…of the 2009 World Series (rumor has it that that’s over?) but even in March it’s hard not to get excited about Doc Halladay vs. CC Sabathia in Clearwater Thursday afternoon. Expect to see Randy Winn and Nick Swisher, perhaps Robbie Cano too. None of them played in the Opener at George M. Steinbrenner Field Wednesday. I expect Joe Girardi will bring a representative team (at least to start) on the 20-minute drive.
The Yanks could face ex-pinstriper Jose Contreras too, while it’s doubtful ex-Phillie and new Yankee signee Chan Ho Park is ready for game action yet.
Will be cool, windy but sunny yet again. Stay tuned.
YANKEE BASEBALL!!!
When Chad Gaudin delivers his first pitch to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon, it will mark the 15th Spring Training Opener since the Yankees moved preseason prep facilities to Tampa from Fort Lauderdale in 1996. The opponent that March 1 was the reigning American League Champion Cleveland Indians, and things got off to an inauspicious beginning. Continue reading Thinkin’ Tampa
Tampa, Fla., March 4, 2003 — One thing you learn early when coming to Spring Training, the Yankee organization is like an army: They march better on their stomachs. There are a number of restaurants in this area that have baseball connections — the tasty but decidedly mainstream fare at Pete & Shorty’s (think White Castle hamburgers with a liquor license). The first whose hospitality we’ve enjoyed is the original Pete & Shorty’s in Clearwater, where George and Boomer lunched last year before agreeing that Mr. Wells and the Bronx belonged together, and David rejoined the rotation. There is another branch on Dale Mabry in Tampa, right down the street from Legends Field (which we’ve visited also). Continue reading ‘Yankee Fans? Right This Way…’
