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New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera not worried about recent homers

DETROIT -- Sirens and strobe lights went off during the eighth inning on Wednesday night as a robotic voice over the Comerica Park loudspeakers instructed fans to calmly find the nearest stairway. Perhaps the Yankees bullpen was a bit quick to heed the evacuation order.

As it turns out, it was a false alarm, though could you blame Joe Girardi if he was tempted to break the glass in the ninth, when Jonathan Albaladejo and Mariano Rivera took an 8-1 lead and turned it into a slim 8-6 advantage?

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New York Yankees pitchers dealing with injuries

Triple-A right-hander Ian Kennedy will begin taking medication to treat the numbness in the middle finger of his pitching hand. Kennedy will be shut down until Monday, when he is scheduled to undergo a follow-up exam.

Until then, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Kennedy will wear a special glove. He has been diagnosed with a vasospasm.

- Chien-Ming Wang will throw as many as 65 pitches on Saturday, when he is scheduled to pitch in game-like conditions. Wang is at the Yankees' complex in Tampa, rehabbing his hip weakness..

Source: nj.com

In return to New York Yankees, Phil Hughes delivers vintage performance

by Marc Carig

Almost exactly two years ago, in only his second major league start, Phil Hughes was no-hitting the Texas Rangers when he felt a pop in his hamstring, which forced him to leave before he could complete his bid. In one evening, Hughes had seemingly captured what would become the essence of his career, his significant talent trumped by injury.

But what stood out was how dominant Hughes looked before he got hurt that night. Once named the best right-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball, he was as good as the hype had promised.

"It seems like a long time ago," Hughes said, looking back at the last time he felt as good as he did on Tuesday.

Indeed, since that electrifying coming out party, the mega-talent Hughes has endured a baseball odyssey filled with injuries, struggles, setbacks, and now after what he did on Tuesday night against the Tigers, perhaps redemption.

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Lineups set as New York Yankees begin abbreviated series against Oakland Athletics

by Star-Ledger

Andy Pettitte faces Dana Eveland as the Yankees and Athletics begin a short series Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The series is off to a belated start thanks to the rainstorms that soaked much of the Northeast on Monday, causing the postponement of the scheduled series opener, which will be made up in July.

Besides welcoming a fresh opponent into the new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees will be opposing a familiar face. Jason Giambi, back with Oakland after seven seasons as a Yankee, returns to the Bronx hitting third and playing first base for the A's. He will face off against fellow lefty and former teammate Pettitte, who is 1-0 with a 2.51 ERA in two starts. Eveland, also a left hander, is 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts.

Here are the lineups:

Yankees

1) Jeter SS
2) Damon LF
3) Teixeira 1B
4) Posada C
5) Cano 2B
6) Swisher RF
7) Matsui DH
8) Ransom 3B
9) Gardner CF

Pettitte P

A's

1) Sweeney RF
2) Cabrera SS
3) Giambi 1B
4) Holliday LF
5) Cust DH
6) Ellis 2B
7) Chavez 3B
8) Suzuki C
9) Davis CF

Eveland P

NY Yankees vs Mumbai Indians

WASHINGTON: Mumbai Indians vs New York Yankees, anyone? The oft-projected dream of big time cricket returning to the United States is being cranked up again with plans for an American Premier League (APL) on the lines of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

If that happens, the game could even have a new celebrity fan - US President Barack Obama. On a visit to Trinidad this past weekend, Obama wielded the bat under the tutelage of the great Brian Lara, essaying a left-handed cover drive after dropping in at the stadium named after the country's national hero.

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MLB Odds, MLB Picks, MLB Trends For Thursday April 16th

by Glen McNeil

MLB Odds, MLB Picks and MLB Scores For Thursday April 16th: Cleveland vs NY Yankees get started of with a 1:05 PM ET. Yankees are 5-0 in their last 5 games as a home favorite. Indians are 6-20 in the last 26 meetings in New York. The MLB Trends say to Bet on NY Yankees. The MLB Odds list NY Yankees (-190) favorites to Cleveland (+180) underdog.

Florida vs Atlanta in the National league get's started at 12:00 PM ET. Under is 6-0 in Marlins last 6 games as an underdog of +110 to +150. Under is 8-0 in Marlins last 8 games as an underdog. MLB Trends say to Bet on the under the total. The MLB odds list Atlanta (-130) favorites to Florida (+120) underdogs.

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Derek Jeter comes up big as New York Yankees beat Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3

by Marc Carig

How many times have we seen this before?

With his team in desperate need of a big hit, Derek Jeter delivered a two-out single in the top of the ninth, providing the go-ahead run as the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 at Tropicana Field.

"I told you our season wasn't over after two games," said Jeter, who went 2-for-4 with a double.

The hit ensured that the Yankees would finish with a winning record during a nine-game road trip to start the season. Robinson Cano hit a two-run homer and Johnny Damon collected two hits in his return from illness.

The Yankees' excursion began with back-to-back losses at Baltimore but ended with back-to-back victories in St. Pete. With a 5-4 record, the Yankees come home to inaugurate the new Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

Game No. 9: New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays

by Marc Carig

From Tropicana Field:

7:19: Yankees 4, Rays 3. It's a winning road trip for the Yankees.

7:10 p.m.: Derek Jeter is clutch. That's not news. But it's newsworthy, because he just drove in Cody Ransom for the go-ahead run. It's 4-3 Yankees going into the ninth. Will the other No. 42 please stand up?

7:06 p.m.: Well, Scottvic47, care to share tonight's lottery numbers while you're at it? Double by Ransom in the ninth. Go-ahead run in scoring position.

7:03 p.m.: I love the prediction by Scottvic47 (check it in comments). I don't know if I have enough courage to predict Cody Ransom coming up big. But it's good to know somebody else does.

6:52 p.m.: Nice work by Andy Pettitte. He leaves with one out in the eighth. Pettite allowed a run and three hits. Most importantly, he's gone deep, which can only help the 'pen. Brian Bruney, come on down!

6:47 p.m.: Good news: The Yankees tied it up. Bad news: They missed an opportunity to pull ahead. Johnny Damon was stranded on second. On to the bottom of the eighth.

6:32 p.m.: All tied up at three thanks to Johnny Damon's RBI double down the right field line. It's been a hectic week for Damon, whose mother recently spent three days in a local hospital. Damon was literally worried sick during his mom's illness. He's been fighting chest congestion.

6:29 p.m.: The Yankees trail by one in the eighth but Derek Jeter has made things interesting. The Captain's leadoff double gives the Yankees the tying run. Johnny Damon, Mark Teixeira and, possibly, Nick Swisher are due up. They will face the lefty J.P. Howell, who has just come on in relief.

5:25 p.m.: Carlos Pena just put one about 20 rows up in right. 3-2 Rays.

5:23 p.m: Robinson Cano is named after Jackie Robinson. So, who better to go off on Jackie Robinson Day? Cano bounced a game-tying homer off the purple painted concrete beyond the center field fence. I haven't heard an estimate on distance, but conservatively, I'd say it was, like, 663 feet. Give or take.

Anyway, Cano has homered, doubled and made a nice catch with his back to the plate to save a run in the third. Thanks to Robbie, it's 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth.

5:01 p.m.: Ah, nothing like the ol' 5-3-6 double play to get out of a jam. With Gabe Kapler on second, Michel Hernandez grounded to third. Ramiro Pena threw across to first, prompting Kapler to break for third. But Mark Teixeira quickly threw back across the diamond. Derek Jeter, covering third, rescued a wayward throw and applied the tag. Even with two outs, the Rays rallied to score a pair of runs off Yankee starter Andy Pettitte. It's 2-0 Rays in the bottom of the third.

4:54 p.m.: In the battle of Andys, the Rays' Andy Sonnanstine was the first to blink. Johnny Damon beat out a grounder to short, giving the Yankees runners on first and second in the third. But Mark Teixeira couldn't the two-out rally count, flying out to right.

4:18 p.m.: First pitch, Andy Sonnanstine to Derek Jeter, called strike.

4:06 p.m.: It's Jackie Robinson Day all around baseball. If you haven't already noticed yet, everybody's wearing Robinson's No. 42 in his honor. I bet it makes for an easy day for the guy who makes up the programs they give out at the park.

Anyway, Cody Ransom will sit for the second-straight day in favor of Ramiro Pena, even though Joe Girardi insists Ransom's the every day guy. We'll see. Hideki Matsui is also out again, with Posada serving as the designated hitter and Molina as the catcher. Matsui hasn't looked very good either, and his obvious knee pain and his 3-for-24 start this season, would make him a natural choice to sit.

For the Rays, Evan Longoria is reportedly missing the game to tend to a family matter.

Source: nj.com

New York Yankees right fielder Xavier Nady headed to disabled list

by Marc Carig

This much is known after an MRI on his right elbow on Wednesday: Xavier Nady will spend some time on the disabled list. But Nady refuses to disclose the exact nature of the injury until he is examined by team doctors in New York on Wednesday.

"Hopefully I'll have a clearer picture for you guys tomorrow," Nady said.

He called the results of his MRI "not great." Nady left the game Tuesday after feeling a sharp pain in his elbow.

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New York Yankees

The Yankees take on the Oakland A's

BY ALLEN BARRA

We're not going to tell you that the prices aren't insane, but if the rotation holds, Joba will be starting this game. The Oakland A's, like the New York Yankees, finished a disappointing third in their division last season, but it was a rebuilding year and Oakland had a good winter—doesn't Billy Beane always?—so they should be more formidable. So should the Yankees with the return of Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui, and the acquisition of Mark Teixeira. Added attraction: You can, if you choose, boo Jason Giambi to make up for all the times Oakland fans booed him after he came to the Yankees. Also, the A's signed Nomar Garciaparra, the only Red Sox player that Yankee fans didn't completely hate—let's hope he can avoid injury long enough to play in the new stadium.

New York Yankees Week In Review: April 6-12

by Tom Schecter

Some notes and observations from the opening series of the 2009

OPENING DAY: Orioles 10, Yankees 5

Well...C.C. Sabathia was a disaster this afternoon. His breaking ball looked spectacular, but if he can't locate his fastball, he's as good as useless on any given day. His velocity on the pitch was down around 90-91, and he couldn't throw the first-pitch strikes he's used to. In short, he looked nervous, like at the beginning of last year when he was pitching for a contract.

The rest of the team wasn't particularly impressive; a four-run eighth inning given up by the bullpen, a couple of runners failing to advance in big spots. Teixeira and Ransom, in particular, looked like they were trying to do too much with every pitch they swung at.

Bright spots? Posada looks healthy; he threw out Roberts trying to steal (no small feat) and looked comfortable and hungry at the plate. Cano was locked in. Nick Swisher had a great at bat pinch-hitting late in the game.

The Yankee plate approach looks intact: See a lot of pitches and make the bullpen kill itself for four innings instead of having an easy two. I liked that everyone was trying to hit the ball to the opposite field. I won't miss Giambi's compulsion to pull everything he sees.

April 8: Orioles 7, Yankees 5

Wang looked like he didn't know the 2007 ALDS was over...I think he was wondering where Torre was when Girardi came to get him in the fourth.

The bullpen was awesome. Hands down, this is the best collection of arms we've had since the Stanton-Lloyd-Mendoza crew in the late 90s. The Orioles will absolutely live to regret turning Tex around to hit right-handed against Sherrill in the ninth. Maybe as soon as tomorrow.

Matsui looked pretty bad. Cano looks awesome. Gardner could stand to work a couple more walks. Ransom is hitting the ball hard, right at people. Jeter is (sigh) not as fast as he was two or three years ago. Where's that Rodriguez guy?

April 9: Yankees 11, Orioles 2

As soon as Burnett got Huff to swing over that 3-2 slider to get out of a bases-loaded jam, I knew the Yankees would win this game. His stuff is filthy. I can't wait to see him face off against Beckett or Penny in a few weeks. He looks like he's relaxed, and he looks like he loves being a Yankee. The fist pump when he walked off the mound was Joba-esque.

Speaking of fist pumps...Swisher is my new favorite Yankee. Three big RBIs and a hilarious post-game press conference will do that real quick. Nice to have a big, goofy personality in the clubhouse who's more talented than "El Sid" Ponson.

Tex hit a home run to the opposite field. Cano hit a home run to the opposite field. Jose Molina drove in a run on a single to the opposite field. Watch for this pattern to continue revealing itself in most of the Yankees' wins this season.

Another strong performance by the bullpen. Since the eighth inning of Opening Night, eight hitless, scoreless innings. I'm a happy boy. Things are looking up. Rivera ended the game by striking a dude out looking on a back-door cut fastball. Consistently 91 mph at 40 years old. He's so good.

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Tampa Bay Rays facts: home opener against New York Yankees

Today's schedule

2: Parking lots open

4: Gates open; Rays players greet fans at rotunda entrance and Gate 4

4:40: Rays batting practice

5:25: Yankees batting practice

6:37: Introduction of starting lineups

6:50: National anthem by BK Jackson, 17-year-old saxophonist from Tampa's Blake High; unfurling of 300- by 150-foot flag in the shape of continental United States; colors presented by U.S. Central Command Joint Service color guard

6:52: Ceremonial first pitch by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist

7: Raising of AL East and AL championship banners above leftfield by team officials, staff and players assisted by MacDill Air Force Base Joint Communications Support Element

7:08: First pitch by Scott Kazmir

Details: The Rays are 5-6 in home openers. … This is the latest they have played a home opener. … It is the second time they have opened at home against the Yankees; also 2004 after starting the season in Japan. … The opener sold out Feb. 26, but tickets for all other games are available.

Even in defeat, Joba Chamberlain offers good signs for New York Yankees

by Marc Carig

Thanks to a bullpen blowup, the six solid innings that pitcher Joba Chamberlain produced on Sunday afternoon may easily get lost in the shuffle. Nevertheless, the Yankees right-hander offered signs that he's worked his way into form after enduring a spring filled with ups and downs.

"I got ahead early and I think that set the tone for me as far as getting going and getting established, especially this being the first outing of the year," Chamberlain said after the Yankees fell to the Kansas City Royals 6-4 in his season debut.

The end result couldn't be pinned on Chamberlain, who exited the game in the seventh inning with a 4-3 lead. The right-hander's final line has him down for three runs, one earned and five hits in over six innings. But he pitched better than the stats would indicate.

The only real problem spot for Chamberlain came in the fourth inning, when he started the frame by walking a batter and then hitting the next one with a pitch. Chamberlain was close to escaping without damage, retiring the next two batters. He appeared to have the third when he induced a roller to the right side of the infield off the bat of Kansas City's Alberto Callaspo.

Instead, Callaspo's grounder bounced through the legs of both first baseman Nick Swisher and second baseman Robinson Cano, allowing the Royals to push ahead 2-1. The Royals made it 3-1 on an RBI single by John Buck, one of his three RBIs on the day.

"That kind of opened up the gate a little bit," said Swisher, who committed the error because he incorrectly expected the grounder to bounce a bit higher off the soggy turf.

Even after the bad break, Chamberlain settled in, working out of a two-out jam in the fifth before retiring the side in order in the sixth, his final inning, which he reached in 88 pitches.

The Yankees then pushed ahead 4-3 behind a three runs rally in the seventh, putting Chamberlain in line for the victory until the bullpen surrendered the lead in the eighth.

"Really, I look at it as one run in six innings," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He threw the ball pretty well. His velocity was great. His strikes were great. I thought he threw the ball pretty good."

Recap: Kansas City vs. NY Yankees

John Buck went 3-for-4 with a homer and drove in three runs, as the Kansas City Royals scored three times in the eighth inning to edge the New York Yankees, 6-4, to salvage the rain-soaked finale of a three-game set from Kauffman Stadium.

Alberto Callaspo went 2-for-4 and drove in a pair of runs for the Royals, who moved to 3-3 on the young season. Brayan Pena knocked in the other run for Kansas City.

Gil Meche lasted seven innings and gave up four runs on six hits, while fanning six in the no-decision. Juan Cruz (1-0) got the win after throwing a perfect eighth and Joakim Soria earned his third save of the season by striking out the side in the ninth.

Xavier Nady and Robinson Cano drove in the runs for the Yankees, who saw their three-game winning streak halted.

Joba Chamberlain lasted six frames in his season debut and was touched for three runs on five hits with five strikeouts and only one walk. Phil Coke (0-1) blew the save opportunity and took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits while getting the last out in the eighth.

"The one or two pitches I did make they still hit," said Coke. "I don't have any excuses and I wouldn't make one for myself. I'm really disappointed because I felt I stunk it up pretty bad."

The visitors made some noise in the seventh, scoring three times to go in front. Nick Swisher hit a leadoff single to begin the stanza and Hideki Matsui followed suit with a base hit. Nady kept it going with an RBI double down the left field line and Cano hit a grounder that first baseman Mike Jacobs misplayed, as Matsui scored. Melky Cabrera then hit into a 6-4-3 double play, but it allowed Nady to score as the Yanks took the lead, 4-3.

The home team got those runs back and more the next inning. Jose Veras came on in relief of Damaso Marte with two out and nobody on base, but he walked pinch-hitter Billy Butler. Coke was then summoned from the bullpen and he gave up an RBI double to Pena. Callaspo followed with an RBI single and Buck stroked a run-scoring double to left. Willie Bloomquist struck out to end the inning, but the Royals held a 6-4 lead.

"I knew it was only a matter of time before the guys put it together," Buck said of the rally.

Soria was on the hill for the Royals in the ninth trying to close it out and got Matsui looking for the first out. Nady went down swinging for the second out and Cano followed suit to end the game.

The Yankees got on the board in the first inning. Brett Gardner led off the game with a single, stole second as Derek Jeter went down swinging, moved to third on Swisher's groundout and came home as Meche unleashed a wild pitch to Matsui, who eventually walked. Nady, though, popped up to end the rally.

Buck got Kansas City's first hit with one out in the third inning -- a homer to left-center that tied the game.

The home team put up more runs as the rain began to pick up in the fourth. David DeJesus led off with a walk and Mark Teahen was then hit by a pitch. Jacobs and Tony Pena were both retired, but Callaspo hit a slow roller towards the first-base side that Swisher and Cano both missed, which allowed DeJesus to score and left runners on the corners. Buck followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1 before Bloomquist grounded out to end the inning.

Wrist tendinitis serves as birthday gift for New York Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira

by Marc Carig

The black and white balloons near Mark Teixeira's locker on Saturday night were a gift from teammate A.J. Burnett, who also provided vanilla-frosted yellow cake to mark the first baseman's 29th birthday. Perhaps he should have added a get well soon card as well.

Before the game, doctors diagnosed Teixeira with tendinitis in his left wrist, though he expects to play in the series finale on Sunday against the Royals. Manager Joe Girardi also said Teixeira is expected to go.

We'll see. With Nick Swisher hitting .538, the smart move might be to rest Teixeiera if he's not absolutely ready to play. Why take any chances?

"Hopefully it feels better with rest today and tonight," Teixeira said after the game. "That's the plan. I plan on playing tomorrow. It's sore but everything checks out fine. It's just a little tendinitis and it will be out of there soon."

Teixeira has been playing hurt since waking up with soreness in his left wrist last Thursday. But Teixeira said the pain only becomes problematic when he bats right-handed.

After taking batting practice from the right side on Saturday -- in preparation for facing Royals lefty Horacio Ramirez - Teixeira knew he had to sit. Officially, the injury is listed as day-to-day.

New York Yankees: 2009's Plan For Success

by T.J. Morrill

Alas, baseball is here!

With spring training drawing to a close this week, MLB's regular season is set to kick off. With spring in the air, there's a still a heap of snow in my town. The great American pastime is back!

For now, the top three teams in the league are projected to be in one division—the AL East. With the Rays and Red Sox to compete with, the Yankees will have a tough go of it this year as they did last. Perhaps they will be better prepared for the Rays' pesky offense and will have the starting pitching to match up with the Red Sox. What needs to be done for the Yankees to succeed? That's what you're about to find out.

I will begin with the situation in right field. Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher? As it is slated the X-man should be starting in RF. This is how it should be, Swisher will get playing time yes but he had nowhere near the season Nady had last year. Not that Swisher is a bad player, he has a high career OBP and SLG but his batting average last year was just too atrocious to ignore, a .219 batting average cannot go unnoticed, therefore I dub him backup outfielder and DH and the top choice in a pinch hitting situation such as Jose Molina or Cody Ransom being up in the eighth with two outs and a man on. X-man gets the spot and the award for best first name on the team.

Center field is another concern we need to put into perspective. Brett Gardener or Melky Cabrera? It appears to me that Melky and Gardener will most likely split time although my first choice would be Gardener every time. I don't see Melky as a second lead off guy in the 9 hole, I just don't. Gardener is quick, athletic and will get on base and steal some bases. Melky will probably get a lot of playing time too which could be a great idea if you want to use Gardener to pinch run late in the game. Both guys deserve playing time and I think that'll be based on the righty and lefty pitcher situation. Melky switch hitting will probably buy him some time against lefty pitchers and Gardener can take on most of the righties.

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Xavier Nady scratched from lineup as New York Yankees prepare to face Philadelphia Phillies

by Marc Carig

The Yankees scratched Xavier Nady from the lineup before Wednesday's Florida finale against the Philadelphia Phillies. Nady was hit on the elbow with a pitch on Tuesday, and when swelling persisted, Manager Joe Girardi scratched the starting right fielder for precautionary reasons. Nick Swisher is in the lineup instead.

Meanwhile, as expected, designated hitter Hideki Matsui is in the lineup. He had a stiff neck.

Also, word out of Nebraska that Joba Chamberlain has pleaded guilty to drunken driving. He'll get probation. Closer Mariano Rivera got permission to leave camp a day early, a nice veteran courtesy. Like Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men," I think he's earned it.

Oh, happy April 1st, fools.

The lineups:

Philadelphia Phillies
1) Shane Victorino, CF
2) Eric Bruntlett, 1B
3) Jimmy Rollins, SS
4) Jayson Werth, RF
5) Pedro Feliz, 3B
6) Miguel Cairo, 2B
7) Chris Coste, DH
8) Jason Ellison, LF
9) Carlos Ruiz, C

Kyle Drabek, P

Yankees
1) Derek Jeter, SS
2) Johnny Damon, LF
3) Mark Teixeira, 1B
4) Hideki Matsui, DH
5) Jorge Posada, C
6) Robinson Cano, 2B
7) Nick Swisher, RF
8) Cody Ransom, 3B
9) Brett Gardner, CF

CC Sabathia, P

Source: nj.com

New York Yankees 2009 Preview

By Chris Ruddick

After missing the postseason for the first time since 1993, you knew major changes were in store for the New York Yankees in 2009.

It didn't take a genius to figure out that starting pitching was the team's downfall in 2008, as injuries and inconsistency led to a 59-53 mark from a Yankees' starting rotation that pitched to a 4.58 earned run average - 19th best in the league.

Youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy failed miserably, combining to go 0-8, while Chien-Ming Wang was able to make only 15 starts because of a foot injury which sidelined him for the final 3 1/2 months of the season.

To make matters worse, Mike Mussina, the only bright spot on the staff after winning 20 games for the first time in his career, announced his retirement shortly after the season, leaving the Yankees' rotation in even more disarray.

So general manager Brian Cashman acted swiftly, reeling in the biggest free agent on the market when he signed ace left-hander CC Sabathia to a monstrous seven-year, $161 million deal. Then he secured who many felt was the second-best pitcher on the market, locking in A.J. Burnett with a five- year, $82.5 million offer.

As if those two signings were not enough, the Yankees seemingly came out of nowhere to land first baseman Mark Teixeira with an eight-year, $180 million contract.

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Yankees Announcer Bob Sheppard Remains Sick: A Tribute to "The Voice of God"

by Heartbeat Of The Bronx

Bob Sheppard has been the voice of the New York Yankees since 1951, and has been referred to as "The Voice of God" for equally as long.

His smooth voice has announced virtually every single Yankee immortal, and his eyes have witnessed most of the stadium's greatest moments.

Sheppard will be forced to miss another timeless moment in Yankee history, as an illness will prevent him from doing on Opening Day what he has done for more than 50 years.

Listed at 98, Sheppard's enormous heart keeps beating, and he intends to return to the microphone sometime in April.

I say "listed at 98" because he had gone to great lengths in order to maintain the secrecy of his age. It was only disclosed as a result of an ex-Yankee employee's testimony.

Sheppard has unfortunately struggled through a bronchial infection for quite some time now, and is unsure of a finite recovery date.

As much a symbol of the Yankees organization as George Steinbrenner, Sheppard has been given the honor of a dining area being named after him in the new stadium.

One of my first Yankee Stadium memories was Sheppard announcing my childhood idol, Don Mattingly, batting third and playing first base:

"At first base...No. 23...Don Mattingly...No. 23."

Sheppard is so beloved in the Bronx, that Derek Jeter refused to be announced by anyone else following his departure due to illness.

The Yankees subsequently played a recording of Sheppard's voice introducing the Yankee shortstop, as if "The Voice of God" had never left.

Source: bleacherreport.com

Joba Chamberlain settles in as New York Yankees beat Cincinnati Reds 6-3

by Marc Carig

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Joba Chamberlain said his velocity was back to normal, though he still wasn't as efficient as he would have liked, as the Yankees beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Tuesday afternoon.

"Good, but I've still got to be better," Chamberlain said. "But as far as velocity and just attacking the zone, I think this was a good one."

Chamberlain allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings, with three walks and six strikeouts. He cruised until the sixth inning, throwing shutout baseball until surrendering a pair of runs in the sixth inning. The pitcher said he still wants to be more consistent in the strike zone.

Still, it was a good day overall in a spring that's been filled with peaks and valleys for the pitcher. On Tuesday, Chamberlain said his fastball felt fine, though he hadn't seen radar gun readings.

"It could just feel it out of my hand," said Chamberlain, who was able to get swings and misses off the fastball, a rarity this spring. "I mean it just felt better. There's some where you try to force it in, and there's others that come out of your hand great."

Chamberlain will leave camp for Nebraska, where he will arraigned for a drunken-driving charge from last October.

Also around the Universe....

- Closer Mariano Rivera allowed a homer during his appearance in a minor league game. Rivera threw 21 pitches, inducing two grounders and a fly out. He also had two strikeouts. To give Rivera some extra work, he was made to retire five batters in his inning.

- Right fielder Xavier Nady is fine after being hit in the elbow with a pitch.

- Designated hitter Hideki Matsui reported to camp with a stiff neck though manager Joe Girardi said he's still in the lineup for Wednesday's finale at Steinbrenner Field.

- Brett Gardner was given the James P. Dawson Award, an annual honor given the top Yankees rookie in spring training. Gardner is hitting .390 in 24 spring games. Shelley Duncan won the award last season.

Source: nj.com

Jonathan Albaladejo wins final spot on New York Yankees pitching staff

by Marc Carig

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees' opening day roster came into clearer focus on Tuesday morning when the team awarded right-handed reliever Jonathan Albaladejo the final spot on the pitching staff.

While Albaladejo gained a major league job, the Yankees cut long relief candidates Alfredo Aceves, Brett Tomko and Dan Giese. The club also cut catcher Kevin Cash. All four have been tabbed for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

"I came here ready," said Albaladejo, who broke camp with the team last season, though an elbow injury wrecked his year. "I worked hard in the offseason to make this team. In my mind, I was always thinking 'I'm going to go there to make the team, I'm going to make it,'" he said. "Thank God I did."

Though he flew under the radar, Albaladejo posted a 0.93 ERA in 9 2/3 innings, enough to garner enough attention for the club's decision-makers.

By taking Albaladejo, the Yankees chose to break camp without a designated long reliever for the second-straight season, even though manager Joe Girardi said throughout the spring that he preferred to keep a long man on the roster.

"This is the best pitching staff we can take right now, simple as that," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Of those left off the roster, perhaps Tomko pitched the best, posting a 1.17 ERA in 15 1/3 innings. The veteran major leaguer said he eschewed other opportunities where we could have remained a starter for an opportunity to earn a bullpen spot with the Yankees. He stopped short of saying he regretted his decision, though the pitcher was disappointed.

"I felt that I pitched my way on this team," said Tomko, who appears destined for the minors because he doesn't have an out in his contract until June.

Cashman said the decisions were tough because several players pitched well enough to stay with the club.

"Normally, you have a lot of things happen and the decision get made for you, or you're scrambling to find guys," Cashman said. "It's hard to all of sudden make a decision. Who knows, we may not have made the right decision today. But it was time to make one."

After the moves, the last remaining position battle is for the Yankees' utility man spot between the veteran Angel Berroa and prospect Ramiro Pena. But Cashman said a decision might not come for a few more days.

Though he said Berroa and Pena have played well enough to earn the job, and the team isn't actively seeking an outside option, Cashman said the Yankees will hold out to see which other players may become available as other major league teams begin making their final cuts.

Source: nj.com

2009 New York Yankees Preview

by Chuck Mosca

Key Additions: Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett
Key Subtractions: Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi

A look at the lineup:
CA – One of the keys to the Yankees’ fortunes this year is the health of Jorge Posada. The veteran catcher must be in the lineup if they are to seriously contend. The good news is that, as Spring Training progressed, Posada’s right shoulder seemed pretty healthy. Veteran Jose Molina (of the catching Molinas) will serve as Posada’s backup.

1B – The Free Agent prize of the off season, Mark Teixeira will be a fixture in the middle of the lineup while providing Gold Glove caliber defense. Nick Swisher, off season acquisition from the White Sox, will be the backup.

2B – Yankee fans are hoping that Robinson Cano’s 2007 first half performance (.151 BA) was an aberration. There is reason to believe that it was just that and, if so, the Yankee lineup will be a very dangerous one. Cody Ransom was expected to be the backup 2B but will see lots of action at the hot corner until Alex Rodriguez returns.

SS – Derek Jeter is a Yankee icon but an aging one. His offensive game is still effective but, defensively, his range is a shadow of what it once was. Still, there is no other option at SS so the Yankees will live with Jeter making the routine plays while continuing to hit .300. Jeter’s eventual replacement may be, temporarily at least, sharing a locker room with the captain as 23 year old Ramiro Pena seems to have the inside track on the utility infielder position until Rodriguez returns to action.

3B – With all of the controversy that swirled around Alex Rodriguez during this offseason and all the anger aimed at him by frustrated Yankee fans over the past few years, the team’s immediate future rests on his shoulders. Take ARod out of the batting order and suddenly the pinstripers aren’t quite so intimidating offensively. The feeling here is that the Yankees can survive with Cody Ransom at 3B for the month of April. If, however, Rodriguez’ recovery from hip surgery takes longer than expected or results in a drop in his production, New York will be home for the post season.

LF – Johnny Damon will be the starting left fielder which is a wise move since he is such a defensive liability anywhere else in the outfield. Manage Joe Girardi has experimented with swapping Damon and Jeter in the 1-2 spots in the batting order and it seems that the change may be permanent. At this stage in their respective careers, Damon is a more effective #2 hitter than Jeter.

CF – Brett Gardner is slated to be the opening day CF but rumors persist that the Yankees may yet make a deal for veteran Milwaukee CF, Mike Cameron. Melky Cabrera and Swisher will likely serve as reserve outfielders.

RF – Xavier Nady gives the Yankees a solid offensive and defensive presence in RF. A platoon player for much of his MLB career, Nady will get the opportunity to prove that he is a full time starting outfielder.

DH – Hideki Matsui is coming off of knee surgery and will be restricted to DH duties until some time in June. His bat is critical to the success of the team this season, especially while ARod is out of the lineup.

A look at the pitching:

Starters – Free Agent signees CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett should turn this starting staff into one of the league’s very best. Sabathia give New York something they have lacked over the past few seasons; a legitimate Ace at the front of the rotation. Chien-Ming Wang now slides comfortably in the #2 slot while AJ Burnett, Andy Petite and Joba Chamberlain round out a staff that can matchup with any other in MLB.

Youngsters Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, both of whom were ineffective in the starting rotation last April will start the season in AAA. Hughes, who had a sold Spring Training for the Yankees, will be back with the big club at some time this season. Kennedy also remains very much in the team’s future plans.

Relievers – Future Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera anchors a bullpen that should be an effective unit for Girardi. Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez and young left hander Phil Coke will man the bullpen in front of Rivera. Reportedly, Jonathan Albaladejo, who saw brief action with the Yankees last season is in line for the final bullpen job.

Outlook:

There are so many question marks as the Yankees enter the season that it is difficult to predict how this season will turn out. That said, there is so much talent here, especially with the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett, logic dictates the team will be in the hunt for the AL Eastern crown for the entire season.

Prediction:

The Yankees will be engaged in a three way, steel cage death match with the Red Sox and Rays. The prediction here is that they will outlast the Rays to finish 90-72 and capture second place in the East and the Wildcard slot.

Source: rbimagazine.com