the starting right fielder in choosing Xavier Nady over Nick Swisher, it appears that Giradi may make another bad call when it comes to center. Brett Gardner (left) has seemed to be the front-runner this Spring, hitting over .450, belting 3 home runs and stealing 5 bags. However, with Melky finishing up strong, Girardi seems like he's leaning towards him to start in center. 

     Well before he does that, I'd just like to remind him of something. I'd just like to remind him of how poorly Cabrera did last season. So bad, that the Yankees actually sent him down to Triple-A in order to show him that his job was not safe. And as he was sent down after hitting under .250, Brett Gardner took his place and hit .357 in 14 games down the stretch. If you combine that with a good OBP and stealing bases almost every time he reaches base, you have yourself one good center fielder. 

So my message to Joe Girardi: Put. Gardner. In. Center.

Bits and Pieces: Jackson 'n' Jackson, Swish/Nady, Melky

Austin Jackson (Right) high-fives Hall of Famer, Reggie Jackson (Left) after hitting a grand slam on Tuesday.

Jackson 'n' Jackson:

As Yankees' top prospect, Austin Jackson, was rounding the bases on Tuesday, Reggie Jackson was feeling like a proud-papa. Reggie has taken it to himself to help and support Jackson throughout his minor-league career, attending to numerous games at each level that he has reached. "Its a good thing," Austin said after the game. "He comes back and works with me in the cage and gets me back to where I need to be when I'm struggling a little bit. It's good to have a Hall of Famer working with you." Jackson was reassigned to minor league camp after the game, making his grand slam a bittersweet-victory.

Girardi: Nady is starting RF:

Joe Girardi announced this week that "if we were to break (camp) today, Nady would be my right fielder." This comes as disappointing news to Nick Swisher, who has had a very odd off-season. He was dealt to the Yankees in the beginning of the year as part of a 4-player trade and was informed that he would be the club's starting first basemen. Once the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira however, it became apparent that Swisher would instead battle Xavier Nady for the right field spot. After now losing that job to Nady, Girardi will have to work hard to find at-bats for Swisher. 

     However, I strongly believe that Swisher should be the right fielder, not Nady. He is better in basically every category. Nady will hit about 25 HRs and drive in over 100 runs. Swisher will hit 25-30 HRs but will probably not reach the 100-RBI plateau for he is willing to take a walk in a RBI situation. However, that too is another one of his strengths: his eye. Swisher has one of the best eyes in the game (see the book "Moneyball") and works deep into counts, a trait of recent successful Yankee teams. Scouts also say he is the better baserunner and fielder. This basically means that the Yankees are choosing the worse hitter, fielder, baserunner, eye, and power-hitter to play right field for them.....wait what??

Yanks Looking to Get Melky-Dealty:

Earlier this off-season, the Yankees attempted to trade Melky Cabrera for Mike Cameron of the Milwaukee Brewers and after it seemed like a deal was imminent (so close that I even added Mike Cameron to the Yankees roster in MLB '08 The Show) the talks were broken off. A couple months later, they were renewed again. However, they too were broken off. Well now Melky is still out there and the Yanks are looking to deal him (just not for Cameron). The most likely suitor at the moment are the Chicago White Sox who would most likely use Cabrera as their starting CF.

Alex Rodriguez Steroids Tribute

Due to legal issues with Youtube that involved the content of this video, it could not be posted on Youtube.com and thus will be uploaded here.

THE U.S. WINS IT!

With 1 out and the bases-loaded, down 5-3 in the ninth, the U.S. were very close to being eliminated. But after Kevin Youkilis' walk brought in a run, David Wright of the New York Mets lined a 2-run, walk-off single to (where else) but right field to win the game, propelling the U.S. to the semi-finals!

Yankee Fans Get a Look Into the Future

In the top of the sixth inning at McKechnie field, one man strode to the plate. He had heard all the hype. He had heard scouts rave about his "five-tools." They knew he had the talent to succeed, he just had to harness it. They said he could "hit for average, hit for power, field, throw, and run." They said he couldn't do any of them really well, but could do them all okay. They knew that sometime during the 2009 season he could be manning center field. But it wasn't just the scouts that knew all of this; Austin Jackson did as well. 

Jackson (right) is the Yankees' number one prospect. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2005 draft due to the fact that he was a multi-sport athlete and many were doubtful that he'd choose baseball over basketball. Well the Yankees took a chance and it sure paid off. Since 2005, he has risen through the Yankees system (despite a slow start). He currently is playing a triple-A Scranton as the team's starting center fielder, a role the Yanks hope he will take in the near future. 

     Before this season, the Yankees invited Jackson to big-league camp in Tampa, FL for the second-consecutive season. Since then, he has notched a fare amount of at-bats, but barely any hits. He's just 4-for-18. Today however, he stepped it up a notch. After notching a hit early in the game, Jackson was hungry for another. So with one man on and two outs in the top of the sixth, Austin let-loose; belting a drive over the center field fence for a two-run big fly! It gave the Yankees organization and the Yankee fans a chance to glimpse a little bit of what the future may hold in the Bronx. 

     Jackson's home run sparked something for the Yankees, who had been held down for the whole game until it. The next inning, the Yanks hit the ground running, scoring three runs and then loading the bases for their second-best prospect. His name; Jesus Montero.

     The Yankees signed Montero (left) out of Venezuela to a 1.6MM contract back in 2006. Since then he has been called the best 2006 international signee by any team. Because of his great power and ability to hit for average, Jesus has also been referred to as "the best hitter that the Yankees have had in their system since Derek Jeter!" That's saying something. Last year at class-A Charleston, Montero hit a whopping .326 with 17 HRs and 87 RBIs! That was enough to earn him the  2008 Yankees Offensive Player of the Year Award and a spot of the international team's roster at the 2008 Futures Game at (where else) Yankee Stadium.

     The main reason that Montero isn't the Yankees no. 1 prospect however, is due to the fact that he's a defensive liability behind the plate. He's a giant behind the plate, standing at 6-4 and weighing 224 lbs. (but let's not forget that Joe Mauer is an inch taller). However, Montero has been working hard with Yankee coaches this Spring in hopes of becoming a better catcher and possibly, replacing Jorge Posada one day as the Yankees' backstop. 

     Unlike Jackson, Montero has had quite a successful Spring, notching five hits in his eight at-bats (5-for-8). However, he too was hungry for something more and with the bases-loaded in the seventh inning, he got his chance and didn't waste any time taking it. Jesus blasted a pitch from the Pirate-pitcher over the center field wall for a grand slam! A moment that neither he, nor the Yankees, will ever forget. 

     These opportunities that young players, such as Jackson and Montero, get are part of what makes Spring Training something special. Sure the games don't mean anything, but it allows organizations and their fans to get a glimpse of players that could possibly play for them in the future; something that all great baseball fans love to experience.

Update From Tampa

Here's an update from Tampa where the Astros are visiting the Yankees. The Yankees are winning 1-0 thanks to a laser-beam home run by Johnny Damon in the first. As for pitching, A.J. Burnett is DEALING! He's pitched four perfect innings and has looked like he's in mid-season form!  He's hitting his spots perfectly and has showed great command of his pitch count and keeping it low (he's thrown less then 40 pitches in four innings). Hideki Matsui has just hit pitcher Alberto Arias with a line drive in his pitching hand. Arias had to be taken out of the game.

Update From Tampa

Here's a quick update from Tampa where the Yankees are battling the Reds:

Joba Chamberlain pitched 3 very strong innings, K'ing 4 and only giving up one run. That run was scored on a deep fly-ball that was misplayed by Brett Gardner. The Yanks are winning 3-1 with RBI's by Cody Ransom, Brett Gardner, and Juan Miranda. Ransom drove in Hideki Matsui with an RBI-single, Gardner also got an RBI base-knock and Miranda blasted a towering homerun to put the Yankees up by two.

A-Rod To Have Surgery; Out For Two Months

Yankees' third basemen Alex Rodriguez has opted for surgery. According to numerous sources, A-Rod will have a "hybrid" surgery which will only cause him to miss two months instead of four. To do this, the surgery will be "limited" and will not completely heal him. A-Rod will have the procedure done tomorrow (Monday) morning by Dr. Marc Philippon, one of the best hip-surgeons in North America.
If the Yankees were to let A-Rod play with the torn labrum, he would've done more long-term damage to himself. The Yankees were stuck in-between the decision to have the surgery or not, for they are a much weaker team without their slugging-third basemen. But for now, they'll have to make due with Cody Ransom or whoever takes over at third. But even with that, this seems like the smart move for the Yankees.

On another note, I am sorry for the lack of videos posted on our Youtube account, there have been some technical errors. But, the first video will be posted some time this week.

Who's on First, What's on Second, Bobby Crosby at Third Base?

With A-Rod (possibly) out, it comes time to ask the question: "who will play third instead." It's pretty interesting because there aren't very many good options. In fact, most of them consist of run-down or league average players such as Mark Grudzielanek or Aaron Boone. The only in-house options for the Yankees are Cody Ransom (hasn't even logged 200 MLB at-bats), Angel Berroa (mmm...no), and Eric Duncan (a former top-prospect, Duncan was rushed through the minor leagues and has been there since 2003). Now there might be some decent or far-fetched ideas out there (like a Phil Hughes-Alex Gordon trade, which I would be totally behind by the way), but I've already made up my mind of who I want to see donning the pinstripes: Bobby Crosby. Despite a career BA of .239 and having never hit over .276 in his career, Crosby seems like a good candidate. He's cheap, has been asking for a trade, and would probably do well in a temporary role with the Yankees. His teammates have come out and said that with Crosby's work this off-season, he's primed for a good 2009. Now a lot of you people out there may point to his bad statistics and say "no way!" but I think you should give him a shot. Give him a few starts or so and if he's not performing well, deal him, there's plenty of teams that could use a good back-up infielder. Or, keep him and do just that. There's really no reason not to make this deal. The Yanks would only have to give up a medium level prospect to get him and the deal could prove to have a lot of upside!

Update From Sarasota

A live update from Sarasota where the Yankees are battling the Reds:

Top 9th: NYY 11-13 CIN

To close out the game, the Reds brought in pitcher Jordan Smith who struck out Kevin Russo to begin the inning. Shelley Duncan popped out for the second one and Todd Linden grounded out to end the game. Final score, Yankees 11, Reds 13.

Bot 8th: NYY 11-13 CIN

Possible heir to the Rivera-throne, Mark Melancon takes over for the Yankees and struck out Stubbs to start off the inning. After a foul pop was barely missed, Chris Valaika hit a triple on a missed played ball by the right fielder and the next batter drew a walk, setting up a possible double-play. The Reds scored another run on a passed ball by catcher Jesus Montero, who was taken out with a possible groin injury. T.J. Pilittere took over for Montero behind the plate.The next batter reached base on an error by Kevin Barker. Then the next batter flew out for the second out and Juan Francisco struck out to send the game to the ninth.

Top 8th: NYY 11-12 CIN

James Avery became the new pitcher for the Reds, as Eduardo Nunez popped out to the second basemen for the first out and Juan Miranda struck out for the second one. Justin Leone almost broke the 1-2-3 inning but was robbed by a nice play by the third basemen to rob him of a hit.

Bot 7th: NYY 11-12

Christian Garcia takes over for the Yankees and got Kevin Barker to groundout for the first out. Luis Boulevare then got a single up the middle followed by Wilkin Castillo who reached on an error by Kevin Russo, Boulevare went to 3rd on the play. The Reds loaded the bases on a Juan Francisco single and Craig Tatum promptly unloaded them with a grand slam, the 8th HR of the game. Luckily Nix struck out and got the next batter to ground out to end the inning.

Top 7th: NYY 11-8 CIN

Shelley Duncan lead off the inning with a walk against new Red's pitcher, Ben Jukich. Todd Linden flew out and then Doug Bernier popped out in the infield, 2 outs. In his first at-bat, Jesus Montero hit a single through the left side and Austin Jackson struck out to end the inning.

Bot 6th: NYY 11-8 CIN

Brian Bruney took over on the mound for the Yanks and Yankees 2nd best prospect, Jesus Montero takes over behind the plate. Lance Nix greeted Bruney rudely with yet another home run, the 7th of the day. Robinson Cano made a nice catch, roaming into CF to catch a pop up for the first out. Drew Stubbs struck out for the second one and Bruney got a groundout to end the inning.

Top 6th: NYY 11-7 CIN

Some changes for the Reds, Francisco Cordero takes over on the mound and there's too many others to count. Cody Ransom picks up a bloop single to start off the inning and moved to third on a double to left field by Kevin Cash. Yankees top prospect, Austin Jackson took over for Brett Gardner, and brought home Ransom on an RBI-groundout. Kevin Cash moved to third on the play. Edwardo Nunez pinch-hit for Derek Jeter (who is now going to the WBC), and got a lucky bounce base hit that barely cleared the head of the drawn in third basemen, driving in Cash. On the first pitch to Juan Miranda, Edwardo Nunez promptly stole second base, but Juan Miranda struck out for the 2nd out. Justin Leone followed up the hit parade with an RBI-single driving in Eduardo Nunez and then stole 2nd base uncontestedly on the first pitch to Kevin Russo. But Russo struck out to end the inning.

Bot 5th: NYY 8-7 CIN

A couple of changes for the Yankees: Damaso Marte takes over on the mound, Kevin Russo stays in the game and plays second, Miranda stays at first, Leone plays third, and Shelley Duncan takes over in right. Joey Votto lead off the inning with a long home run, the 5th of this game. Phillips grounded out to Jeter for the first out and Chris Dickerson blasted out his second homer of the game. Marte struck out Keppinger for the second out and Craig Tatum, taking over for Alonso, also K'ed.

Top 5th: NYY 8-5 CIN

Arthur Rhodes took over for the Reds, facing the top of the order in Brett Gardner who reached base on an infield pop-up that was taken by the wind. However, Gardner got greedy and tried to take another base but was tagged out. Jeter followed up with yet another base hit up the middle, he's now 3-for-3. Tex also notched a single, but was removed for the pinch-runner, Juan Miranda. Then, A-Rod notched his second RBI-double of the day, scoring Derek Jeter and moving Juan Miranda to 3rd. Alex was taken out for pinch-runner Justin Leone, signalling an end to his Spring with the Yankees as he's leaving for the WBC. Robinson Cano recorded the Yankees 5th straight hit with an RBI-double that scored Jeter and Leone. Cano, like A-Rod, finished with the Yankees when he was taken out for Kevin Russo. Nady moved Russo over to 3rd with a groundout and John Rodriguez flew out to left field to end the 3-run inning.

Bot 4th: NYY 5-5 CIN

Norris Hopper started off the inning with a lead-off walk, moving to second on a Ryan Hanigan groundout to pitcher, J.B. Cox. Hopper then scored on a base hit by Darnell McDonald, who was caught while taking too much of a lead off second. Cox ended the inning with a punch out of Adam Rosales.

Top 4th: NYY 5-4 CIN

David Weathers, taking over for Harang, was quickly greeted by a Robinson Cano home run to right center field. The blast was Cano's first of the spring and bounced off the scoreboard on a 2-2 pitch for a home run. Weathers retired Xavier Nady on a punch-out but non-roster invitee, John Rodriguez somehow hit a home run to dead center field. I say somehow because he hit the ball on the label, Weathers was actually smiling after the ball cleared the fence. Cody Ransom was then retired on an easy groundout but Kevin Cash kept the inning going with a base hit up the middle but was caught stealing second to end the inning.

Bot 3rd: NYY 3-4 CIN

Adam Rosales grounded out to start the inning, but then Joey Votto notched a single and stole second base while Brandon Phillips drew the walk. However, when the Reds attempted a double-steal, Votto was hung out to dry as Kevin Cash got him easily. Chris Dickerson drove in Brandon Phillips with a base hit and picked up his 3rd RBI of the day. Jeff Keppinger then struck Jonathan Ablaladejo with a line drive, removing him from the ball game. J.B. Cox took over for Ablaladejo, getting Yonder Alonso to ground out to Robinson Cano to end the inning.

Top 3rd: NYY 3-3 CIN

What just happened??? Brett Gardner hit yet another home run! He called his first HR this Spring "possibly the only one he'll hit this year." Well he did it again today as he pulled a low curve down the right field line, over the wall for a home run. Jeter followed it up with another base hit but was then erased when Mark Teixiera grounded into a double play. Alex Rodriguez, followed by another mix of cheers and boos, flew out to right field to end the inning.

Bot 2nd: NYY 2-3 CIN

After replacing starter Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Ablaladejo came in and gave up a leadoff double to Yonder Alonso. However, he then stranded him at second by picking up a groundout, strikeout, and another groundout.

Top 2nd: NYY 2-3 CIN

The bottom of the Yankees order (John Rodriguez, Cody Ransom, Kevin Cash) went 1-2-3.

Bot 1st: NYY 2-3 CIN

Adam Rosales drew a 1-out walk, then promptly stole second and moved to third on a Joey Votto groundout. Then Brandon Phillips blasted an RBI double which was followed up by a towering HR off the bat of Chris Dickerson.

Top 1st: NYY 2-0 CIN

After a 1-out single by Derek Jeter, Mark Teixiera moved him to third with a base hit up the middle. Then, on a Alex Rodriguez double, Jeter scored and Teixeira went to third. The Yankees then went up 2-0 when Robinson Cano notched an RBI single and Mark Teixiera scored. However, the inning ended when Xavier Nady bounced into a 6-4-3 double play.

Today's Starting Lineups:

Yankees:

1. Brett Gardner CF

2. Derek Jeter SS

3. Mark Teixiera 1B

4. Alex Rodriguez 3B

5. Robinson Cano 2B

6. Xavier Nady RF

7. John Rodriguez LF

8. Cody Ransom DH

9. Kevin Cash C

P: Alfredo Aceves RHP

Reds:

1. Darnell McDonald CF

2. Adam Rosales SS

3. Joey Votto 1B

4. Brandon Phillips 2B

5. Chris Dickerson RF

6. Jeff Keppinger 3B

7. Yonder Alonso DH

8. Norris Hopper LF

9. Ryan Hanigan C