Pinstriped Scranton

This one isn't easy. As you've all noticed in the past few months, I've been very on and off.

One, this isn't very fair to anyone who does read me. Two, it's a byproduct of my newest job and this job will keep me busy for a few more weeks.

I suppose at this point, you might be wondering what I'm getting at.

In short, I'll be moving my writing services over to Bronx Baseball Daily. This will allow me to write as often as I can(which will hopefully be the standards to which I held this blog for the majority of the time I've had it), but also take a step back when I simply don't have the time.

I'll be keeping this blog around, just in case the itch is ever back to be the manager of it myself. I'll also be double posting and putting anything I place on Bronx Baseball Daily, on this blog as well, until I make my official decision whether or not it's truly going to be 100 percent dedication to BBD.

Rob was kind enough to offer me a chance to write there and in what's turned into a competitive blog market, I couldn't turn it down. I thank anyone who's still around and follows this blog for all the support. I will be doing my usual live game blogs and prospect updates during the baseball season. If it's not on here, you'll find it over on Bronx Baseball Daily at http://bronxbaseballdaily.com.

Thanks again and I look forward to everyone's continued support and hope you'll continue to follow on the new site.

The following was also posted on Bleacher Report. Click here to view it there.

When Spring Training opened at George M. Steinbrenner Field this year, competition was in the air. Melky Cabrera stayed in camp instead of playing for his country so he could compete with up and coming prospect Brett Gardner.

The opinion on Gardner has been mixed up to this point. There continues to be a slew of fans loyal to the “Melk Man” and insistent that the Yankees keep him in center field. Gardner fans would disagree, citing that his speed is more of an asset than Melky’s arm.

Many of the naysayers against Gardner argued that he simply did not produce at the Major League level. It’s a well known fact, however, that Gardner has experienced adjustment periods at each level. Don’t believe me? See for yourself.

Looking further, you’ll find that Gardner hit .343 and drove in six in his last 10 games in 2008. He also added (no offense to Johnny Damon) potent speed at the top (or bottom) of the line up.

In fact, he had 13 stolen bases in 42 games placing fourth on the team in stolen bases behind A-Rod, Bobby Abreu, and Damon.

The total amount of games played between those three: 439.
The total number of stolen bases between those three: 69.

That’s a steal approximately every three games for Gardner and one every five games for the trio. If you break it down further, Damon has been the biggest base stealing threat in recent years. He averaged a steal a little more than once every five days.

Of course, if you want to compare Gardner to his competition, you’ll find Gardner blowing Melky out of the water in that category.

With speed comes less power, which would be a problem for many line ups. This is the New York Yankees we’re talking about, so power isn’t an issue. With Mark Teixeira and A-Rod in the middle of the line up and the return of Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada, the Yankees shouldn’t be worrying about power.

Speed, however, should be a concern. What better combination than Gardner and Damon. To have speed at the top and bottom of the line up will provide the Yankees with double threat on the base paths and allow Derek Jeter many opportunities for hit and runs in the two-spot of the batting order.

It’s pretty clear that no matter who wins the starting job in center field will bat ninth anyways.

Finally, it’s the battle of speed versus arm strength. While it’s easy to understand why many fans love Melky’s arm, you can’t stress how important the speed game is in center field. With the size of the Yankees outfield, it’s important to be able to cover a lot of ground.

It's been a busy day in the Yankee Universe today. First off, the Yankees Captain faced off against his team in an exhibition game pitting the New York Yankees versus Team USA. While much can be said about the game, the Jeter versus the Yankees storyline has probably already worn thin on you. That being said, Jeter's two RBI's were a key part of team USA's 6-5 victory over the bombers.

What shouldn't wear thin on anyone is the strong play of Brett Gardner. While it's common knowledge I support Gardner as the starting centerfielder this year, there's no denying he's certainly making a case for himself. With a three hits on the day, including a double and a stolen base, Gardner has shown the Yankees he's ready to play everyday in the Bronx.

Phil Coke also impressed, throwing just over two scoreless innings against team USA. Hughes gave up two runs, but showed impressive stuff, so don't let the numbers fool you there. Eric Hacker, not so much...

Eric Hacker didn't fair nearly as well, allowing four runs and a lack of control. That didn't mean he lost his job, however, as the Yankees rounded out their 40 man roster which includes Hacker. It also includes players such as Ian Kennedy, Steven Jackson, Cody Ransom and David Robertson.

Now, a day wouldn't be complete without some A-Rod news, would it? It appears A-Rod might not be able to play in the WBC after all. He apparently has a cyst on his hip. It's minor and he's seeing a specialist tomorrow. Still, as Peter Abraham points out, the Yankees could try to keep him off the roster based on concern for the regular season.

This is going to be a pretty bland MLM when it comes to transactions, as according to Baseball America, there were none on the Yankees front. With that in mind, it's time to take a look at what some of your favorite prospects have been doing in camp.

Brett Gardner: If batting .500 and hitting two home runs isn't enough for you, Gardner has provided the Yankees an ideal lead-off hitter at the top of the line-up thus far this Spring. Aside from the power Gardner has shown thus far this spring, he's wrecked havoc on the base paths when given the opportunity. Perhaps more impressive in the early going is the fact that he's yet to strike out, has drawn one walk and has totaled 13 total bases in 10 at bats thus far. Not too shabby.

The scariest Gardner fact you'll find is that he leads the Yankees in slugging percentage.

Cody Ransom: Ransom has struggled thus far in 12 at bats, batting under and striking out in 33% of his at bats. Still, Ransom still has an excellent chance of making it as a utility player if he can pull it together.

Shelley Duncan: Duncan has had a strong spring thus far, batting .375, driving in three with one home run in eight at bats. Duncan is unlikely to make the opening day roster unless they decided to use him as a bench player. Because Ransom has more flexibility, it's going to be a stretch for Duncan.

I'll be back later tonight to highlight some of the Yankees pitching prospects. And if you're concerned I haven't covered all your favorite position players, don't worry, I'm going to mix it up each week. Next week, I promise I'll go over Cervelli's numbers prior to heading to the WBC.

Six hundred bleacher seat's had their cost lowered to five dollars after originally being posted at 12 and 15 dollars.

The change comes due to the obstructed view that accompanies the seats. The seats were marked at the wrong price, said the Yankees, and are located next to the bar and restaurant built in the new stadium.

I still am baffled that in the construction of a building of this cost that this kind of decision(or lack of) is made. I understand the money that the restaurant and bar will bring in, but it doesn't justify 600 seats with an obstructed view. The seats are certainly affordable, but I'd rather spend more money for a good view.

More later: Back to the daily grind here...

Here's the starting line-up for today's game

YANKEES (2-0)
Gardner CF
Ransom 2B
Swisher 1B
Posada DH
Nady RF
Cabrera LF
Berroa SS
Leone 3B
Cervelli C

Pitching today: Ian Kennedy followed by Eric Hacker, Andrew Brackman, Wilikin De La Rosa, Anthony Claggett and Michael Dunn

Source: Yankees LoHud Blog

Personally, I'm excited to see how Ian Kennedy and Andrew Brackman fair. It's interesting to see Ransom getting a good share of playing time thus far, as he has an excellent chance to make the opening day roster as a back up player.

Also, after his strong performance yesterday, it's good to see Posada seeing the ball well. It was mentioned yesterday that Cevvelli's arm looked weak in the game against the Rays. Since he'll be heading to the WBC to play for Italy, it looks like he gets a chance to show the Yankee brass something today. Hopefully, a stronger arm.

Update 2:04 PM

Gardner is looking strong today. Two hits, one for extra bases and a steal. Showing his ability to be a spark in the front of this line-up is Gardner’s biggest goal this off-season I’d imagine and so far, so good.

Update 2:40 PM

Checking back in, it seems Gardner has picked up another steal...in the meantime, Cabrera has left three men on base. It's early in this battle, but Gardner has to have Girardi(who already has claimed to be impressed by Gardner) thinking.

Peter Abraham just released the line-up(starting) for today's game against the Rays. Here's what it looks like

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Teixeira 1B
Rodriguez 3B
Cano 2B
Nady RF
Posada DH
Molina C
Cabrera CF

Pitching today: Phil Hughes followed by Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jon Albaladejo, Mark Melancon.

Source: Yankees LoHud Blog

Yankees 6 11 4
Blue Jays 1 4 0

WP: Veras (1-0)
LP: Romero (0-1)
SV: None

Players of note

A-Rod: A-Rod's first game since his admission to steroid use had a mix of cheers and boos. All in all, A-Rod is always going to get boo'd by someone. He was before steroids, he will be after. Still, going 1-1 with a homerun and two walks is a good way to start spring.

Brett Gardner: The man competing with Melkey Cabrera for a starting job got it started with a bang, his first home run at the Major League level. While it may be spring training, it didn't take long for Gardner to smack one out of the park. On the negative side, he did leave two men on with runners in scoring position. Still, showing the ability to smack the ball around can't hurt his chances.

It's also of note that his arm was put to the test in this game. Despite not getting the out, he got to the ball quickly and made a pretty solid throw.

Brett Tomko: Two innings, one hit...not too shabby. Still a long shot to make the team in my opinion, but he certainly got off to a decent start. No strikeouts in those two innings of work is a drawback.

David Robertson: In one inning of work, Robertson struck out two and walked one. He pitched in the ninth inning, possibly preparing him for the potential role of set-up man.

Other statistics of note: Kevin Cash had two singles in three at bats and Nick Swisher walked twice in their Yankees debut. All in all, the Yankees pitching looked solid, only allowing four hits in the game.

And we're not talking stickball here. We're talking pool sticks.

Joe Girardi took the gang off the field and to the pool hall today. It was part of an attempt to build team camaraderie and help build team relationships.

As important as I believe it is to be on the field in Spring Training, I think this was a great move. One of the biggest parts of success in the Yankees in the early ninties was the unity the team had. This is by no means all that it takes to achieve that companionship, however, it's a step in the right direction. One day off isn't going to hurt them in the long run, though it could have a minor effect on some prospects opportunities to impress.

Still, the chance to get to know the Yankee veterans is always a plus and everyone who's had the chance to work with players like Posada, Jeter and Rivera have raved on that opportunity. It's back to business tomorrow, but hopefully today had a profound impact on the players far beyond the extent of the pool hall.

Not much in Minor League Monday update this week. In fact, it's probably something you've known since the day it happened since ESPN reported it. Just in case you aren't one of those people in the know, the Yankees signed Brett Tomko to a minor league contract.

Brett Tomko was 2-7 with a 6.30 era last year for the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres. He allowed just over one hit per inning and walked 18 in 70 innings of work. Tomko gives another option to the Yankees who already possess a set of pitchers in the minors who can likely cover the 4th and 5th spots in the rotation in a emergency for a short period.

Otherwise, the Yankees have plenty of options in the starting pitcher role. One can't forget the fact that Phil Hughes will likely start the season in Scranton, as will Kennedy.

As I've said, Kennedy has potential but simply lacks something despite the comparisons to Mussina. Those fans who love Kennedy for those comparisons, don't expect what you saw in Mussina's career. Kennedy could perform as a 4th or 5th starter one day, but I don't see him being the front of a rotation anytime soon.