Sheffield Homers, But the Yanks Fall to Tampa Bay

Game date- 3/30/06

Devil Rays- 6, Yankees- 4

W- Colome (1-1)
L- Smith (0-1)
S- Childers (4)















Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-4 (1B, 2 SB, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-4 (1B, SB)
RF- Sheffield, 1-3 ( R, RBI, soloHR)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3
LF- Matsui, 0-3
1B- Giambi, 0-0 (BB)
C- Posada, 1-2 ( 2B, RBI, BB)
DH- Williams, 0-4
2B- Cano, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crosby, 0-1
LF- Garcia, 0-0 ( sacfly, RBI)
1B- Cairo, 2-2 (2 1B, R, BB)
C- Nieves, 0-1
1B- Phillips, 0-1
RF- Reese, 0-0 ( HBP, SB, R)

Yankee Pitching:

Mussina- 4H, 2R, 2BB, 4IP
Sturze- 2H, 2K, IP
Myers- 2H, R, K
Villone- IP
Mendoza- H, K, IP
Smith- 4H, 3R, K, IP

Notes:

Mussina was very shaky in his four innings of work, throwing way too many balls.

Posada was behind the plate today for the first time since his practice accident.

The Yanks leave Florida and go to Arizona to battle the Diamondbacks for their final two spring training games.

Yankee Spring Training Record: 14 wins, 16 losses

Escalona and Johnson Lead the Yanks to Victory

Game date- 3/29/06

Yankees- 4, Tigers- 2

W- Karstens (1-0)
L- Rogers (2-1)
S- Childers (1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
2B- Cano, 1-4 ( 1B, R)
RF- Williams, 0-5
DH- Posada, 1-2 ( 1B, R, 2BB)
1B- Phillips, 2-3 (2 1B, 2R, BB)
3B- Johnson, 1-2 ( 2B, 2RBI, 2BB)
LF- Crosby, 0-2 (2BB)
SS- Escalona, 1-4 ( 2B, SB, RBI)
C- McDonald, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

LF- Jones, 0-1
3B- Rolls, 0-1
C- Nieves, 0-1



















Yankee Pitching:

Karstens- 3H, 2R, BB, 2K, 5IP
Erickson- 2H, BB, 1.1IP
Villone- .2IP
Farnsworth- H, K, IP
Childers- H, BB, IP

Notes:

Posada had a good day with a single, two walks, and a run scored.

Last night, Octavio Dotel (seen above) had his first pitching session since his elbow surgery. The Yanks hope he will be healthy this season.

Yankee Spring Training Record: 14 wins, 15 losses

Yankees Shut Out by Philadelphia

Game date- 3/28/06

Phillies- 3, Yankees- 0

W- Madson (2-0)
L- Proctor (1-1)
S- Tejeda (2)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-2 (1B)
SS- Jeter, 0-2
RF- Sheffield, 1-2 (1B)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 (1B)
LF- Matsui, 0-3
1B- Giambi, 0-2 (BB)
DH- Posada, 0-3
2B- Cano, 0-2
C- Stinnet, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crosby, 1-2 (1B)
SS- Escalona, 0-1
RF- Williams, 0-2
3B- Johnson, 0-1
2B- Cairo, 0-1
C- Santos, 0-1















Yankee Pitching:

Proctor- 3H, R, BB, 5K, 5IP
Pavano- H, R, IP
Rivera- K, IP
Sturze- H, R, K, IP
Myers- IP

Notes:

Jorge Posada returned to the Yankee lineup, batting as the designated hitter.

Carl Pavano made his spring training debut, giving up only one hit ( a solo home run).

Yankee Record- 13 wins, 15 losses

Rodriguez Homers in Losing Effort

Game date- 3/27/06

Yankees- 4, Braves- 5

W- Devine (1-0)
L- Chacon (1-1)
S- O' Conner (1)



















Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-4 (1B, SB)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 (1B, R, BB)
LF- Matsui, 1-4 (1B)
RF- Sheffield, 3-4 ( 3 1B, R, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( 2B, BB, 2R, 2RBI, 2run-HR)
1B- Giambi, 3-4 (2 1B, 2B)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (1B, RBI)
C- Nieves, 1-3 (1B)
P- Chacon, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crosby, 0-1
3B- Johnson, 0-1
LF- Cabrera, 0-1
RF- Garcia, 1-1 (1B)
PH- Rolls, 1-1 (1B)

Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 6H, 5R, 3BB, 7K, 5.1IP
Wilson- H, BB, .2IP
Farnsworth- H, BB, 2K, IP
Villone- 2H, K, IP

Notes:

The Yankees had a four to nothing lead in the third inning, thanks to an Alex Rodriguez 2 run home run. But Shawn Chacon struggled in the fifth and lost the game.

Yankees Record: 13 wins, 14 losses ( only five spring training games remain)

Posada Returns to Spring Training

MLB.com- With two black eyes and a tender nose, Jorge Posada returned to the scene of the crime.

It was just four days ago that the catcher took a ball off his face while playing catch with Kelly Stinnett, fracturing his nose in the process. He spent Thursday and Friday at home, coping with the headaches that accompanied the injury, but he felt well enough to rejoin his teammates on Sunday at Legends Field.

"I was playing catch, and I remember seeing another ball of the guy who was playing catch next to me," Posada said, recounting the incident. "I thought that ball was mine, so I went to catch it. When I looked back, the ball was already there.

"It's one of those freak accidents that happened."

Posada took part in the team's workout before Sunday's game against Detroit, taking batting practice, but he isn't expected to return to game action until Tuesday or Wednesday.

"I just need a couple more at-bats," he said. "My biggest thing is getting behind the plate, not at the plate. I want to get back there, feel the ball off the mask."

Whether he is behind the plate for the season-opener on April 3 remains to be seen. Posada has caught just seven of Randy Johnson's 24 1/3 innings this spring, with Kelly Stinnett handling the other 17 1/3.

Joe Torre has said that he will not stay away from using Posada and Johnson together, unlike the second half of 2005, when John Flaherty served as the left-hander's personal catcher.

Posada believes he will be ready for the opener, which takes place a week from Monday. Torre said this week that if he's healthy, Posada would be his Opening Day catcher, but the manager told Posada not to rush if he doesn't feel he'll be ready.

Posada will have the splints removed from his nose on Monday, then visit an ophthalmologist to make sure his vision is 100 percent. His left eye was very swollen after he was hit by the ball, but he said he hasn't had any problems with his vision since Thursday.

Wang Injured By Ground Ball, Leaves the Game in the Third

Game date- 3/26/06

Tigers- 8, Yankees- 9

W- Mendoza (2-0)
L- Zumaya, (0-1)
S- Myers (1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 2-4 (2 1B, 2R, RBI)
SS- Jeter, 2-3 (2 1B, R)
RF- Sheffield, 2-3 ( 2B, 2RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-3 ( 1B, RBI)
DH- Matsui, 1-3 (1B)
1B- Giambi, 0-2 (HBP)
LF- Williams, 1-4 (2B, R)
2B- Cano, 2-4 (1B, 2B, R, RBI)
C- Stinnet, 0-3













Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Thompson, 0-1
SS- Cairo, 1-1 ( 1B, BB, 2R)
RF- Crosby, 1-2 ( R, 2RBI, 2run-HR)
3B- Johnson, 0-1
DH- Nieves, 0-2
1B- Garcia, 0-2
C- Santos, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Wang- 3H, 2R, 3K, 2.1IP
Corey- 2H, R, BB, 1.2IP
Sturze- 3H, 3R (two unearned), 2K, .2IP
Veras- 2BB, .1IP
Bergman- 4H, 2R, BB, 2K, 2IP
Mendoza- IP
Myers- K, IP

Notes:

Chien Ming Wang started for the Yanks, but left in the third inning when he was struck in the leg by a ground ball.

Jeter and Damon are doing an excellent job in their batting positions, each scoring at least one run in the last several games.

Yankee Spring Training Record- 13 wins, 13 losses

Yankees Overpower Devil Rays

Game date- 3/25/06

Yankees- 10, Devil Rays- 1

W- Childers (1-0)
L- Jackson (1-1)













Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Damon, 1-2 ( 1B, 2BB, 2R)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 ( 3B, 2RBI, R)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (2B, RBI, BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 1-4 ( R, RBI, soloHR)
DH- Sheffield, 1-3 ( 2B, 2RBI)
LF- Matsui, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
RF- Williams, 1-3 (1B)
2B- Cano, 1-3 (1B, R)
C- Nieves, 1-2 ( 1B, BB, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

CF- Crosby, 0-1
SS- Escalona, 0-1
2B- Cannizaro, 0-1 (R)
3B- Johnson, 0-0 (BB, R)
DH- Garcia, 1-2 (1B, R, RBI)
LF- Thompson, 1-1 ( 2B, RBI)
RF- Reese, 1-2 (2B, R, RBI)
2B- Cairo, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI)
C- Santos, 0-2

Yankee Pitching:

Childers- 4H, BB, 2K, 3IP
Bean- H, R, 2BB, 2K, IP
Smith- 2IP
Mendoza- H, BB, K, IP
Corey- 3H, IP
Brooks- H, IP

Notes:

All of the Yankee regulars, aside from Posada, played during today's game. Every member of the Yankee starting lineup had a hit.

Yankee Spring Training Record: 12 wins, 13 losses

Johnson is Solid in Yankee Loss to the Twins

Game date- 3/24/06

Yankees- 1, Twins- 3

W- Powers (1-0)
L- Veras (0-2)
S- Smith (1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 0-4
SS- Cairo, 1-3 ( 1B, HBP)
DH- Williams, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 (2B)
2B- Cano, 1-3 ( 1B, BB)
C- Stinnet, 0-3
RF- Garcia, 1-4 (1B)
3B- Johnson, 0-3 (BB)
LF- Reese, 1-4 ( 1B, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Thompson, 0-1
C- Santos, 0-1















Yankee Pitching:

Johnson- 5H, R, 6K, 6.1IP
Veras- 3BB, R, 1.1IP
Bergman- 2H, R, 1.1IP

Notes:

Most of the Yankee regulars did not make the "trip" to face the Twins.

Randy Johnson had another excellent start- six strikeouts in six and a third innings pitched.

Yankee Spring Training Record- 11 wins, 13 losses

Rodriguez, Matsui, and Garcia go yard as the Yanks beat the Astros

Game date- 3/23/06

Astros- 1, Yankees- 8

W- Proctor (1-0)
L- Hernandez (0-1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-4 (1B)
SS- Jeter, 0-3
RF- Sheffield, 2-3 ( 2B, 1B, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( 1B, 2RBI, R, 2run-HR)
1B- Giambi, 0-3
LF- Matsui, 2-3 ( 1B, R, 2RBI, soloHR)
CF- Williams, 1-2 ( 1B, R)
2B- Cano, 0-2
C- Nieves, 0-3 (RBI, SB)

Other Yankee Batters:

SS- Escalona, 1-1 (1B, R)
RF- Garcia, 1-1 ( 2R, 3RBI, 3run-HR)
3B- Johnson, 0-1
1B- Phillips, 0-1
LF- Reese, 0-1
CF- Crosby, 0-2
2B- Cairo, 0-2
















Yankee Pitching:

Proctor- 2H, BB, 4K, 4IP
Bean- K, IP
Rivera- IP
Myers- BB, IP
Sturtze- 2H, BB, R, IP
Farnsworth- 2K, IP

Notes:

Scott Proctor was brilliant in his four innings of work allowing only two hits and one walk.

Alex Rodriguez had his first spring training hit, a two-run home run off Hernandez in the fourth inning. Matsui picked up his third home run...

Posada was not in the lineup (broken nose).

Yankee record- 11 wins, 12 losses

Bernie Williams Leads Yankees over the Boston Sox

Game date- 3/22/06

Red Sox- 4, Yankees- 5



















W- Myers (1-1)
L- Riske (0-2)
S- Farnsworth (1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-4 ( 1B, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 (1B, HBP)
LF- Matsui, 0-1 ( 2BB)
RF- Sheffield, 0-2 ( sacfly, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3 (BB)
1B- Giambi, 0-4 (R)
CF- Williams, 3-3 ( 1B, 2B, R, RBI, soloHR)
2B- Cano, 1-3 ( RBI, 2B)
C- Stinnet, 1-3 (2B)

Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Reese, 0-1
CF- Crosby, 0-1
RF- Garcia, 1-1 ( 2RBI, R, two-runHR)
LF- Thompson, 0-1 (SB)
2B- Cairo, 0-1
C- Santos, 1-1 (1B)

Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 5H, 3R, 3BB, 6K, 5IP
Rivera- K, IP
Myers- H, IP
Sturze- H, IP
Farnsworth- H, R, BB, IP

Notes:

Jorge Posada was supposed to be the New York starting catcher tonight, but was injured during practice before the game. Yankee catcher Kelly Stinnet hit Posada in the nose while tossing a ball around. Posada had to be helped off the field, but should be back in action soon.

Bernie Williams went 3 for 3 with a monster home run, a double, and a single.

Yankee right-fielder Garcia hit a two-run home run which broke apart a three-three tie.

Mussina Is Slaughtered, Yankees Fall to Detroit

Game date- 3/20/06

Tigers- 15, Yankees- 2

W- Bonderman (1-0)
L- Mussina (1-1)



Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 2-3 (BB, 2 1B)
SS- Jeter, 2-3 ( BB, 2 1B, RBI)
RF- Williams, 0-4
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3 ( BB)
C- Posada, 1-3 ( 1B)
1B- Phillips, 2-4 ( 2 1B)
CF- Reese, 0-4
LF- Thompson, 0-4
2B- Cairo, 1-3 ( 2R, RBI, BB, soloHR)



Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Cannizaro, 0-1
SS- Escalona, 0-1
C- Nieves, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Mussina- 12H, 10R, BB, 2K, 4IP
Bergman- 3H, 3R, .2IP
Corey- .1IP
Proctor- BB, 2K, 2IP
Villone- 4H, 2R, IP

Notes:

Mussina was slaughtered giving up twelve hits (including 4 home runs) and ten runs in four innings!

The Yankees do not play tomorrow, having their first day off in March.

Yankee record: 9 wins, 12 losses

Randy Johnson is Masterful, Yankees Cruise to Victory

Game date- 3/19/06

Indians- 0, Yankees- 2

W- R. Johnson
L- J. Johnson
S- Sturze

Yankee Starting Lineup:

DH- Damon, 1-2 ( 1B, HBP, R)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 ( 2B, R, RBI)
1B- Giambi, 1-1 ( 1B, BB, RBI)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3
RF- Sheffield, 1-3 ( 1B, SB)
LF- Matsui, 0-3
CF- Williams, 0-2 (BB)
2B- Cano, 2-3 (2 1B)
C- Stinnet, 1-3 ( 1B)













Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Duncan, 1-1 ( 1B)
SS- Pena, 0-1
1B- Phillips, 1-2 ( 1B)
3B- Vechionacci, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Johnson- 4H, 9K, 6IP
Leiter- .1IP
Myers- H, .2IP
Farnsworth- H, K, IP
Sturze- IP

Notes:

Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, Bernie Williams, and Al Leiter all returned to the Yankee lineup today.

Randy Johnson was brilliant, striking out nine batters in his six innings of work.

Yankee Record- 9-11 ( Spring Training is 2/3rds over)

Matsui Powers Yanks to Eighth Spring Training Victory

Game date- 3/18/06

Yankees- 8, Marlins- 3

W- Wright (1-1)
L-Moehler (0-2)



















Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Reese, 2-4 (2 1B, BB, 2R)
2B- Cano, 1-1 ( 1B)
LF- Matsui, 1-3 ( R, sacfly, 4 RBI, 3runHR)
RF- Sheffield, 0-3
DH- Giambi, 0-3 (BB)
1B- Phillips, 0-4
C- Nieves, 1-3 ( 1B, R)
3B- Vechionacci, 0-1
SS- Escalona, 0-1 ( HBP, 2BB, 2R)

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Howard, 2-4 ( 1B, 3B, 2R, 4RBI)
LF- Cabrera, 1-1 ( 1B)
RF- Jones, 1-2 ( 2B)
DH- Johnson, 0-1
1B- Cairo, 0-1
C- Parrish, 0-1
3B- Duncan, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Wright- 3H, R, 4K, 4IP
Bergman- H, 2R, 2K, IP
Mendoza- H, K, IP
Myers- K, IP
Cox- 3H, 2K, IP
Villone- 3H, R, IP

Notes:

Yankee second-baseman, Robinson Cano, was hit by a wild throw as he ran down the baseline. He immediately left the game, but was not seriously hurt.

Wright was incredible. Everything he threw looked perfect...

Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Bernie Williams, and Johnny Damon rejoin the team tomorrow.

Yankee Record- 8 wins, 11 losses

Yankees Falter in the Eighth, Lose Third Straight

Game date- 3/17/06

Yankees- 2, Cardinals- 5

W- Looper (1-1)
L- Veras (0-1)
S- Johnson (1)



Yankee Starting Lineup:

SS- Cairo, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B)
2B- Cano, 1-4 ( 1B, R)
1B- Giambi, 1-3 (2B)
DH- Sheffield, 0-2 ( sacfly, RBI)
LF- Matsui, 0-3
C- Stinnet, 2-3 ( 2 1B)
CF- Cabrera, 0-4
3B- Johnson, 1-3 ( 2B, R)
RF- Thompson, 2-4 ( 2 1B, RBI)




Other Yankee Batters:

SS- Pena, 0-1
2B- Escalona, 0-1
1B- Duncan, 1-1 ( 1B)
LF- Reese, 1-1 ( 1B, SB)
C- Nieves, 0-1
3B- Vechionacci, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 5H, R, 2BB, 3K, 3.2IP
Brooks- .1IP
Proctor- BB, 2IP
Villone- BB, balk, 2K, IP
Veras- 3H, 4R , 0IP
Smith- H, BB, 2K, IP

Notes:

Chacon got into several jams throughout his 3 and two-thirds innings pitched, but worked out of them all very efficiently.

The Yankee batters were handed no walks by the Cardinal pitching staff.

Yankee Record- 7 wins, 11 losses ( Spring Training is 60% over)

Yankees Lose Both Split Squad Games

Game date- 3/16/06

Yankees- 3, Tigers- 4

W- De La Cruz (2-0)
L- Henn (0-1)

Yankee' Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 1-3 ( 1B)
RF- Tabata, 0-1
2B- Cano, 1-4 ( 1B, R)
1B- Phillips, 0-3 ( BB, R)
DH- Jones, 0-3 ( BB)
LF- Rolls, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)
SS- Escalona, 1-4 ( 1B, RBI)
C- Santos, 0-2 (BB)
3B- Vechionacci, 1-3 ( 1B, SB, R)

Other Yankee Batters:

RF- Thompson, 0-3


Yankee Pitching:

De Salvo- 3H, R, 3BB, 3K, 3IP
Karstens- 2H, R, 2K, 2IP
Erickson- H, R, 2IP
Henn- 2H, R, 2BB, 2K, 1.2IP

Notes: Aaron Small was supposed to start this game, but he injured his shoulder during a pitching session. The Yankees may put him on the disabled list.
----------------------------------------------------

Astros- 10, Yankees- 5

W- Valentine (1-0)
L- Sturze (0-2)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

3B- Cairo, 0-2 (HBP)
CF- Cabrera, 2-4 ( 1B, 3B, R)
1B- Giambi, 1-2 ( 1B, 2BB)
DH- Sheffield, 0-2 ( sacfly, RBI)
LF- Matsui, 1-2 ( BB, RBI, 2R, soloHR)
C- Stinnet, 2-3 ( 2 2B, R, RBI)
2B- Howard, 0-4
SS- Pena, 2-4 ( 2 1B, RBI)
RF- Reese, 1-4 ( 1B)

Other Yankee Batters:

3B- Johnson, 2-2 ( 1B, RBI, R, soloHR)
RF- Sardinha, 0-0 (BB)
1B- Duncan, 0-2
DH- Davis, 1-2 ( 1B)
LF- Guillen, 0-1 ( BB)
C- Nieves, 0-1 (BB)
3B- Made, 0-1













Yankee Pitching:

Wang- 5H, 2R ( both unearned), K, 4IP
Rivera- BB, HB, 2K, IP
Farnsworth- H, R, K, IP
Sturze- 3H, BB, 4R, 2HB, 2K, IP
Myers- K, BB, IP
Beam- 3H, 3R, BB, 2K, IP

Notes:

Wang's pitching was good, he got several ground balls in key situations throughout the game.

Unfortunately, the Yankee defense was very poor during this game....

Mussina Fans 8, Yankees Win Big

Game date- 3/15/06

Yankees- 11, Astros- 1

W- Mussina (1-0)
L- Pettite (0-1)

Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 0-4
2B- Cano, 3-4 ( 2B, 2 1B, R)
DH- Giambi, 0-1 ( 2BB)
C- Posada, 1-4 ( 1B)
1B- Phillips, 3-4 ( 3 1B, 2RBI, R)
RF- Jones, 2-5 ( 3RBI, 2R, soloHR, 2runHR)
3B- Johnson, 1-4 ( 2B, R, BB)
LF- Thompson, 4-5 ( 2B, 3 1B, 2R, 3RBI)
SS- Cairo, 1-3 ( 2B, RBI)

Other Yankee' Batters:

CF- Reese, 0-2
2B- Escalona, 0-2
DH- Howard, 0-2 ( R)
C- Santos, 0-1
1B- E. Duncan, 1-1 ( 3B, 2R)
SS- Pena, 1-2 ( 1B)

Yankee Pitching:

Mussina- 3H, R, BB, 8K, 5IP
Villone- BB, IP
Erickson- IP
Mendoza- BB, K, IP
Brooks- 2H, IP

Notes:

Mussina was fabulous! He struck out eight batters in five brilliant innings! In an interview with ESPN reporters, Mussina said he was surprised that he felt so well in mid-March. Everything was working... his fastball had great velocity, his breaking-ball broke perfectly, etc...

Cano continues to do well throughout spring training, gathering three more hits to bring his ST batting average to .341.

If the Yankees ever have an outfield injury during the regular season and need a minor league replacement, Mitch Jones is the man to go to. He blasted to more home runs ( his third and fourth of spring training), and made two excellent throws from the outfield.

Yankees Spring Training Record: 7 wins, 8 losses ( Spring training is officially half-way done!)

Yankees Lose Third Straight, Falling to the Cardinals

Game date- 3/14/06

Cardinals-4, Yankees- 3

W- Reyes (1-1)
L-Sturze (0-1)




Yankee Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 1-3 ( 1B, R)
2B- Cano, 2-4 ( 1B, RBI, R, soloHR)
DH-Giambi, 0-2 ( sac fly, RBI)
RF- Sheffield, 0-2
LF- Mastsui, 0-3
1B- Phillips, 1-3 ( 1B)
C- Stinnet, 0-3
SS- Escalona, 1-2 ( 1B, SB)
3B- Cairo, 0-2



Other Yankee Batters:

DH- Jones, 0-1
RF- Thompson, 1-2 ( 1B, R)
LF- Cabrera, 1-1 (1B)
1B- E. Duncan, 0-1
PH- Davis, 0-1
PH- S. Duncan, 0-1
SS- Pena, 1-1 (1B)

Yankee Pitching:

R. Johnson- 5H, 2R, BB, 5K, 5IP
M. Rivera- 2K, IP
Farnsworth- H, BB, K, IP
Sturze- 2H, R, IP
Myers- 2H, R, IP

Notes: Randy Johnson pitched four VERY solid innings ( one hit, 3 strike outs, and no runs)... In the fifth inning, things fell apart a bit and Johnson gave up two runs. All in all, it was a good outing by Johnson. His fastball is getting better as is his control.

Despite Five-Run Ninth Inning, Yankees Fall Short

Game date- 3/13/06

Pirates- 9, Yankees- 8

W- Burnett (1-0)
L- Wright (0-1)
S- Whiteside (2)

Yankees' Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 1-3 ( BB, R, RBI, soloHR)
2B- Cairo, 1-3 (2B)
C- Posada, 1-2 ( 1B, BB)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 (1B)
LF- Jones, 3-5 ( 2B, 2R, 3RBI, 2runHR, soloHR)
RF- Cabrera, 1-4 (2B, SB)
3B- Vechionacci, 0-5
SS- Pena, 2-4 ( 2 1B, R)
P- Wright, 0-1

Other Yankee Batters:

PH- Reese, 0-1
2B- Howard, 0-2
C- Nieves, 2-2 ( 2 1B, 2BB)
CF- Thompson, 1-2 ( R, 2RBI, 2runHR)
1B- Duncan, 2-2 ( 2B, R, 2RBI, 2runHR)

Yankee Pitching:

Wright- 11H, 8R, BB, 3IP
Proctor- H, BB, R, 2IP
Villone- IP
Childers- H, K, IP
Mendoza- H, 2K, IP

Notes:

Jaret Wright was just terrible, giving up 11 hits and 8 runs in just 3 innings!

The rest of the Yankee pitchers ( Villone, Proctor, Childers, and Mendoza) were great...

The Yankee bats were on fire today, collecting 15 hits, 8 runs, and 5 home runs ( 2 Jones, Thompson, Crosby, and Duncan)...

Posada continues his hot hitting, batting at .529...

The Yankees were down 9-1 and battled back to 9-3. In the ninth, the Yankees scored 5 more runs, but came up just short...

Yankee' Pitching Blows Lead in the Eighth

Game date- 3/12/06

Indians- 7, Yankees- 5

W- Graves (1-0)
L- Erickson (0-2)
S- Mujica (1)

Yankees Starting Lineup:

CF- Crosby, 0-4
2B- Cano, 0-3
DH- Gary Sheffield, 0-3 (BB)
LF- Matsui, 1-3 ( 1B, R)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 (1B, R)
C- Stinnet, 0-2 ( 2BB, SB)
3B- Johnson, 0-2 ( R, 2RBI, sac fly)
SS- Pena, 0-1
RF- Reese, 0-3

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Howard, 0-1
DH- Cabrera, 1-1 ( 2B, R)
LF- Thompson, 0-1
1B- E. Duncan, 1-1 ( 1B, R, RBI)
PH- Jones, 0-1
SS- Escalona, 2-3 ( 2 1B, RBI)













Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 2H, 4BB, 3K, 3IP
Henn- 4H, 4BB, 4R, IP
Veras- K, IP
Sturze- H, IP
Myers- 2H, BB, IP
Erickson- 3H, 3R ( one unearned), BB, IP

Notes:

Yankee bats were mostly silent today, garnering only 6 hits.

Tanyon Sturze made his spring training debut today... The Yankees had been treating him very carefully since his blow-out during the end of last season.

Chacon made his 3rd brilliant spring training start.

Posada Leads Yankees to Sixth Spring Training Victory

Game date- 3/11/06

Yankees- 7, Braves- 3

W- Wang
L- Ramirez

Yankees Starting Lineup:

SS- Cairo, 1-3 ( 1B, R, SB)
2B- Cano, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, R)
RF- Sheffield, 0-1 ( BB, RBI)
DH- Matsui, 0-2 ( 2BB, R)
C- Posada, 2-4 ( 1B, R, 3RBI, 3-run HR)
1B- Phillips, 1-3 ( BB, 1B, R)
LF- Jones, 2-4 ( 1B, 2B, R)
CF- Cabrera, 0-3 ( BB)
3B- Vechionacci, 2-4 ( 2 1B, RBI)





Other Yankees Batters:

SS- Pena, 0-1
PR-2B- Escalona, 0-1 (R)
RF- Crosby, 1-1 ( RBI 2B)

Yankee Pitching:

Wang- H, 4K, 3IP
Small- 4H, 2R, BB, 2K
Smith- H, R, K, .1IP
M. Rivera- K, IP
Farnsworth- H, IP
Villone- IP

Notes:

Wang was absolutely brilliant through his three innings, striking out four and giving up only one hit.

Villone, Farnsworth, and Rivera were also excellent...

Posada continues his hot hitting with a single and a three-run home run... He is batting .533 this spring.

Baseball Challenge

ESPN's Baseball Challenge 2006 is up and running! Baseball Challenge is a free fantasy game, with up to $1,000 in prizes. Playing the game is simple.... You start the season with 50 million dollars, with which you purchase 10 players ( each position plus a designated hitter) and a pitching staff. The scoring is based on each individual player's performances that day. Read how to play the game here. If you are interested, then join and create a roster!

I've already built my baseball roster, but Baseball Challenge does not start until April 2nd. Have fun!

Reds Defeat the Yankees in the Bottom of the Ninth

Game date- 3/10/06

Reds- 5, Yankees- 4

W- Wagner
L-Erickson

Yankees Starting Lineup:

LF- Reese, 2-5 ( 2 1B)
2B- Cairo, 1-3 (2B)
C- Stinnet, 0-3
DH- Jones, 2-4 ( 2 1B, R)
CF- Cabrera, 0-3
RF- Guillen, 1-1 ( BB, 2B, 2RBI)
1B- Duncan, 0-4
3B- Johnson, 0-3
SS- Escalona, 2-3 ( 2B, 2R, RBI, soloHR)

Other Yankee Batters:

2B- Garcia, 1-1 ( 1B, R)
C- Santos, 0-1
3B- Vechionacci, 0-1
SS- Pena, 0-1
RF- Thompson, 0-1
LF- Rolls, 0-2

Yankee Pitching:

Mussina- 3H, 3R ( one unearned), 2BB, K, 4IP
Cox- K, IP
Hughes- 3H, R, BB, 2K, 2IP
Erickson- H, R, balk, 1+1/3rdIP

Notes:

Mussina pitched very well through his first three innings, but faltered in the fourth.

None of the Yankee regulars traveled to the Red's spring training ballpark, so the Yankees lineup consisted mostly of minor leaguers.

Escalona hit his first home run of Spring Training.

Guillen's two-run double in the eight tied the game at four.

Erickson lost the game in the bottom of the ninth...

Yankees' Record: 5 wins, 5 losses

Yankees Split Squad

Game Date- 3/09/06

Yankees- 8, Phillies- 3

W- M. DeSalvo
L- Myers

Yankee Starting Lineup:

LF- Reese, 1-3 ( 2B, R)
2B- Garcia, 3-3 ( 3 1B, R, RBI, SB)
CF- Cabrera, 2-4 ( 2 1B, R, SB)
1B- E. Duncan, 2-4 ( 1B, 4RBI, R, Grand Slam HR)
C- Nieves, 0-3
DH- Parrish, 0-5
3B- Vechionacci, 1-3 ( 2B, BB, R)
SS- Pena, 2-3 ( 2B, 1B, R, 2RBI)
RF- Sardinha, 0-2

Other Yankee Batters:

1B- S. Duncan, 2-2 ( 1B, RBI, R, solo HR)
LF- Tabata, 1-3 (1B)
2B- Lopez, 1-2 (2B)
CF- Jackson, 3-3 ( 3 1B, R)
SS- Henry, 0-2
C- Brown, 0-1

Yankee Pitchers:

DeSalvo- H, BB, 2K, 3IP
Karstens- 3H, 3R, 2BB, 2K, 1+2/3rdsIP
Myers- H, 2+2/3rdsIP
Corey- H, K, IP
Veras- 2K, IP


Notes:

Yankees' offense shined, as the Yanks collected 17 hits off of the Phillies pitching staff.

Eric Duncan smacked a grand slam in the first inning, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

DeSalvo was brilliant through his 3 innings of work, giving up only one hit and one walk.


Tigers-6, Yankees-1

W- Rogers
L- Johnson

Yankees Starting Lineup:

SS- Cairo, 0-3 ( RBI)
2B- Cano, 0-3
RF- Sheffield, 0-2
DH- Matsui, 0-2
C- Posada, 0-1 ( BB)
1B- Phillips, 0-2 (BB)
LF- Jones, 0-3
3B- Escalona, 1-3 ( 2B, R)
CF- Thompson, 1-3 (1B)

Other Yankee Batters:

SS- Nunez, 0-1
2B- Howard, 0-1
RF- Guillen, 0-2
DH- Johnson, 0-1 (BB)
C- Santos, 0-2
1B-Rolls, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Johnson- 7H, 5R ( 3 were unearned), BB, 3K, 4IP
Rivera- H, R, 3K, IP
Farnsworth- K, IP
Villone- 2H, IP
Beam- 3H, 2K, 2IP

Notes:

Well, this was a tough game... The Yankee batters ( Matsui, Sheffield, Posada, Cano, Cairo, and Phillips) did absolutely nothing. The Yankees only had TWO hits during the game. They were totally outmatched by Kenny Rogers who went 3 scoreless innings.

Randy Johnson gave up 7 HITS and 5 RUNS in his 4 innings pitched...

This game was probably the most disappointing Spring Training game yet... The Yankees had most of their main batters playing, their ace ( Johnson) pitching, and the Farnsworth/Rivera combo relieving, but they still ended up losing.

Yankees Record: 5 wins, 4 losses

Sheffield Returns to the Lineup, Yanks Win Fourth Straight

3/08/06

Yankees- 8, Pirates- 3

W- Rasner
L- Maholm

Yankees Record: 4 wins, 3 losses

Yankee Batters:

DH- Sheffield, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI, R)
1B- Phillips, 2-3 ( 2 1B, 2R, RBI)
CF- Reese, 2-4 ( 2 2B)
2B- Cano, 1-4 ( RBI, 3B)
SS- Cairo, 1-2 ( BB, 1B, R, SB, sac bunt)
C- Posada, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI)

Yankee Pitchers:

Wright: 2BB, 3H, 2R, 2K, 2+2/3rdIP
Erickson: H, 2IP

Notes:

Wright was perfect for 2 and 2/3rds innings... but then everything fell apart, as he gave up a single, double, single, and a walk. He left in the middle of the third inning.

Posada is hitting very well...

Vechionacci was absolutely brilliant defensively, making two diving stops and several strong throws to first base.

Chacon is Masterful, Yanks Win Third Straight Game- 3/07/06

Yankees- 5, Twins- 0

W- Chacon
L- Radke

Yankee Lineup:

CF- Thompson, 0-3
2B- Cano, 0-3 (BB)
DH- Matsui, 2-3 ( 1B, 2B, R)
C- Posada, 2-3 ( 1B, R, 2RBI, 2-run HR)
1B- Phillips, 0-2 (BB)
RF- Cabrera, 0-3 (R)
3B- Johnson, 0-0 (BB)
SS- Escalona, 0-2
LF- Prieto, 0-2 (BB)

Other Yankees:

DH- Jones, 0-1 (R)
C- Santos, 0-1
1B- Duncan, 1-1 (1B)
3B- Howard, 1-2 ( 2B, 2RBI)
SS- Pena, 0-1

Yankee Pitching:

Chacon- 2H, 2K, 3IP
Henn- 3H, 1B, 2IP
M. Rivera- K, IP
Farnsworth- BB, IP
Villone- H, K, IP
Smith- IP

Notes:

Chacon was awesome once again! His ERA stands at 0.00 over his first two Spring Training starts.

Mariano Rivera got his first inning of work in today, striking out the first batter he faced.

Posada was on top of the ball, crushing a homer to right field and going the opposite way with a single.

Yankee Bats Gain Second Straight Victory

Blue Jays- 8, Yankees- 11

W- Mendoza
L- Purcey
S- Cox

Yankee Starting Lineup:

SS- Cairo, 1-4 ( 1B, R, 2 RBI, SB)
2B- Cano, 2-2 ( 2R, 1B, BB, HBP, 2RBI, 2-run HR)
LF- Matsui, 1-1 ( 2B, 2BB, 2R)
1B- Giambi, 0-0 ( RBI sac fly)
DH- Phillips, 2-5 ( 2 1B, 3RBI)
RF- Jones, 1-4 ( 2B)
C- Stinnet, 2-4 ( 2 1B, R)
3B- Vechionacci, 0-0 ( 2BB, R)
CF- Reese, 1-4 ( 1B, R, RBI, SB)

Other Yankees:

SS- Pena, 1-2 (1B)
2B- Howard, 0-1 (SB, R)
LF- Thompson, 1-2 ( 2B, RBI, R)
1B- Duncan, 1-4 (2B)
RF- Prieto, 0-1
C- Nieves, 1-1 ( solo HR)
3B- Escalona, 0-1
CF- Cabrera, 0-1

NY Pitching:

Wang- 6H, 3R, 2IP
Small- 4H, K, 4R ( 3 were unearned), 2IP
Mendoza- H, R, K, IP
Erickson- 2H, 2K, 1+2/3rdsIP
Villone- 2K, 1+1/3rdsIP
Cox- BB, K, IP

Notes:

Wang was very hittable today... He did throw a lot of strikes, but unfortunately, the Jays seemed to hit every one.

Cano had another great game, crushing his first Spring Training homer, a two-run blast.

Matsui continues to do very well, his Spring Training batting average ( over 4 games) is .833.

Villone did considerably better then his last time out.

Giambi left the game early due to some minor injury, but is expected to play again tomorrow.

Yankees have a Spring Training record of 2 and 3.

Mussina Steps Up, Yanks Win Their First Spring Training Game

Yankees- 3, Blue Jays- 2

W- Hughes
L- Burnside
S- DeSalvo

Yankees' Batters:

LF- Matsui, 3-3 ( 2B, 2 1B)
1B- Phillips ( RBI 2B)
C- Jorge Posada ( RBI 1B)
SS- Felix Escalona ( RBI 1B)

NY Pitching:

Mussina- R, 4H, 2K, 2+2/3rdsIP
Hughes- R, H, 1+1/3rdIP
DeSalvo- IP


I didn't get to see this game, so this is just the info I could get a hold of. Mussina did well, and looked healthy. Tomorrow, Chien Ming Wang pitches against Toronto.

United States- 11, Giants- 7

Yankee Participants:

CF- Damon, 0-1 ( R, BB)
SS- Jeter, 0-3 ( RBI, R)
3B- Rodriguez, 2-3 ( 2 1B, R)

P- Al Leiter: 5H, 4R, K, IP

Johnson Struggles, Yankees Lose Third Straight

Reds- 4, Yankees- 1

W: Harang
L: Johnson
S: Wagner

Yankee Starting Line-up:

SS- Cairo, 1-4, (1B)
2B- Cano, 2-4 (2 1B)
RF- Sheffield, 0-2 (BB)
1B- Giambi, 0-2 ( HBP)
DH- Matsui, 1-2 ( 1B, BB)
C- Posada, 1-2 ( 2B)
CF- Reese, 1-4 ( 1B)
3B- Vechionacci, 0-0 ( 2BB)
LF- Thompson, 1-3 ( 1B, RBI)

Notable Rookies:

DH- Duncan, 1-1 (2B)
C- Sabtos, 1-1 ( 1B)

Yankee Pitching:

R. Johnson- 3H, 3R, BB, 2K, 3IP
Proctor- 2BB, 3K, 2IP
Farnsworth- 2H, K, IP
Rasner- 1H, 1K, 2IP
Bergman- 4H, R, IP

Notes: Randy Johnson struggled, but after all, it's only his first game of Spring Training.

Scott Proctor did very well through his 2 innings, getting out of a base-loaded-nobody out jam in the fifth.

Without the main core of the lineup (Rodriguez, Jeter, Damon), the Yanks didn't score very much.

Phillies Beat the Yanks in the Ninth

Phillies- 11, Yankees- 10

W- Tom Gordon
L- Brooks


Yankees Starting Lineup:

LF- Kevin Thompson, 2-3 ( 2 1B, BB)
2B- Robinson Cano, 1-3 ( 2B, BB, RBI)
DH- Andy Phillips, 0-4
1B- Jason Giambi, 1-2 (1B)
C- Kelly Stinnet, 0-2 ( BB)
CF- Melky Cabrera, 3-4 (3 1B, 2RBI)
3B- Miguel Cairo, 1-4 ( 2B, RBI)
RF- Bubba Crosby, 0-3
SS- Felix Escalona, 1-2 ( 2B, HBP)


Yankee Pitchers:

Jarett Wright- 4H, R, BB, 2IPDe Paula- 3H, 3R, IP
Ron Villone- 2H, BB, 3R, 2/3IP
Scott Erickon- 3K, 2H, BB, R, 2IP

Mendoza pitched later.

Notes: Yankees looked good... Even without most of their players, the Yanks scored 10 runs. The defense was solid ( Cano made the only Yankee Spring Training error) , and the pitching was ok.

Spring Training Kicks Off

Phillies- 6, Yankees- 3

W- Floyd
L- Myers
S- Gearys


NY Yankee Starting Line-up:

CF- Damon, 2-3 ( 2B, 1B)
SS- Jeter, 1-3 (1B)
DH- Sheffield, 0-2 (BB)
3B- Rodriguez, 0-3
1B- Giambi, 1-2 (1B)
RF- Williams, 1-2 ( 1B, RBI)
C- Posada, 0-1 ( sac fly)
2B- Cano, 1-3 ( 1B, RBI)
LF- Reese, 1-3 (1B)

Position Players:

1B- Phillips, 2-2 ( HR, 1B)
C- Stinnet, 0-1 ( HBP)
2B- Cairo, 0-1

Notable Minor Leaguers:

Thompson, 1-2 (1B)
Prieto, 2-2 ( 2 1B)

NY Pitchers:

Chacon: H, BB, 2IP
Henn: 2H, 2R, K, 2IP
Small: 2H, 2IP
Myers: 4H, 3R, IP
Cox: R, IP
Smith: 2K, IP

Yankees' Spring Training kicked off on a beautiful day, in Tampa Bay, Florida. Chacon, the NY starter, pitched two solid innings, giving up only one hit. Damon made his Yankee Spring Training debut by rocketing a double down the left field line to start off the game ( he later singled). In the bottom of the second, Bernie Williams and Robinson Cano both had RBI singles, which gave the Yanks a 2-0 lead. And then Sean Henn came out to pitch..... ( he pitched two games for the Yankees last year) Henn gave up a 2-run homer to Phillies' DH Pat Burrel. Fortunately, Aaron Small came out and pitched two clean innings... By the sixth inning, most of the major league Yankees were finished for the day, and the rookies ( and position/bench players) began playing. Andy Phillips ( who will be splitting duties with Giambi at first base) hit the first pitch he saw out of the ballpark. The Yankees led 3 to 2. But Joe Torre called on Mike Myers to start an the seventh... Myers is more of a spot reliever, coming into the game to face one player. He pitches brilliantly against lefties, who bat .185 against him, but terrible against right-handers, who bat over .350 against him. You catch my drift.... Myers was rocked by the Philles, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits. J. Brent Cox ( from single A) pitched the eigth inning, allowing a home run off the bat of Phillies' rookie, Chris Coste. The Phillies led 6 to 3. Matt Smith finished the game for the Yankees, pitching a scoreless ninth inning.

Notes: Chacon and Small were very good... Just as they were last year.

Sheffield wasn't at his best... with a sore arm...

Matsui didn't play, because he was sore... But he says it is nothing serious...

And Myers.... must only pitch against left-handers!

--------------------------------------------------------------
Mets- 12, Cardinals 7

W- Wylie
L- Suppan

NY Met's Xavier Nady (HR)

STL Cardinal's Molina (HR) and Pujols (HR)

Ron Villone Ready to Play for the Yankees

For the first time in his 11-year career, Ron Villone is going to get to live at home during the baseball season.

When the Yankees acquired Villone from the Marlins in the offseason, it fulfilled a lifelong dream for the 36-year-old New Jersey native, who grew up a Yankees fan just outside of New York. Villone lives in Upper Saddle River, N.J., and he will live there when the season kicks off in April.

"I'll live at home for the first time," Villone said. "I get to sleep in my own bed. I think that's a bonus. I don't have to worry about some neck problems from different pillows all the time."

While he admits it will be nice to experience the comforts of home, Villone definitely means business this season. He assured that this homecoming won't just be about spending time with family and friends.

"It's great [to be with the Yankees]. I always wanted to when I was a youngster," Villone said. "At the same time, I've been doing this for a while now, so I think it's more about playing on a really good team that has the potential to be a great team and win it all. That's what it's all about now."

Villone has seen postseason action before, but things haven't ended the way he has wanted them to yet. Now with the Yankees, Villone thinks it could be the right time to help bring home the team's first title in six years.

"I've gone to the playoffs with Cleveland and Houston, and I pitched with Houston a little bit, but we got knocked out," Villone said. "It doesn't really mean anything unless you go all the way. I am looking for [a shot at a championship] for me and everybody here. You've got to set your goals as high as they come or you've got no chance."

Villone is set to play for this 10th big-league team.

While the left-hander has his sights set on the chance at a World Series title, the opportunity to do it near his home certainly hasn't escaped him.

"I've always lived in Jersey my whole life growing up, and my family [and friends are] still there," Villone said. "I'm back there for four months a year, so this year it's going to be longer. [I will get a lot] of phone calls and a lot of interest [from friends]. I won't know much more until we start the season, and then we'll see how to judge it.

"It's great. I'm going to be able to see my family and friends, but I've got a job to do and this is most important."

Villone and Mike Myers will compliment the right-handers in the Yankees' bullpen. Villone said he doesn't see himself in just one role this season, since he has the ability to help out with short, middle or long relief and even a spot-start if necessary.

"I've done it all," he said. "If the day calls, I'll be ready for it."

All he has to do for now is get through Spring Training before he can get back home. That's when his days in the Bronx will truly begin.

Read the entire article here at MLB.com