The smell of baseball brings the smell of spring. We’re already more than 10 games into this 2010 spring season and are seeing quite a bit of action daily. Spring is the time for the new guys to state their claim and, well, of course the veterans to solidify their spot for another long season. The key to a successful spring, from a manager’s perspective, is simply to find the right gel amongst his team that will provide for a winning season. During spring training the team is always split up into what is called a “split-squad” for every game. Sounds simple right? However, this is designed to see which players gel the best alongside each other. Spring is always exciting to follow because of the battles that take place for an open starting position whether it is a pitching spot in the starting rotation or a field player. As for the Yankees, the two battles taking place is the spot for a left and center field position as well as a 5th spot in the starting rotation.
After reading over recent blog posts on the LoHud and reviewing spring statistics, I found that neither Joba Chamberlain nor Phil Hughes have been stepping up to take on that 5th starter role. However, it is still early in the spring season and it is just simply THE spring season. But isn’t this the time where you’re supposed to prove yourself? Joba seems to almost be written off as a leading candidate instead of stating his claim. After reading more in depth, Phil Hughes name was like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. Other pitchers are stepping up such as Alfredo Aceves and Sergio Mitre. As mentioned in my previous blog Mitre was continuously dominating his opponents faced. Aceves has also shown great dominance on the mound as he has only allowed 1 earned run in 10 innings pitched this spring. Last season Aceves proved himself as a go-to-guy out of the bullpen. He was also a solid guy in relief as he set up the great Mariano Rivera several times for the victory.
Alfredo Aceves On March 13, the Yankee’s had a split squad game against the Detroit Tigers and against division rival the Baltimore Orioles. It was another great day for Aceves against the O’s; however, Mitre struggled for one of the first times this spring in Lakeland against the Tigers. He surrendered a solo home run to former Yankee Johnny Damon in the 5th inning. Out of all players to give a home run up to Mitre surrendered it to Damon? That’s a home run Yankee fans will remember even if it is spring season. Looking on the bright side of the spectrum, Mitre has more opportunities to bounce back before the start of the season.
As the spring season progresses, were are finding out that there is never an “I” in team. It is awesome to see several players, even some of the non-big name players, hit for average and contribute to the Yankee wins this spring. For example; Jorge Posada, Robinson Cano, and Juan Miranda all had consecutive hits in the first inning against the Orioles compiling a 3-0 score from the very beginning. There was no looking back from there either as the Yankees took the matchup in a 5-3 win. It was also another great day for the newer Yankee offseason additions as well as the guys trying to make a name for themselves. As the LoHud had mentioned on more than one occasion, Ramiro Pena can play shortstop and play it extremely well. The guy has an amazing arm, great defense and superb range from the shortstop position. He made two highlight-reel plays from short against the Orioles today that made it clear he will be waiting in the wings for the day Jeter decides he cannot provide solid play no longer at shortstop.
As for the outfield, both Curtis Granderson and Brett Gardner proved that speed makes routine fly balls look easy. Granderson showed off his exceptional speed when he made a catch on the run into foul territory against the O’s. The Yankee manager, Joe Girardi, stated that he plans to juggle the two outfielders between the left and center field positions to see which is the best fit for the two fielders. The game against the Orioles marked the first game this spring in which Granderson played left field. Regardless of where Girardi places either one, having both in the outfield at the same time is almost like putting 3 average speed players out there. Their speed combined will make it one of the quicker outfields in the entire league. However, Gardener’s bat still remains quiet, as it did last season. This was a main reason for him strictly coming in as a pinch runner or hitter in a situation where the Yankee’s needed a bunt laid down to advance a runner into scoring position. The Yankee’s have a tremendous hitting coach and I am truly convinced that he will turn Gardener into a solid all around player for the team this season.
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