Yankees Finish off Exhibition Season | Ready for Real Thing

By Gary W. Marchese Jr.

Tampa, FL (Apr 3) – The New York Yankees finished up their exhibition schedule with a game against their future stars this afternoon.  The game took place at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida.  The Yankees will be heading to Boston after the game to start the regular season tomorrow night. 

Javier Vazquez started the game for the Yankees going up against Ivan Nova.  Javier Vazquez looked good pitching 4 1/3 innings giving up 7 hits and 3 runs with a walk and a couple of strikeouts. 

Mark Melancon relieved him and got into some trouble.  He pitched only 2/3 of an inning and gave up 2 hits and 2 runs but he did have 2 strikeouts.  He is a guy the Yankees are high on and feel he could end up being a late inning guy at some point. 

Pat Venditte who is the first ever switch pitcher got into this game.  He pitches both left and right handed and is more of a show then anything.  The analysis of his performance during the game was impressive but, he can do much better.  He pitched an inning giving up a hit, run, walk and he also struck out one batter.

The offense looked good early on; the starters each had their 2 at bats and then were out of the game.  It was a funny site to see in the 4th inning when everyone was getting a hit and then being taken out of the game. 

Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano had back to back hits and were immediately lifted from the game for pinch runners.  Nick Swisher had a sac fly and then he was also out of the game.  The good thing was that the regulars got their work in without getting hurt and everyone is ready for the season opener Sunday Night in Boston. 

Marcus Thames who just found out earlier before the game that he had made the team hit a homerun which was his 3rd in 8 days.  He started off really slow but then turned it on here at the end of spring training earning a spot on the roster.  He will play against some lefties and he has good career numbers against them. 

The Yankees did have some minor injuries creep up the last couple of days of spring training but they have seemed to get over that.  Jorge Posada had a stiff neck but played today and came through it fine.  Francisco Cervelli who will be the backup catcher is also feeling better.  He will be on the roster for tomorrow’s game, but he isn’t needed the first few games of the season so it isn’t as big of a deal. 

Joe Girardi the manager just told him that if he does get into a game be smart with running so you don’t aggravate your injury.  Damaso Marte and Alfredo Aceves both felt better and will be available out of the bullpen for the opening game. 

The Yankees were very lucky to have a quiet camp all the way around and are now ready to defend their World Championship. 

Opening Day is always special and will be even more special being that it is against their oldest and fiercest rivals.  Opening Day is upon us and it couldn’t get any better than that.

Posted by gmarchesej on April 3, 2010. Filed under News and Sports with Gary W. Marchese Jr.,Sports,US Sports,WorldNewsVine,Yankees. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.