New York Yankees @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Johnson, Yanks fall in finale

2006-07-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
NEW YORK -- In the top of the eighth inning, pitching coach Ron Guidry came to the top of the dugout steps and began waving a white towel to get the attention of someone in the bullpen.
The bullpen phone was off the hook and 42-year-old Randy Johnson was well over the 100-pitch count.
But the technical difficulties weren't what allowed Johnson to rack up 129 pitches on Wednesday against the Mariners -- his highest count since 2002.
It was Johnson's desire to stay in the game until he won it.
Unfortunately for Johnson and the Yankees, that didn't happen. They fell, 3-2, to Seattle in the series finale when Johnson allowed a game-winning sacrifice fly later in the eighth. But Johnson still wasn't finished even after falling behind.
He had thrown 123 pitches when Joe Torre walked to the hill following the sacrifice fly. Torre only had one question: "Are you all right?"
"When I was halfway to the mound I saw the eyes and I knew he was in there," Torre said. "He had pitched his heart out to that point. I just wanted to make sure he had something left in the tank."
Even surprising to catcher Kelly Stinnett, Johnson did. After determining Johnson was fine to still pitch, the only issue was who he'd pitch to. Richie Sexson, who earlier hit a solo homer off Johnson, was due next. Johnson didn't budge, blowing a high fastball past the Mariners slugger to end the inning and his day.
Johnson was hit with the loss, the Yankees' first since the All-Star break and Johnson's eighth of the season. But the lefty's tenacity was "vintage" according to Torre.
Johnson finished having allowed three runs, two of which were earned, in eight full innings. He also struck out a season-high 11 batters while only walking one.
"It seemed like he was stronger in the last inning than he was earlier in the game," Stinnett said. "So maybe it was good to stretch him out a little bit."
Seattle starter Gil Meche was just as impressive, tossing a perfect game through four innings. But unlike Johnson, Meche waned as the game went on. Meche was cruising until the sixth when he allowed the Yankees' first run on a Derek Jeter RBI single. He threw 36 pitches in the inning.
The Yankees tied the game in the seventh when Andy Phillips doubled to right-center field, bringing Alex Rodriguez home from first on a close play at the plate.
Mariners catcher Rene Rivera leapt up to argue the call, turning his back to the field, so Andy Phillips broke for third base. He reached without a throw but third base umpire Andy Fletcher said Phillips had to return to second base because Fletcher had called time before Phillips left the bag.
In something not seen often in baseball, both managers came out to argue different plays at the same time. Neither ruling was changed, leaving the score tied and Phillips on second with no outs.
Pinch-hitter Miguel Cario's sacrifice bunt moved Phillips to third with one out. But Seattle brought in reliever Mark Lowe, who struck out Bernie Williams and got a long flyout by Stinnett to end the inning.
"That was the most ridiculous call I've ever seen," Rodriguez said. "It changes the whole scenario. It's a big momentum change, too. You put a lot of pressure on Bernie Williams to get that run in against a kid that's very capable. It's just an awful call."
Like the Yankees did a night before when they benefited from a not-so-close call at first base, the Mariners capitalized. Ichiro led off by tapping a ball in front of home plate, but he beat Stinnett's throw. Ichiro then stole second and advanced to third on the play due to a throwing error by Stinnett. Raul Ibanez drove in the eventual game-winner with his sacrifice fly.
Johnson didn't speak with print reporters after the game, but his coach and teammates spoke for him.
Asked if Wednesday's Johnson reminded him of the one he played with in Seattle, Rodriguez confidently said, "No." That was 10 years ago, he said, and things have changed.
But after Wednesday's game there's no question Johnson's competitive fire to stay in the game until he's on top is still there -- even when it doesn't work out that way.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: Another setback for Dotel

2006-07-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

07/20/2006
TORONTO -- Just when it looked like Octavio Dotel was ready to return from the disabled list and give the Yankees' bullpen a boost, the right-hander suffered another setback on Thursday afternoon, clouding his timetable.
Dotel pitched a scoreless inning for Class A Staten Island, allowing two hits while striking out one against Williamsport. But after the outing, Dotel told special pitching instructor Rich Monteleone that he had what Joe Torre described as "soreness or tenderness" in his right arm.
"He didn't feel like his arm had a lot of pop today," Torre said. "He didn't throw a couple of pitches and say, 'I can't do this.' He pitched his inning, so in my mind, it's nothing more than that he's not ready yet."
General manager Brian Cashman said that Dotel's latest problem is located in the same spot behind his surgically repaired elbow as his last setback, which turned out to be tendinitis. Dotel, who will visit team physician Dr. Stuart Hershon on Friday, had his rehab assignment shut down from June 20 to July 15 when that first problem cropped up.
"We were close enough to get excited, no question," Torre said. "When you go back and think about the type of surgery it was, that's why you're always cautious about how quickly you rehab and bring people along. I know he has to be frustrated by it. We certainly feel for him."
Dotel underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery last June, and the Yankees signed him this winter to a one-year, $2 million contract with the expectations that he would join them sometime in late-June or early-July.
The Yankees were hoping to add Dotel to the mix of late-inning relievers, joining Scott Proctor, Kyle Farnsworth and Ron Villone.
"We were counting on him to show up here on Sunday," Torre said. "Even then, we weren't going to use him in the eighth inning of a close game; but at least it would have been progress. If things went well, he'd eventually wind up in that role. It wasn't to be."
Progress for Matsui: Hideki Matsui visited hand specialist Dr. Melvin Rosenwasser on Thursday, receiving a good report on his surgically repaired left wrist.
Rosenwasser said that Matsui's bones have fused together perfectly, though he is still experiencing lingering muscular pain, which is normal after this surgery. Once that pain subsides, Matsui will be cleared to take batting practice.
"He's doing well," Cashman said. "He's not swinging a bat yet. I'd rather not say when I think he can; we'll just wait until the doctors clear him."
Matsui will travel to Tampa on Friday to resume his rehabilitation at the Yankees' training complex. He may return to New York in the coming weeks for another visit with the doctor. Matsui is targeting a mid-August return to the Yankees.
Gary Sheffield, who is also recovering from left wrist surgery, visited this week with Dr. Charles Melone, also a hand specialist. Sheffield is scheduled to have his cast removed next week, but there is no clear timetable for his return.
"Nothing to report right now," Cashman said. "He's doing well."
Torre said that he hasn't figured out exactly what he will do with Melky Cabrera, Bernie Williams or Aaron Guiel once Matsui and/or Sheffield return, but he isn't worried about that right now.
"When it gets close, we'll figure it out," Torre said. "When Matsui or Sheff is out there taking fly balls, we'll have plenty of time to make that plan."
Posada in action: Jorge Posada returned to the starting lineup on Thursday after missing Wednesday's game with a bruised right index finger, the result of a foul ball in Tuesday's game.
"It doesn't take much to get well with an index finger," Torre said. "An index finger, especially on your throwing hand, once the swelling gets out, you're back in action. Hopefully it will stay that way."
Sid on the way: Sidney Ponson did not travel to Toronto with the Yankees on Wednesday night, as there were complications with his visa to enter Canada.
Ponson, who is from Aruba, was not scheduled to play in Canada this season with the Cardinals, so no paperwork was ever filed for him to obtain a visa.
Ponson threw a bullpen session before the Staten Island game on Thursday and is scheduled to join the Yankees at Rogers Centre on Friday. He will start on Sunday for New York.
One day at a time: Torre will keep a close eye on Alex Rodriguez's sore left toe this weekend, as the Yankees play four games on the artificial turf in Toronto.
Rodriguez said Wednesday that he may not play all four games, but Torre wasn't so quick to back that plan.
"He's going to be written down [in the lineup]," Torre said. "If there's a problem, we'll talk about it. I know this stuff plays havoc on the feet and legs, and I know that thing is still sore. We'll monitor that as we go along."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

A-Rod's defensive woes continue

2006-07-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

07/21/2006
TORONTO -- When it rains, it pours.
Of course, Alex Rodriguez didn't have the weather to blame for his latest mishap, a sixth-inning throwing error which helped the Blue Jays mount a four-run rally against Mike Mussina and erase a 3-0 Yankees lead.
The domed Rogers Centre protected Rodriguez from the scattered showers that hit Toronto, but Rodriguez couldn't save himself from another night of tough questions about his recent play.
"You just work at it," Rodriguez said of his play at third, where he made three errors in a game on Monday. "It's something that's not fun to go through; I have to just keep working on it. You don't want to hurt your teammates out there, so you just have to work through it."
Mussina and the Yanks were clinging to a 3-0 lead against Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays in the sixth inning, and Toronto was trying to rally with a man on third and one out. Reed Johnson chopped a ball to A-Rod at third, where he fielded it and fired home, trying to throw out Aaron Hill.
But the throw sailed by Posada, allowing Hill to score Toronto's first run while Johnson advanced to second base. Instead of a 3-0 game with two outs and nobody on base, Mussina was now faced with a 3-1 game, one out and a man at second base.
Torre had no problem with Rodriguez's decision to throw home, but he also said he would have been content had A-Rod thrown to first for the out.
"He made the right play, I thought," Torre said. "The ball was right in front of him and he never hesitated. I didn't see any indecision on his part. He just dropped [his arm] down and the ball sailed on him.
"It's an error," the manager added. "If it was somebody else who made the same play, you'd talk about the error and then go on to the next subject. Because it's Alex, you're not going to do that."
Unlike his manager, Mussina wasn't quite as pleased with the decision to throw home.
"I thought he was going to throw to first," Mussina said. "When I turned and saw him throw home, all he had to do was throw it on target and the guy would have been out by 20 feet.
"[The inning] would have probably been pretty different; I don't have to pitch guys the same way," the pitcher added. "The mentality becomes completely different. With a guy at third and one out, I'm willing to give up that run. If I'm not willing to give that run up, I start making mistakes and it turns into four runs instead of one. I'm willing to give up that run to have two outs and nobody on base."
After the error, Mussina gave up a bloop single by Frank Catalanotto, a ground-ball single by Vernon Wells and a two-run double by Troy Glaus, as the Jays took a 4-3 lead.
"It let everything happen from there," Mussina said of the error. "I was doing the same things I was doing before, it all just mounted up in one inning. It was a tough inning."
"It's frustrating as hell, obviously," Rodriguez said. "You want the inning to stop. Moose was throwing such a great game; it's just one of those things."
Rodriguez's recent throwing problems have come when he tries to sidearm his throws. He had two balls hit to him at third base on Thursday, and he made perfect overhand throws to first base on both plays.
"It's definitely important for me to get on top of the baseball, make sure it's truer," Rodriguez said. "Every other ground ball they hit to me tonight, I was real happy with my technique and my mechanics. I just have to keep working on it.
"I'm working through it; it's not easy, that's for sure, but I'm working hard," he continued. "I'm feeling pretty good. I liked the way I threw the ball across the diamond tonight, except for that one play."
Despite the fact that he is hitting .284 with 20 home runs and 68 RBIs, Rodriguez has been the focal point for the fans this season for everything that has gone wrong for the Yankees.
"That's something he's going to have to answer for," Torre said. "That's what happens when you're Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter or [Jason] Giambi. When you play for the Yankees and you make an error, it seems to mean more."
Rodriguez's 17 errors already eclipse his total from last season by four, and some of those errors have been costly to the Yankees, who trail the Red Sox by 2 1/2 games in the American League East.
"Pitchers, catchers, everybody goes through it at some point," Rodriguez said. "You have to make sure you get your target, do your footwork and stay on top of the baseball."
"I don't know what's going on; I know he needs to play better and that he's disappointed in the way he's playing," Mussina said. "It's just not him right now; we need him back the way he's supposed to be."
As Rodriguez's play continues to be inconsistent and the boos continue to mount at Yankee Stadium, there has been plenty of speculation that the two-time MVP would be better off playing for another team. Some people have even suggested that A-Rod wants out, a notion he dismissed rather quickly after Thursday's game.
"That's not true," he said. "That couldn't be further from the truth. That's a ridiculous thought."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Yanks fall in extra innings

2006-07-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

07/21/2006
TORONTO -- It doesn't happen often, but Mariano Rivera walked off the mound Thursday night without a smile on his face.
Vernon Wells blasted a walk-off home run with one out in the 11th inning against the All-Star closer, giving the Blue Jays a 5-4 victory in the first game of a four-game series.
"Any time Mariano comes back without a save or a victory, I'll never stop being surprised," Joe Torre said. "He's so good at what he does."
Rivera looked like his vintage self on Thursday when he took the mound in the 10th inning of a 4-4 game. The closer blew through the Blue Jays lineup with a perfect inning, getting a pair of ground balls and a fly out to left.
But in his second inning of relief, Rivera allowed a leadoff single to Frank Catalanotto, putting the winning run on base. With Wells at the plate, the Jays put on a hit-and-run sign, but Rivera's first pitch jammed Wells inside. Catalanotto took off for second and was caught stealing, giving Rivera the first out and erasing the baserunner.
But his next pitch, an inside cutter, caught too much of the plate, allowing Wells to deposit it over the left-field fence for the game-winner.
"It was where I wanted it," Rivera said. "He was able to put good wood on the ball and hit it out of the ballpark. He hit a good pitch."
"My thinking in that situation is just try to get started early and try to hit it, and whatever happens after that happens," Wells said. "He's the best."
The home run was the first given up this season by Rivera, who last served up a long ball on Aug. 16 to Tampa Bay's Eduardo Perez. It was the sixth time in Rivera's career that he has allowed a walk-off homer, the last coming on July 24, 2004, against Boston's Bill Mueller.
The loss dropped the Yankees 2 1/2 games behind the Red Sox for first place in the American League East. The Blue Jays remain 5 1/2 behind Boston, but moved within three games of second-place New York.
"It was one of those games where both teams battled," Torre said. "We didn't do enough, I guess."
Roy Halladay held the Yankees to three runs over 7 2/3 innings, but B.J. Ryan blew the save -- just his third in 27 opportunities this season -- preventing Halladay from becoming the first 13-game winner in baseball.
Mike Mussina was brilliant over the first five innings, but a four-run sixth -- highlighted by yet another Alex Rodriguez throwing error -- put a damper on his seven-inning performance.
"It let everything happen from there," Mussina said of the error. "I was doing the same things I was doing before, it all just mounted up in one inning. It was a tough inning."
After going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position in the first two innings, New York got to Halladay in the third, as Miguel Cairo singled, stole second and scored on Johnny Damon's RBI double. Damon was later doubled off second base after Jason Giambi's line drive was caught, ending the rally early.
The Yankees scored another run in the fourth, using an A-Rod double, a Jorge Posada single and an RBI groundout by Bernie Williams to take a 2-0 lead. That lead increased to 3-0 in the fifth, as Cairo's sac fly scored Melky Cabrera from third base.
"Getting three runs against Halladay," Torre said, "that's not easy to do."
The way Mussina was throwing, allowing just two singles through the first five innings, the three-run lead looked like it would be more than enough.
Unfortunately for Mussina and the Yankees, the sixth was a different story.
Aaron Hill started the inning with a double, giving Toronto its first runner in scoring position in the game. Hill moved to third on John McDonald's groundout, then took off for home on Reed Johnson's grounder to third. A-Rod threw home to try for the out, but his throw sailed away from Posada, making it a 3-1 game.
"I was a little hesitant because it was hit a little soft, but I thought I had a play at home," said Rodriguez, who now has 17 errors this season. "I tried to throw it on the run a little and I pulled it."
The Jays took the momentum from there, as Catalanotto blooped a single to score Johnson, then Vernon Wells poked a grounder through the hole at short. Troy Glaus doubled in both runners, giving the Blue Jays a 4-3 lead.
"We helped them, that's the problem," Torre said, referring to the error. "Moose made two bad pitches that inning; the leadoff double and the breaking ball to Glaus. Otherwise, the two hits by Wells and Catalanotto were good pitches."
The game stayed that way until the eighth, when manager John Gibbons removed Halladay in favor of Ryan with two outs and Giambi coming up. Before the at-bat, Giambi was 16-for-50 (.320) against Halladay and just 1-for-13 (.077) against Ryan.
But Giambi took advantage of the shift on the right side of the field, poking a single to left to put the tying run on base. Ryan then walked A-Rod, setting up Posada's broken-bat bloop single to left-center, scoring pinch-runner Bubba Crosby to tie the game at 4-4.
"We scored some runs against some tough pitchers tonight, we just couldn't come away with the victory," Torre said. "It's frustrating. This is a tough one to swallow, but they certainly earned it, because they battled their way back."
Scott Proctor threw a pair of scoreless innings, while Ryan posted a zero in the ninth and Justin Speier did the same in the 10th. After the Yankees went down in the 11th, Rivera came back out, giving up the one-out homer to Wells.
"He's done that to a lot of people," Torre said. "He's a pretty good player; he's having a hell of a year."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: Staff showing its stuff

2006-03-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

03/11/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- There's no doubt the recipe for success for the New York Yankees' pitching staff involves a solid outing from the starting pitcher and quick work from closer Mariano Rivera.
That's what the Yankees got on Saturday, with three solid innings from starter Chien-Ming Wang and a 1-2-3 seventh inning -- although in a regular-season game, obviously, it would be the ninth -- from Rivera.
Wang made his second start of the spring, throwing three solid innings after an unimpressive debut.
He said he felt better than during his opener after working on correcting his arm angle. Throwing the ball at a higher angle, Wang mowed through Atlanta's lineup, yielding just one hit while fanning four.
"He was a lot of fun today," catcher Jorge Posada said. "His arm angle was outstanding.
"The results really showed. If he can do that consistently he's really going to have a good year."
Wang gave up three runs on six hits against Toronto his first start, and according to him his sinker was flat. This time his out pitch had more sink.
"His location was better and he had a lot of jump on his fastball." Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "He threw some good sliders, a couple good forkballs. He was outstanding today."
Rivera threw just eight pitches in his third appearance this spring, striking out the first batter he saw and forcing two infield ground outs.
"I felt good today," Rivera said.
Rivera has given up just one hit in three innings this spring, a home run to Detroit's Marcus Thames. He has five strikeouts.
Giambi almost back: Jason Giambi said his sore left calf is improving and that he could see action in a game as soon as Tuesday.
"I ran today," Giambi said. "I ran around and it felt pretty good."
Giambi said he thought he could play Monday, but Torre said since the Yankees are the visiting team against Pittsburgh and the Pirates denied his request for a designated hitter, Giambi should get his first chance to play on Tuesday.
Giambi has missed five games since injuring the calf in the field during a play at first base. He has been receiving treatment on the calf every day and ran on it the first time Friday.
Giambi said the plan is to get him back in a game at designated hitter before he comes back to play first base so that it doesn't get overworked too soon. The challenge, he said, is going to be running out of the batters box.
Around the horn: Bubba Crosby saw action in his first game since injuring his right index finger, playing right field. He doubled in his only at-bat. ... Five players were reassigned: right-hander Philip Hughes, catcher Jason Brown, outfielder Chris Prieto, right-hander Darrell Rasner and infielder Danny Garcia. That leaves 57 players in camp. ... Outfielder Kevin Reese turned 28.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Yankees take care of Braves

2006-03-26T08:23:00.000-08:00

03/11/2006
Yankees at the plate: Jorge Posada (2-for-4, three RBIs) hit his second homer of the spring off righty Travis Smith in a four-run fifth inning. Robinson Cano went 2-for-4 with a double.
Braves at the plate: Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (1-for-2) hit his second homer of the spring, off lefty Matt Smith, in the sixth inning. Tony Pena Jr. was 2-for-3 with a double.
Yankees on the mound: Chien-Ming Wang made a big improvement on his last outing in his third start of the spring. In three scoreless innings of work, Wang gave up just one hit while fanning four. Mariano Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning with a strikeout.
Braves on the mound: Starter Horacio Ramirez gave up two runs on five hits in four innings of work, with a pair of walks and two strikeouts. Smith gave up four runs on two hits in two innings, including the home run to Posada.
Grapefruit League records: Yankees 6-5; Braves 3-7-1.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Cairo thrilled to be in pinstripes again

2006-03-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

03/11/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- Miguel Cairo could have found himself with a spot in a starting lineup this season, but he wasn't about to pass up a chance to don the Yankees pinstripes again, even if it meant he'd be relegated to a backup role.
Cairo left the Yanks after the 2004 season and spent a year across town with the Mets, but the utility infielder jumped at the chance to play for the Yankees again and said he is excited to get back to Yankee Stadium.
"It's just the atmosphere," Cairo said. "When you play in New York with this team, with the fans, it's a different atmosphere. It's something different.
"It's hard to explain, but every time you get on that grass inside those lines it's like something else gets into you. No matter how tired you are or if you're hurt or whatever, when you cross the lines it's like you don't have pain. You're not tired. It's like extra energy gets over you. You forget all that's happening.
"I am very happy and honored for them to want me back. I'm just happy to be here."
Cairo, 31, can serve as backup this season to any of the infield positions, though he'll get far less playing time than he got with the Mets last season. Cairo played in 100 games a year ago, playing at second base in 82 of those games.
Through his first eight games this spring, Cairo is hitting .273 with a pair of doubles, two RBIs and two runs scored. He has been starting at shortstop while Derek Jeter is playing in the World Baseball Classic, as well as leading off with Johnny Damon also in the Classic.
Cairo said he will be happy to help the Yankees out in any way he can this season, whether it's in the infield, outfield or on the basepaths.
"I could [have started with another team]," Cairo said "But I really wanted to come back here -- be around these guys.
"There's a lot of guys you can learn from. You got Alex [Rodriguez], Jeter, all these guys. There's a reason they're so good. You see the way go about the work that they do, the preparations that have in spring training to get ready for the field. Just watching that you kind of try to use it. You try to imitate that and work as hard as you can."
With that kind of attitude, it's no wonder Yankees manager Joe Torre was full of good things to say about Cairo.
"I'm very happy," Torre said. "I know he wanted to stay here. Things didn't work out [after 2004] and it was just one of those things. It was great that the opportunity presented itself again. Neither one of us had any hesitation about the fact that he wanted to come back."
Cairo's attitude isn't the only thing keeping him on Torre's good side, his versatility is another part of what makes him so valuable in the clubhouse.
"He's such a managers friend in that regard," Torre said. "He plays first, the outfield, all the infielders spots, [and he can] steal a base. He can do a lot of things.
"And, plus, he's walking back into a place he's familiar."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: Sturtze makes return to mound

2006-03-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

03/12/2006
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Tanyon Sturtze took the mound for the first time this spring on Sunday, and for the right-hander, it couldn't have come at a better time.
Sturtze, who spent the winter rehabbing and strengthening his tired right shoulder, threw a scoreless inning against Cleveland, allowing one infield single.
"I needed to go slow the whole spring, and today was finally the day to get into a game," Sturtze said. "I was starting to itch a little bit; I felt like I was starting to get behind, where maybe I wouldn't leave camp with the team. That's not what I want, so I wanted to get going."
"Sturtze was fine," said manager Joe Torre. "He had a big smile on his face. He wasn't hurting, and who knows how long it's been since that's happened."
Although he faced just three hitters and threw only eight pitches, Sturtze felt like his arm strength was there, as was his command.
Sturtze believes he needs between eight and 12 innings of work this spring to be ready for the April 3 opener. The Yankees have 17 games left in Florida this spring, plus two in Arizona, so he shouldn't have much trouble reaching that goal.
"I'm just shooting to get ready for Opening Day," Sturtze said. "Today was the first one, I felt good out there, and that's all I'm worried about."
Slow and steady: Carl Pavano threw his fourth bullpen session of the spring on Sunday, the second time he threw entirely from the top of the mound. Pavano threw 40 pitches, taking another step toward his return, which is expected in mid-April.
"Today, my main focus wasn't as much on mechanics as much as just slowing myself down," Pavano said. "I get a little anxious, especially with my slider, because I haven't been throwing it a lot. I tried to get into a better rhythm throughout, and when I got to my slider, I felt a little more locked in."
Pavano is a few weeks behind the rest of the staff, having gotten a late start because of a balky back. The right-hander also missed the second half of 2005 with rotator cuff tendinitis, but he says his arm feels strong.
Pavano will take an extra day off before his next bullpen session, which will take place on Wednesday. He will increase his pitch count to 50, then throw a bullpen session next week.
Despite the urge to speed up his return, Pavano is listening to team trainers and following the routine that his prescribed for him.
"It's hard, but if I look at the results we've been having with the way we've been going, how I've been feeling, as anxious as I am, I know this is the best thing for me," Pavano said. "Sometimes, I'd like to go a little faster, but they say it's not in my best interests. I'm listening to them. Every time I've gone out there, I've gotten better."
"I think he's probably more excited about feeling so good than frustrated about not being able to pitch," said Torre. "The results have been good."
Jason's return: Jason Giambi will likely be back in the lineup on Tuesday, when the Yankees host the Cardinals at Legends Field.
Giambi, who has been out for six days with a strained left calf muscle, participated in team workouts on Saturday and Sunday. Torre contemplated taking Giambi to Bradenton on Monday, but without the DH rule, he decided to wait another day.
Special visit: Bob Feller stopped by the Yankees' dugout during batting practice on Sunday, asking the Yankees manager to sign a dozen baseballs for his Iowa museum.
After Feller left, Torre remembered the first time he met the Hall of Fame pitcher. It was during the early stage of Torre's career, in 1960-61, and Feller was trying to sell him an insurance policy -- which he bought.
Said Torre: "Who wouldn't buy one from Bob Feller?"

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Chacon pitches through wildness

2006-03-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

03/12/2006
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. -- Shawn Chacon's pitching line wasn't the prettiest thing to look at on Sunday, but the right-hander continued to do what he has done all spring -- keep the opponents off the scoreboard.
Chacon threw three scoreless innings against the Indians, though he allowed two hits, walked four batters and hit another.
"I was very, very inconsistent; I had no command," Chacon said. "It was the worst three-inning shutout I've ever thrown."
Despite the rocky outing, Chacon extended his streak of scoreless innings this spring to eight. As one of three starters competing for the final two spots in the rotation, Chacon has certainly done nothing to make anybody think he won't capture one of them.
"I don't figure anything; I'll just wait and see," he said. "I know I get a start every fifth day here in spring, and until I'm told different as to what I'm going to do, I keep going out with the same mentality."
The Yankees will actually only need four starters for the first couple of weeks of the season, but with Carl Pavano likely to start the year on the disabled list, Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang and Jaret Wright will are battling to stay in the rotation.
"That's a decision I'm not making; the guys that get paid to make those decisions are making it, so I'll let them do it," Chacon said. "The only way I can help myself is to go out and pitch well."
"Right now, we're just digesting all the information and hoping everyone gets through all these games without a problem," said manager Joe Torre. "Chacon seems as relaxed as I've ever seen anybody I've ever seen in Spring Training."
Sunday, Chacon loaded the bases before recording an out in the first inning, but he escaped by getting Travis Hafner to fly out and Ben Broussard to ground into a double play.
He loaded them again in the second, hitting one batter and walking two others, but once again, he got through it without allowing a run. He issued another free pass in the third, but retired the other three batters, finishing his day with 62 pitches.
"It was definitely one of those days," said Chacon. "I threw a lot more pitches than I should have. I need to go back to the 'pen and find that rhythm."
"The thing I really get a kick out of with him is that when he gets in trouble, he finds a way to wiggle out," Torre said. "It's not always going to happen, but he doesn't melt. That's important."
Despite his uncertain status, Chacon isn't letting any of the rotation talk get inside his head. After all, a year ago, he was in Colorado, preparing for a season in which he knew his team had virtually no chance to get to the postseason.
Instead, he's taking the competition for a spot in the rotation as a challenge.
"I'm always out there competing," he said. "I think I'm cheating myself, cheating the game of baseball and cheating anybody who is watching if I don't go out there with the mentality that I'm competing. Whether it's against another team or if I'm fighting for a pitching spot on a staff, I take it all the same.
"It's still a privilege to play Major League Baseball, so I don't come out there taking anything for granted," he added. "You never know when your last day on a mound might be."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Early runs don't hold up

2006-03-26T08:16:00.000-08:00

03/12/2006
Indians at the plate: The Indians got on the board with a four-run fourth inning against left-hander Sean Henn. Jhonny Peralta and Jason Michaels both hit RBI singles, and Travis Hafner knocked in a pair of runs with a double to center. Todd Donovan, a non-roster invitee to camp, hit a solo home run and Ben Broussard added a two-run single in the eighth.
Yankees at the plate: The Yanks took advantage of an Andy Marte throwing error to put up three runs against C.C. Sabathia in the second. Russ Johnson reached on the error and knocked in Kaz Matsui. Felix Escalano knocked in a run with a single.
Indians on the mound: Sabathia said he felt a bit more comfortable on the mound after giving up three runs, only one of which was earned, on two hits in his four innings of work. Guillermo Mota and Bob Wickman each worked a scoreless inning.
Yankees on the mound: Right-hander Shawn Chacon didn't give up any runs in his three innings, but he did allow two hits, walk four batters and hit one. Henn had a rough go of it in the fourth and fifth innings, giving up four runs on four hits and walking four batters.
Grapefruit League records: Indians 10-3; Yankees 6-6.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Cabrera and Thompson thriving

2006-03-26T08:15:00.000-08:00

03/12/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- There weren't many autographs to be had before the Yankees game against the Reds in Sarasota on Friday. But where there weren't recognizable faces, there was opportunity.
The Minor Leaguers at Yankees camp have been taking advantage of the opportunity to play while several of the team's superstars are participating in the World Baseball Classic. The periodic absences of Jason Giambi (calf), Gary Sheffield (hamstring) and Hideki Matsui (knee) have provided even more opportunities for youngsters.
"You're getting a chance to look at these kids with the number of at-bats they're getting early in the game compared to what they would be getting if you had your whole team healthy and here," manager Joe Torre said. "It's a little bit different, but you're getting to find out a little bit more than normal."
Melky Cabrera and Kevin Thompson are two examples of young players thriving in the situation, while starting center fielder Johnny Damon is playing in the Classic. Cabrera is hitting .333 with two doubles, while Thompson is hitting .409 with a double.
On the move: Pitcher Matt DeSalvo has been solid on the mound this spring. The right-hander, who spent 2005 with Double-A Trenton, pitched three shutout innings in a start against Philadelphia. In five scoreless innings of work, DeSalvo has a win and a save, while yielding just one hit.
They're No. 1: At the beginning of camp, 19-year-old right-hander Philip Hughes (23rd overall in 2004) was getting a lot of attention focused on his powerful fastball and mature-for-his-age attitude. In 3 1/3 innings split over two games, Hughes is 1-0 and has allowed just two runs on four hits, with three walks and two strikeouts.
Hughes was reassigned so that he'd be ready to join his Minor League team prior to Saturday's game against the Braves.
Corner infielder Eric Duncan (27th overall in 2003) is hitting .316 with 19 at-bats with a grand slam, two doubles and five RBIs. Catcher David Parrish (28th overall in 2000) is hitless in seven at-bats, with four strikeouts.
Class of '05: Pitcher J.B. Cox, the only member of of the Yanks' 2005 draft class in Major League camp, has appeared in three games this spring. The right-hander has one save and has allowed just one run in three innings, with a walk and two strikeouts.
Down and out: Infielder Russ Johnson is 0-for-9 in five games.
Stat machine: Infielder Danny Garcia is batting 1.000 after his first two games. The second baseman, a member of the Mets organization the last two seasons, is 4-for-4 with a walk. Garcia was also reassigned Saturday.
What they're saying: "I guess if [the Yankees in the World Baseball Classic] get back here, they're going to have to work their way back into the lineup. They'll have to wait their turn." -- Torre on how well his young players have played in the absence of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Damon and Bernie Williams

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Thompson understands role with Yanks

2006-03-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees' outfield currently consists of three players making $13 million each, which doesn't leave much room for a prospect such as Kevin Thompson.
Thompson knows this, so he's taking his experience at Spring Training for what it's worth -- a chance to show Joe Torre and the Major League coaching staff what he can contribute to the team.
"I think about it all the time," Thompson said of his future. "I don't know where I'm going to fit in, though, because there are no spots open. I have to just go out, play hard and do my best. Hopefully someone will see something that will open their eyes and I'll get my break."
Thompson, 26, has impressed several people this spring, with his latest splash coming on Monday. Thompson jacked a two-run home run in the Yankees' loss to the Pirates, showing some pop to go along with his quick feet.
In 12 games this spring, Thompson is hitting .400 (10-for-25) with a homer, four RBIs and five runs scored. He was happy to contribute with a long ball on Monday, but trying to go deep is something he has shied away from over the past year or two.
"I quit trying to hit the ball out of the park all the time; I'm just playing my game," Thompson said. "I play with guys like Mitch Jones and Shelly Duncan, and it's their job to hit the ball out of the park. My job is to get on base for those guys. I'm not trying to do too much."
Selected in the 31st round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Thompson has spent six years in the Yankees organization.
He combined to hit .297 with 14 homers, 71 RBIs and 43 stolen bases last year between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Columbus. He led all Yankees Minor Leaguers with 45 doubles and ranked second in steals, representing the organization at the Futures Game during All-Star week in Detroit.
Torre was speaking with Larry Bowa recently, and the third-base coach compared Thompson to veteran center fielder Marquis Grissom, a two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner.
"He runs hard, and he looks like he's a player that is going to be in the big leagues," Torre said. "He's going to make himself necessary. He does a lot of good things and he's aggressive in a lot of ways."
"It's always a vote of confidence when people speak highly of you -- it feels good, but you have to take it with a grain of salt," Thompson said. "You can't let your head get too big. I just go out and play hard every day, and hopefully the situation will happen for me."
In addition to opening the coaching staff's eyes, Thompson has taken advantage of the presence of some of the veteran players in camp, chatting with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield and Bernie Williams about different aspects of the game.
Thompson said that his talks with Sheffield and Williams were particularly helpful, as he discussed hitting with Sheffield and some of the finer points of playing center field with Williams.
"It's been fun," he said. "I've enjoyed talking to some of the big-name guys in the [clubhouse]. It's an experience you can't get anywhere else. I'm glad to be a part of it."
Although Thompson doesn't appear to fit in the Yankees' plans in 2006, he can take solace in the fact that neither Robinson Cano nor Chien-Ming Wang figured into the club's plans in 2005, yet both players made a big impact before the end of last season.
"When guys get called up, you want to see them do well, so that some day, the same opportunity will be there for you," Thompson said. "You always have to feel like you can contribute. I feel like I can, but it's up to them what they want to do. I can't control anything, so I just have to play as hard as I possibly can."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: No Classic concerns for Torre

2006-03-26T08:12:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Johnny Damon was taken out of Team USA's starting lineup for the second-round opener against Japan, as the center fielder went just 1-for-6 in the team's first three games.
Damon, who was replaced by Randy Winn, is no sure thing to be back in the regular starting lineup for the U.S., though he did pinch-hit in the win over Japan. Yankees manager Joe Torre isn't concerned about how often Damon -- or Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez, for that matter -- plays, as the trio will have at least 10 days of spring games after they return from the World Baseball Classic.
"He'll have plenty by the time we get out of here," Torre said. "My feeling is that position players need about 10 days of Spring Training, as long as they're in shape."
Torre typically plays his entire starting lineup during the final week of Spring Training, and this year will be no different.
"The way I look at it, by the time they come back here, that's the time of the month when everybody is usually in shape and they're ready to leave," the manager said. "Maybe it will be different -- it will seem brand new again.
"They can come back, get all of the bragging out of the way. The problem is, we may have to separate Jeter from Bernie [Williams], because they may be at each other's throats."
From the bullpen: Both Carl Pavano and Tanyon Sturtze felt fine after throwing on Sunday, as they continue to work their way into shape for April.
Pavano, who is expected to start the season on the disabled list, will take an extra day off before throwing a 50-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday.
His next step would be another bullpen, in which he will throw 25 pitches, sit down for a few minutes, then throw another 25 pitches. After that, his next step would be a batting practice session.
Sturtze, who threw a scoreless inning in his first appearance of the spring, hasn't been scheduled for his next outing, though it should come on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Torre said that Sturtze wasn't very open with the club about his health last season, but the pitcher has been honest this spring as he works his way back.
"He was still pleased this morning, which is good," Torre said. "It didn't hurt. We don't know to what extent the discomfort was last year, but evidently, it was pretty regular."
Liking the lefty: The addition of Mike Myers to the Yankees' bullpen has given Torre something he hasn't had since 1996 -- a reliable left-handed specialist.
"Myers is probably the [specialist] we haven't had since Graeme Lloyd," Torre said. "It's a necessity, but it's a luxury because there aren't that many guys available. You can count them on one hand."
Painful day off: Robinson Cano was scheduled to make the trip to Bradenton on Monday, but the second baseman missed the game to undergo a root canal back in Tampa.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Wright headed in wrong direction

2006-03-26T08:11:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Jaret Wright hasn't been spending much time worrying about the competition for the final two spots in the Yankees' starting rotation, but after Monday's outing against the Pirates, that may soon change.
Wright allowed eight runs on 11 hits in just three innings, as the Pirates battered him with one hard-hit ball after another.
"It was just a dead day," Wright said. "I didn't have anything and I got beat up pretty good. You just have to keep throwing, try to stay composed when things are going bad. You just pitch until they come get you."
"He just didn't locate," said manager Joe Torre. "It didn't look like he could throw anything for a strike other than a fastball, and he was up with a number of pitches. It was just a bad day."
Wright is battling Shawn Chacon and Chien-Ming Wang for the final two spots in the rotation, though with Carl Pavano expected to miss the first few weeks of April, all five of them could start until Pavano is ready to return.
The Yankees won't need a fifth starter until the third week of the month, though, so one of the five healthy arms will be in the bullpen to open the season.
Wright said that he tries not to think about the rotation competition, though human nature makes it nearly impossible to forget about it all together.
"It's one thing you think about," Wright said. "You want to pitch well -- you're competing for a spot, so if you don't pitch well, it's frustrating. ... I'm trying to take care of what I need to take care of. Today, I'm sure, doesn't help that out."
"I don't think they can do two things at once," said catcher Jorge Posada. "You've got to go out there and pitch, make sure that you're healthy and just go out and compete. If you put that extra pressure on yourself, you're not going to have a good spring."
Wright is now 0-1 with a 12.91 ERA, placing him behind Chacon (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and Wang (1-0, 5.40) through three starts.
"He's an adult -- he knows what's going on here," Torre said. "I'm sure he's disappointed with this outing, because he couldn't do with the ball what he wanted to. He's a mentally tough young guy, so that part I'm not worried about."
Both Wright and Torre say that the pitcher has no physical problems, so his problems on Monday were more about mechanics and feel than anything else.
"It was real tough," Wright said. "Just about everything [went wrong]. The ball was up, the sinker was kind of flat, the curveball wasn't doing what it was supposed to. It seemed like everything I was throwing was at hitting speed today. It was up and right in the zone, and they weren't missing it at all."
Wright knows that his future could include a stint in the bullpen, but for now, he's not thinking that far ahead.
"When it comes down to that, if that's the way it plays out toward the end, I'll definitely do anything to play," Wright said. "Right now, I'm throwing in five days and still trying to start."
"Certainly, you'd rather have him pitch great, but it doesn't count yet," Torre said. "He has to be sharp when we start the season."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Jones homers twice, but Yanks fall short

2006-03-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
Pirates at the plate: It was a big day for the middle of the Pirates' lineup. Sean Casey, Jason Bay, Jeremy Burnitz and Joe Randa combined to go 7-for-10 with two home runs and six RBIs. Randa's three-run home run in the third inning ricocheted off the palm trees behind the left-field fence and landed on the roof of the Boys & Girls Club.
Yankees at the plate: Bubba Crosby led off the game with a home run to right field to give the Yankees their only lead. Mitch Jones paced the Bombers' offense by going 3-for-5 with a double and two home runs. Back-to-back long balls by Kevin Thompson and Jones in the ninth inning capped a five-run New York rally that came up just short.
Pirates on the mound: Two pitchers vying for the two openings in Pittsburgh's starting rotation had impressive outings. Lefty Sean Burnett settled down after surrendering Crosby's home run and held the Yankees to just one run on three hits. Right-hander Ian Snell blanked New York with three scoreless innings of relief.
Yankees on the mound: Starter Jaret Wright had an afternoon to forget for New York. The right-hander was tagged for eight runs on 11 hits and a walk in three innings. He allowed at least two runs and three hits during each of the first three frames. Ron Villone and Ramiro Mendoza each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.
Grapefruit League records: Pirates 9-5; Yankees 6-7.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Cairo be a contributor?

2006-03-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

03/13/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- It's hard to believe, but Opening Day is just three weeks away.
That's right. Three weeks from Monday, the Yankees will take the field against the A's in a meaningful game, the first of 162 in what they hope will be their first championship season since 2000.
No one will be at the World Baseball Classic. No one will be sitting out with minor bumps and bruises. Pitchers won't be on low pitch counts. Hitters will get more than three at-bats in a game [they hope].
I have enjoyed the Classic, and exhibition games are always good to get a look at some of the future stars of the game. But I can't wait for Opening Day. There's nothing else like it.
We had a nice potpourri of questions in this week's mailbag, so let's get to them.
How big of a role will Miguel Cairo have this year? Will he return to his 2004 postseason form in pinstripes? There has been little talk about this, and I feel the Yankees rely heavily on their utility player, which will be Cairo. -- Derek K., Fort Collins, Colo.
Cairo will be the backup at second, shortstop and third, but don't expect him to see nearly as much playing time as he did in his first stint with the Yankees.
Remember, in 2004, the Yanks entered the season with Enrique Wilson as the starter at second, with Cairo behind him. When Wilson struggled -- which was bound to happen -- the team gave Cairo a shot at the job, and he played well enough to hang on to it.
With Robinson Cano firmly entrenched at second now, it's unlikely that a slump would cost him his job as it did with Wilson. And with Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez playing short and third, it's going to be hard for Cairo to find much time at those positions, as well.
The Yankees went most of last season without a true utility infielder, as Tony Womack was converted into an outfielder and Rey Sanchez missed much of the season with an injury. Given the sturdiness of their infielders, Cairo isn't likely to get many at-bats this year. He will be valuable insurance, but don't expect him to post any real numbers.
Where do you think young pitching prospect Philip Hughes will start the year, Trenton or Columbus? How soon will we see him in the Majors?-- Chris S., Roanoke, Va.
I think Hughes, who pitched for two Class A teams last season, will start the season at Double-A Trenton. The Yankees are going to try to be careful with his arm, and he has had some injury problems already in his brief career, including tendinitis in his elbow last season.
With the number of guys on the big-league staff this year, there is virtually no chance that he makes any contribution to the Yankees, save for a possible September callup, so there is no reason for the team to rush him into Triple-A just yet.
If he has a good season at Double-A, there is nothing that says he has to ever pitch at Triple-A before reaching the Majors. Now, when exactly he reaches the Majors is another question altogether.
If I had to take a guess, I would say he is a part of the rotation by 2008. It's possible that he could get there by 2007, but he'll still be just 20 years old on Opening Day 2007. Of course, a dominant year in the Minors could always change people's minds. It will be interesting to monitor his progress as the season goes on.
Do you think that Jorge Posada and Randy Johnson will be able to effectively repair their pitcher/catcher relationship given the history with their egos?-- Gabriel G., Salinas, Calif.
I don't think it's fair to say that ego is the reason that Johnson and Posada didn't work well together last season. There have been several pitcher-catcher combos that have worked or not worked, and ego usually isn't the cause. Think of Andy Pettitte, who liked working with Jim Leyritz instead of Joe Girardi; was that ego? I don't think so.
Sometimes, it just doesn't work. Johnson ended up being better suited toward working with John Flaherty last season, and people made a huge deal out of it. Let's not forget, though, that Johnson pitched poorly in his playoff start with Flaherty, then put together a brilliant relief outing in Game 5 with Posada behind the plate.
The two of them have worked together a lot this spring, both in the bullpen and in games. I don't see any reason why they won't be able to work well together throughout the season, as long as they continue to communicate with each other as often as possible.
What's the deal with Marcos Vechionacci? Looking at his 2004 stats, he played in the Gulf Coast League and batted .336 with four homers, then at Staten Island he hit .292. The Yankees seem to have a fairly solid infield, so I was wondering what they would have in mind for him since he seems to be developing into a very good prospect.-- Anthony G., Boston
Vechionacci is one of the players who caught Joe Torre's eye early this spring, as the manager praised him as a special young talent during the first two weeks of camp. In fact, with Alex Rodriguez out west playing with Team USA, Torre has said he plans to give Vechionacci some playing time at third base during exhibition games.
He has been ranked as one of the club's top 10 prospects in each of the past two years, but he's not even 20 yet (he will reach that milestone in August), so it's way too early to tell what his future holds in the game, let alone with the Yankees.
Think about it this way; Rodriguez's contract isn't up for five more years. When it expires, Vechionacci will still be just 24 years old, so anything is possible. He played in 2004 with the Gulf Coast League Yankees, the Tampa Yankees and the Staten Island Yankees -- all low Class A clubs -- before joining Class A Charleston last year.
He hit .252 with two homers and 62 RBIs last season, so he is still a raw, unpolished player. That said, he's starting to fill out his 6-foot-2, 170-pound frame, and at 19 years old, he's going to get bigger, which will help his power. He is one to watch in the lower levels of the Yankees' system, but you won't see him in the Majors for quite some time.
Do you think any Yankees prospects will make an impact in 2006?-- Marc K., Scarsdale, N.Y.
That's always a loaded question. Last year, nobody would have predicted the success of Cano or Chien-Ming Wang, yet they both played a huge part in winning the division title.
As the team is set right now, none of the prospects are expected to break camp with a spot on the roster. If an injury occurs in the outfield, Kevin Thompson could be called up from Triple-A Columbus to fill a hole, while young pitchers such as Matt Smith and Matt DeSalvo could come up if the pitching staff needs help.
However, I don't see any of the team's prospects making the kind of contributions that Cano and Wang did last season. In 2007, you could see players like Hughes, J.B. Cox or Eric Duncan start to make their mark.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: Damon's left shoulder hurting

2006-03-26T08:06:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- Johnny Damon may be in Anaheim with Team USA, but the status of his left shoulder was a hot topic around Legends Field on Tuesday.
Damon was shut down from throwing this week to rest his sore left shoulder, limiting him to pinch-hitting duties for the U.S. at the World Baseball Classic. He did pinch-hit in Team USA's game on Monday, which was good news for Yankees manager Joe Torre.
"I don't really know the nature of it," Torre said. "The fact that he hit, that's a good sign for us. Hopefully it's just something that's connected with Spring Training."
Torre had not spoken with Damon as of Tuesday afternoon, as he was waiting to receive an update from the team's medical staff. General manager Brian Cashman, who was in Ft. Lauderdale on Tuesday to attend his grandmother's funeral, spoke with Damon on Monday but said through a team spokesman that he hadn't heard anything further on the matter.
Owner George Steinbrenner, who expressed his concerns about his players getting hurt by participating in the World Baseball Classic, declined to comment on the latest developments.
"Nothing to say," Steinbrenner said. "I've said it all."
Torre wouldn't speculate that Damon's injury was a result of playing in the tournament.
"It's a time of year that they're not used to being competitive," Torre said. "Whether it happened because of that, or the fact that it's just part of getting in shape, I don't know."
Torre noted that Damon, who battled shoulder problems last season, "didn't require any red flags" this spring to take care of his arm. Had that been the case, the team would have tried to prevent the center fielder from participating.
"That's the thing you dread most; the injury," Torre said. "Any manager feels the same way. It's sort of a helpless feeling."
Jason Giambi spoke to Damon at the beginning of the World Baseball Classic, but hasn't talked to him in the past few days. Giambi said that injuries such as Damon's are common in the early stages of spring, as players shake off the rust of the winter.
"You can't simulate games," Giambi said. "That's the hard part; when you first get down here, I don't care how much you train, you're always sore that first week, no matter how great shape you're in."
Back in action: Giambi returned to the Yankees' lineup on Tuesday, his first action since suffering a minor calf injury last Monday.
Giambi went 0-for-2 with an RBI sacrifice fly on Tuesday, driving in one of the Yankees' two runs.
"I felt great up there," Giambi said. "I didn't really miss a beat. I'm excited about where I am. ... My only concern was getting out of the box, since it's my back leg. It worked out great."
Giambi will make the trip to Kissimmee on Wednesday, though Torre hadn't decided whether he would use Giambi as the DH or at first base. Although the game is being played in the Astros' home park, Houston requested a DH be used in order to give Jeff Bagwell some at-bats.
Second helping: Tanyon Sturtze took the mound for the second time this spring, allowing one run in one inning against the Cardinals.
Sturtze, who threw a scoreless frame in his debut on Sunday, is a couple of weeks behind the rest of the pitching staff, but is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
"He was messed up mechanically," said Torre, adding that Sturtze had no physical problems. "He was flying open. Once he started, he started fighting himself. It's something he's going to have to deal with."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Big Unit rounding into form

2006-03-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- Opening Day is less than three weeks away, and Randy Johnson is right on schedule.
The Big Unit took the mound for his third start of the spring on Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings against the Cardinals at Legends Field. Johnson is 0-1 with a 5.25 ERA, but the left-hander believes he's exactly where he should be with three spring starts remaining.
"I think the results on the scoreboard don't necessarily reflect how I feel," Johnson said. "If I'm getting something out of the performance, then to me, it doesn't really matter what the scoreboard indicates."
"He had a real good angle on his slider, had life on his fastball and threw some good splitters," said manager Joe Torre. "He really did it quickly, too."
Johnson looked like he was in midseason form during the first four innings, allowing just one hit. After giving up a one-out single to So Taguchi in the first, Johnson retired the next 11 batters, using just 36 pitches through four frames.
"I still made a couple of mistakes," Johnson said. "They may not have been noticeable on the scoreboard, but to me and Kelly [Stinnett], we realized and knew we made some mistakes and got away with them. You're not going to be perfect out there every pitch, but overall, I felt pretty good."
Johnson struck out Scott Spiezio to start the fifth, but Chris Duncan -- the 24-year-old son of St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan -- took Johnson deep to tie the game at 1.
From there, Johnson allowed three consecutive singles, giving the Cardinals a one-run lead. One out later, Johnson walked Taguchi to load the bases, but he got Scott Rolen for the third out on a hard-hit fly ball that sent Bubba Crosby back toward the warning track.
"I cruised along through the first four innings, but then I kind of hit a wall I guess," Johnson said. "When you get to the fifth inning, you can't lose your concentration, despite maybe hitting a wall because you're a little tired.
"Those are the things you go through and get beyond during Spring Training," he added. "I'd rather have that experience now than during the year."
"That's why you start with two or three innings and then stretch it out an inning each time," Torre said. "Stamina is something you work toward right now."
Johnson has thrown 12 innings this spring, putting him on pace to hit the goal of 27-30 innings that he set for himself. His next start will come on Sunday at home against the Indians, followed by road starts against the Twins and Tigers to wrap up his spring.
As a power pitcher, Johnson has more to work into shape than some of his teammates. In addition to working on his mechanics and location, the 42-year-old has to build his arm strength to the point where he can reach the mid-to-high 90s with his fastball with regularity.
"I'd love to have my velocity, location and mechanics all down, but all three things take time," Johnson said. "The only way to work on things is to go out and pitch in games. I've seen little bits of improvement in all three areas; my location was much better today, my velocity was better in my last start and my slider was better today.
"The more you pitch, the more chances you have to work on those things and get everything where you want them to be," Johnson added. "You have to put it all together, and sometime before spring is over, have the finished product that goes into Opening Day."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Yankees fall to Cardinals

2006-03-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
Yankees at the plate: Robinson Cano went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in the fourth inning, his second homer of the spring. Jason Giambi returned to the lineup for the first time in more than a week, going 0-for-2 with an RBI sacrifice fly in the sixth.
Cardinals at the plate: Chris Duncan drove in two of the Cardinals' three runs, one on a solo homer against Randy Johnson in a two-run fifth inning. Duncan drove in the game-winner in the eighth, plating Larry Bigbie to snap a 2-2 tie.
Yankees on the mound: Johnson looked sharp during his first four innings, allowing just one hit. The Big Unit gave up two runs in the fifth, including the home run by Duncan. Johnson finished the day after five, charged with two runs on five hits and a walk, striking out four. Mariano Rivera threw a perfect sixth inning. Tanyon Sturtze allowed one run in the eighth, taking the loss.
Cardinals on the mound: Sidney Ponson started the game, allowing one run on two hits -- one a homer by Cano -- over four innings. Ponson, who is battling for the fifth starter spot, did not walk or strike out any hitters. Jason Isringhausen pitched a scoreless fifth inning for St. Louis. Anthony Reyes pitched three innings of one-run ball for the victory.
Grapefruit League records: Yankees 6-8; Cardinals 7-6.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Team USA may not have Damon

2006-03-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

03/14/2006
ANAHEIM -- If the United States is to survive the second round of the inaugural World Baseball Classic, the Americans may have to do it without Johnny Damon.
The New York Yankees' new center fielder said on Monday night that because of a sore left shoulder, he has been shut down from throwing for a few days by Team USA trainers in consultation with Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Damon said he had spoken with Cashman personally on Sunday.
"It's been bothering me for the last couple of days," Damon told several reporters after the U.S. dropped a crucial 7-3 decision to Korea at Angel Stadium. "It's just kind of Spring Training tiredness. As much as I want to push it, I don't want to take any chances with [Yankees principal owner George Steinbrenner]."
The U.S. may only be able to use Damon as a pinch-hitter or designated hitter in what could be Thursday night's make-or-break showdown with Mexico. First, the U.S. needs either the Mexicans or Koreans to defeat the Japanese on Tuesday or Wednesday night for that game to even matter.
And if the U.S. moves on to the semifinals and finals this coming Saturday and Monday in San Diego's PETCO Park, Damon could be replaced on the 30-man roster. A player can be replaced in between rounds only in the case of injury or bereavement.
But USA Baseball isn't left with many viable outfield options. There are six on the current roster, but the four others on the 52-man provisional roster -- Barry Bonds, Lance Berkman, Carl Crawford and Luis Gonzalez -- all opted out for either injury or personal reasons.
"That's up to Buck," said Damon, referring to U.S. manager Buck Martinez. "I'm going to let him run his roster. You have to have as much respect for him as possible. I'd love to be healthy enough to be with the team, but if that's not a possibility, I wouldn't want to try and play and take up a spot."
Damon, who played center field for the 2004 Boston Red Sox team that won its first World Series title in 86 years, signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Yankees this past offseason. Damon, 32, is replacing incumbent Bernie Williams, and big things are expected of him from Steinbrenner, who has been vocal in his opposition of his players participating in the tournament.
Damon is joined on the U.S. squad by Yankees teammates Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Al Leiter. Williams is playing for Puerto Rico.
Damon said he would continue his Spring Training conditioning by doing his running and riding a stationary bike, and would resume taking batting practice perhaps as soon as Tuesday, but he said the Yankees were obviously his top priority.
"We talked to the [Team USA] trainers and the [Yankees] trainers," Damon said, "[and] Cashman. They all agreed that it would be a good idea to shut it down for a short period of time. You don't want to push anything in Spring Training. You want to get ready for the [regular season] games. That's the important thing. I talked to Cash. I told him everything is fine. I'm just a little tired. I just needed a little break."
Reporters began to suspect that something was up on Monday night, when Martinez didn't have Damon in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game. Damon has been playing left field in the tournament with Ken Griffey Jr. in center. On Monday, Martinez subbed in Colorado Rockies left fielder Matt Holliday, who is now 0-for-7 in the Classic.
The plot thickened when Damon (1-for-7 with no RBIs) didn't emerge from the clubhouse before the game for either stretching or batting practice, missing his assigned hitting group.
Martinez said at first that there was nothing physically wrong with Damon, but just before the game began, a USA Baseball spokesman said Damon had worked out in the indoor cages and was nursing a sore shoulder.
"Johnny Damon is cool with everything," Martinez said when asked if he had spoken to the outfielder about the current situation. "He understands what's going on here and the challenges of winning this tournament. We'll use his bat, and I'm sure he will be very important to us before all is said and done."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Damon has left shoulder tendinitis

2006-03-26T08:01:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- Johnny Damon was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left shoulder, easing the minds of both Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Torre.
Damon, who was taken out of Team USA's World Baseball Classic starting lineup this week because of the shoulder problem, visited Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Angels' medical director, on Tuesday in Southern California.
An MRI exam revealed no damage other than the tendinitis, and Damon will remain in Anaheim with Team USA. He won't throw for about a week, limiting him to pinch-hitting and pinch-running duties only.
"He feels he can pinch-run right now and maybe hit," Cashman said. "He just needs to get it calmed down, and that's why he's not a defensive player for them right now."
"I'm not concerned about him, based on the fact that I saw him pinch-hit the other day, plus the fact that Cash talked to him," Torre said. "It appears to be a Spring Training type of feeling."
Cashman said that Damon had no issues with the shoulder before leaving for the World Baseball Classic on March 2, so he assumes that the problem stems from something he did during the tournament.
"It happened obviously while he was out there," Cashman said. "He passed his physical; it wasn't an issue. Everybody has issues, and you go through the physicals and come up with how concerned you are with any preexisting things, but that's not one of them."
Should the U.S. advance to the semifinals, it is unknown whether Damon would stay with the team or be replaced by another player. Cashman plans to speak with Dr. Yocum on Thursday before Team USA's game to find out the doctor's recommendation.
"Based on what my conversation was last night, right now, he can pinch-run and might be able to hit," Cashman said. "If that's the case and he can get the treatment that he needs, then we'll continue it out there. But obviously if it's of a level higher than that, we'll pull him."
Cashman, who described his concern as "low-level," has spoken with Damon twice since Sunday, and he said the outfielder's attitude is as positive as ever.
"He's upbeat; he's a positive man," Cashman said. "From my limited experience with Johnny, that's what he always is. He's a bright-side type guy and he feels he's going to be fine and ready and this is [only] a small problem for him."
Damon is 1-for-7 in four Classic games, his only hit being a triple in the first game on March 7. He hopes to contribute to the team in any way possible, though he knows that his top priority is to be ready when the Yankees' season opens on April 3.
"He wants to help that USA team win, but he's also committed to being ready for us at the same time," Cashman said. "It's one of those balancing acts."
"Johnny knows what's important," Torre said. "They want to win there, but he also knows he has to get himself right to help whatever club he's playing for. He knows that, even though he's playing in the Classic, it's still the time of year when you get yourself in shape."
Cashman wouldn't comment on his feelings toward the injury taking place during the World Baseball Classic.
"I'm not even going to go there," the GM said. "All I can pass along is that you have all the knowledge I have right now. He's a player with limitations right now. We'll get him back here sooner than later, I hope."
It is unclear whether Damon will miss any exhibition games after he returns to the Yankees, but Cashman doesn't expect the center fielder to have any problem being ready for Opening Day.
"This is something that should calm down and should be able to get out of the way in time for our season to start," Cashman said. "Based on what I've been told by Dr. Yocum, hopefully this is nothing more than tendinitis that sprung up because he pushed himself. We'll give it a chance to calm down, then get him going again and be ready when the games count."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Notes: Mussina sharp, feeling good

2006-03-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Mike Mussina was in midseason form on Wednesday, but the veteran isn't going to let a solid outing on March 15 fool him into thinking that he's ready for the season just yet.
Mussina allowed one run on three hits over five innings, walking one batter while striking out eight. He threw 78 pitches -- a spring high for any Yankees pitcher -- including 60 strikes.
"I did everything and anything I wanted to do in any count," Mussina said. "When you go to the mound, you hope it feels like that, that your stuff is like that. Ninety percent of the time, it isn't; but on the days it is, it's really a lot of fun to pitch."
"He was great today," said manager Joe Torre. "He had real good command, got a good workout and seemed to do whatever he wanted to. I know he's got to be really satisfied with himself."
Mussina is now 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA in three spring starts, though he also tossed a pair of scoreless innings in the team's intrasquad game. His elbow, which has caused him problems at some point during each of the past two seasons, has not given him any trouble.
"I'm just glad that I'm throwing the ball like that, that it feels good and that I'm healthy," he said. "That's what is important to me."
Mussina will make three more starts this spring, including road starts at Detroit and Tampa Bay and a home start to close out the Grapefruit League season against the Devil Rays. He knows that it will be difficult to top this outing in five days, but he still has some things to work on before the regular season arrives.
"To think that I'm going to take what I did out there today and improve on it much the next time, there's not much else I can do," Mussina said. "That's as good as I've got right there, so we'll go out and try to repeat it. It will happen from time to time, but it's not going to happen every time."
Pavano progressing: Carl Pavano threw a 45-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday, his fourth of the spring. Pavano will throw a light 'pen session on Friday, then throw batting practice for the first time on Sunday.
"I've felt good consistently every time out," Pavano said. "I'm not hesitant at all. I would throw more, but this is the program."
Pavano said that his stamina is not an issue, though he spent some of his session on Wednesday working on slowing himself down between pitches.
"Seeing a hitter in there will be good," he said of Sunday's BP session. "I think there's some benefit to it."
Torre said that Pavano will probably need "a few" batting practice sessions before pitching in a game. If Pavano can't pitch in a game until the final week of the spring, he would pitch on the Minor League side in order to keep the date of his DL stint as far back as possible.
Who's on first? Jason Giambi, who has started the past two games as the designated hitter, will be back in the field on Thursday against the Astros.
Giambi hasn't played first base since March 6, the day he strained his left calf muscle. Torre was going to play Giambi at first on Wednesday, but decided to wait until Giambi was back at Legends Field on Thursday.
"I feel more secure playing him at first base on a field I know is good," Torre said.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Small likely to start '06 on disabled list

2006-03-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Aaron Small will likely open the season on the disabled list, as the Yankees right-hander strained his right hamstring while running on Tuesday.
Although he is not battling for a spot in the starting rotation, Small was scheduled to start in the Yankees' split-squad game in Lakeland, Fla., against the Tigers on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Yankees scratched Small from that start, so they will use either right-hander Matt DeSalvo or left-hander Sean Henn in his place.
"I just tweaked it a little," said Small, who is 0-0 with a 4.05 ERA in three relief outings this spring. "It will set me back a little bit, but I've never done it before, so I don't know how long it will be. They said these things need time to heal, since they have a way of lingering."
Manager Joe Torre said that Small will "probably" open the year on the disabled list, as he won't be able to take part in regular activities for more than a week.
"He probably won't be ready," Torre said. "It's probably going to be 10 days or two weeks."
Even with Carl Pavano expected to join Small on the DL to start the season, the Yankees should have five healthy starters on Opening Day. New York won't need a fifth starter until the third week of April, so that pitcher will take Small's place as the long man in the bullpen.
"We're still going to have that extra starter anyway, only needing four during the first couple of weeks," Torre said. "That will help get us through."
Small will continue a throwing program to keep his arm in shape while his leg heals. He hasn't ruled out being ready for Opening Day, though he didn't sound optimistic.
"I slightly pulled it. It's going to take a little time," Small said. "I hope I'm ready. It remains to be seen."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Mussina, offense spark Yanks in rout

2006-03-26T07:58:00.000-08:00

03/15/2006
Yankees at the plate: Robinson Cano was 3-for-4, with a leadoff double in the third. Mitch Jones homered twice -- a leadoff shot in the fourth and a two-run homer in the ninth. Andy Phillips was 4-for-5 with two RBIs. Kevin Thompson was 4-for-5 with two doubles and three RBIs.
Astros at the plate: The Astros managed just five hits off five New York pitchers. Preston Wilson doubled and scored in the second on Chris Burke's groundout, marking Houston's lone run. Charlton Jimerson was 1-for-3, with a fifth-inning double.
Yankees on the mound: Right-hander Mike Mussina allowed one run on three hits over five innings, walking one and striking out eight. He threw 78 pitches, 60 for strikes.
Astros on the mound: Left-hander Andy Pettitte, making his first spring start, yielded two runs on five hits, with a walk and two strikeouts over three innings. He threw 44 pitches, 30 for strikes. Steve Sparks allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits, with a walk and three strikeouts over four innings.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

Mattingly dreams of managing in bigs

2006-03-26T07:57:00.000-08:00

03/16/2006
TAMPA, Fla. -- When Don Mattingly hung up his spikes and called it a career, he knew that someday he would get back into the game as a coach. He just didn't know when.
It turned out to be 2004, as Mattingly slipped back into the only big-league uniform he ever wore, taking a job as Yankees manager Joe Torre's hitting coach.
Now in his third season, Mattingly knows that someday he would like a chance to manage in the Majors. He just doesn't know when.
"I'm not saying I'm ready now, but I think it's something I can do," Mattingly said. "I've always felt like I can do anything I put my mind to. If I want to do it -- if I'm willing to learn and get better at it -- I can do anything."
Mattingly got a little practice on Thursday, sitting in for Torre during the team's split-squad game at Legends Field against the Astros.
It was the second time this spring that Mattingly served as manager, as Torre wanted to bring bench coach Lee Mazzilli and third-base coach Larry Bowa with him to the Yankees' other split-squad game.
Despite the presence of former big-league managers Mazzilli, Bowa, Tony Pena and Joe Kerrigan on the coaching staff, it is widely assumed that Mattingly will take over for Torre whenever he decides to hand over the reins.
It wouldn't be so preposterous, considering that Mattingly has seen three of his fellow coaches -- Mazzilli, Willie Randolph and Joe Girardi -- land their first managing jobs in the past two-plus years.
During his playing career, Mattingly would think about being a manager from time to time, though he said he didn't have all that much time to spend dwelling on the topic.
With a job to do as the Yankees' first baseman, captain and face of the team, Mattingly would simply observe how his various managers conducted their business, dealt with players and handled the game.
None of them impressed Mattingly as much as Torre has during his tenure in New York.
"He makes it look easier than it is," Mattingly said. "There's a lot that goes on, the decisions he's making, but he does it so easily."
Mattingly points to Torre's handling of his players away from the field as one of the most important aspects of his job, noting that the manager often sees things from a big-picture standpoint that other people might overlook.
"He's very patient with the guys, and Joe really understands the length of the season," Mattingly said. "He understands the day-in, day-out, long course of the year. He sees everything; Joe doesn't miss anything. If a guy seems like he is a little bothered by something, he sees it right away."
Last spring, Mattingly had a situation of his own to deal with, as he worked closely with Jason Giambi, who was being scrutinized after a winter loaded with controversy stemming from the BALCO case.
"We came into camp saying, 'Jason, it's going to be a rough year. I don't care what happens, it's going to be a rough year,'" Mattingly said. "It started out like that, he had to answer a lot of questions, but he finally turned it around."
Giambi has credited Mattingly with playing a major role in that turnaround, both on and off the field. Mattingly worked with Giambi in the cage every day during the season, trying to get the slugger back to his MVP form of 2000.
"I'm happy for him from the standpoint of what he went through last year," Mattingly said. "It couldn't have ended much better for him than it did. We came into this spring with Jason in a positive frame of mind and with us confident in what he can do."
Giambi, who closed the season with 32 homers, 87 RBIs and the American League's Comeback Player of the Year Award, believes that Mattingly will be a good manager -- as long as he's willing to give up the one-on-one time he currently spends with players.
"Donnie likes to have the interaction, he's so good with what he does, and as a manager, you have to oversee everything," Giambi said. "You lose that closeness to guys that he develops.
"If he wants to do it, he'll be great. He knows the game very well."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/