A.J. allowed two singles, but he threw free and easy, notched a strike out, threw 6 of 7 first-pitch strikes, and retired the side twice on 19 pitches.

Tampa, Fla., March 2, 2011 — The Yankees/Phillies tilt that opened Spring Training in George M. Steinbrenner Field four days ago, a back-and-forth battle in which the visitors ultimately prevailed, was noteworthy for how un-“springlike” it was. A one-run (5-4 Phils), crisply played game, with each team amassing nine hits, six walks total, and just one error on an infield roller initially ruled a hit. On Wednesday afternoon in the same venue, the visiting Astros and the Yanks played the antithesis of that game, a contest that was “springlike” in the extreme. Continue reading →

Alex Rodriguez was in a great mood and talking up a storm, particularly with third base ump Ed Hickox. Here, he continues a chat with CC Sabathia, who has decided it's time to move on and pitch.

Lakekand, Fla., February 28, 2011 — The Yanks traveled to Lakeland today, to play the Detroit in Tiger Town. The Tigers have been in Lakeland for decades, and they attract fans of all persuasions from all over baseball to Joker Marchant Stadium. Although the Yanks fell 6-2 to a record of 1-2, the day was as gorgeous as those that preceded it, with the mercury creeping up to 85 degrees, and just in time, too. There’s a cold front expected in tomorrow, and afterward temps should dip well into the 70s, heaven forbid. Continue reading →

Ben Francisco would drive in all three Phillies runs, but he had no chance against high cheese from Dellin Betances.

Tampa, Fla., February 27, 2011 — Anyone checking for a midgame score of Sunday’s Yankee game vs. the Phillies at Clearwater and discovering Yankee leads of 2-0, then 6-0, might have assumed the Bombers were kicking butt. But although the Phillies never really threatened in the eventual 7-3 Yankee victory, this was no Bombers blowout. Both teams pitched well; the Yanks simply did so for a longer period of time. Continue reading →

Full report to follow but it’s great to be sitting watching baseball in 80 degree weather. Loved the heart-shaped pinstriped pin with The Boss giveaway for spring training opening day!

That's Jesus Montero wearing No. 83 in 2010. He will be one of the most watched Yankees in Tampa -- and hopefully New York -- in 2011.

Tampa, Fla., February 26, 2011 — Our Spring Training Trek starts anew Saturday, and we’re continuing our 2010 strategy, hoteling it just a short walk from George M. Steinbrenner (GMS) Field. So our 10-day trek is a series of short strides and long(er than ideal) drives. Saturday begins with the 1,000-mile flight South, shuttle to the hotel, and shuffle to the park to watch the Yanks host the Phillies, with Bartolo Colon throwing the first Yankee pitch of the preseason — 300 yards.
Continue reading →