Mariano’s Spring Fling

From the AP:

Mariano Rivera made quick work of his first appearance this spring.

The Yankees closer needed just eight pitches to throw a perfect fourth inning in New York’s 9-5 loss to the Houston Astros on Friday. “Someone made the comment, ‘See you next week, Mo,”‘ Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “He understands his craft as well as any pitcher I’ve ever been with, on what he needs to do to get ready. He’s so good at what he does.”

Rivera struck out two, throwing all but one pitch for a strike.

“I’m happy with everything,” Rivera said.

Rivera, third all-time with 443 saves, has taken a slower approach during spring training the past few years. The right-hander will likely pitch nine or 10 innings before the team breaks camp.

By “slower approach” I’m assuming that the author is referring to a lighter workload? Or is he talking about Mariano’s late start? Either way, Mo pitched 10 innings in ST last year as well and the went on to post up miserable numbers at the beginning of the season. In 2005-06 he pitched 7 and 9 innings,  so maybe he’ll be throwing 9 this year (although I doubt it really makes a difference).

Here’s an interesting bit, since 2003, Mariano Rivera has thrown in 46.2 spring innings. In terms of those particular innings, he’s only given up 1 earned run (on a HR), has struck out 51 batters, and has walked 6. That’s comes out to a 0.19 ERA and a WHIP of 0.58. I feel bad for the poor non-roster invitee who stepped into the batter’s box during the spring, hoping to impress a club, only to face Mariano and get a bunch of cutters in on the hands. Yikes. 

Exhibition: Yanks VS. Astros

Andy Pettitte gave up 2 ER in 2.2 innings of work against the Astros. The 2 ER are the result of a Matt Diaz homer. In addition, Pettitte struck out 2 and didn’t walk anyone, which is a good sign. Shawn Chacon, one of my favorite former Yanks, also pitched and gave up 2 ER in 2 innings. Edwar Ramirez relieved Pettitte and allowed a hit, yet he still got the final out of the inning.

Looks like Mariano Rivera just pitched for the Yanks as well. He struck out 2 and pitched a perfect inning. All is right with the world. The game is in the 4th inning, so feel free to check up on the box score, here.

The Yankees Are Sore… Okay, it’s a Slow News Day

A-Rod and Jorge Posada are currently dealing with a bit of soreness. A-Rod’s been relegated to DH (he feels it when he throws) and Posada was actually held out of the lineup in today’s exhibition game against Houston. However, he’ll likely start again on Monday, so don’t worry. Neither of these situations are thought to be very serious, and Joe Girardi actually says (in the link above) that their soreness is primarily based in their lat muscles (it’s more of a back muscle than an arm or shoulder muscle).

Cashman’s Abreu Apprehension

From the Daily News (John Harper) on Bobby Abreu:

“I told him I thought he was terrific,” said Cashman, “but that I needed to talk to him about my concerns before I picked up the option. He made a promise to me; he said, ‘Cash, I want to be a Yankee and I promise you I’m going to come to camp in shape and stay in shape all year.’

It’s good to know that Cashman contacted Abreu about his fitness before picking up his option. Even though it ended up being a decent season, Abreu had one of his worst years in recent memory in 2007 (largely because of his initial fitness problems). In shape, he should be a tremendously viable outfielder for the club.

Seriously, Why Worry About Joe Girardi?

From the Beacon:

In listing his influences, Girardi cited Torre for his calmness and communication skills, Tony La Russa for his preparedness and intensity, Don Baylor for his toughness and Don Zimmer “for teaching me that you manage not only from statistics but also from your instincts, your gut and your heart.”

With that well-rounded mix, do you even have to worry about Joe Girardi? Honestly, I think the Yankees can be the Yankees and win 90+ games, with or without Joe Torre. Be prepared for the legend of Torre to slowly dissolve like paint thinner on an old portrait. When you’re handed the reigns to the highest payroll in baseball, even the dumbest guy could manage 80 wins. Say what you want, complain about Torre all you want, but that’s just being honest.

Joe Girardi is not a dumb guy. He knows what he wants and he expects a lot from his players. Young, old, smart, stupid, your past traits don’t matter. With Girardi, you have a new lease on life, and you better make it worth it. Plus, he knows and really loves his team. He’s a hard ass, but he’ll be there to help.

“We have leaders who know what it means to be Yankees,” Posada said. “We’re here to work with Joe. He can lean on us.”

They can lean on him, too. Girardi has supported and advised Pettitte since the pitcher was named in the Mitchell Report.

“He’s my boss now, but he’s my friend, too,” Pettitte said. “When I was going through stuff this offseason, he was there for me, just like Mr. Torre would have been.

“You could see Joe’s leadership ability 10 years ago. When you put that together with his knowledge of the game and the talented group we have, he’ll have success here.”

I think the Yankees would’ve been great with any of the mangers that applied for the job. Whoever it was, they were going to be provided with a sure-fire winning machine. That’s simply how it is and was. But, the Yankees also hired the man who (I think) is the most qualified for the job. With that said, the Yankees will do a lot better than most people are giving them credit for.

Expect 100 wins. Yes, I said it.