Rasner Makes a Pitch

Darrell Rasner increased his chances of making the big club today, allowing 1 unearned run over 4 2-3 innings in the Yankees 3-2 loss to the Pirates. The right hander, foolishly let go by the Nats last year, scattered 7 hits, didn't walk a batter and struck out 5. It's possible that Ron Villone's struggles of late could be a big benefit to Rasner, who now has 1.50 ERA in 12 innings. In addition, the 26 yr-old has not allowed a walk while striking out 9.

Sean Henn is making things tough for Joe Torre as well. The soon to be 26-yr old lefty, struggled with control in 2 stints in the majors, but has excelled this spring. He's only allowed 2 walks, while striking out 5 in 7 shutout innings (incl. 1 today).

Former Yankee Shawn Chacon blanked the Bombers for 3 innings today before Hideki Matsui's single off of Shane Youman brought home Bobby Abreu for a l-0 lead in the 4th. The Pirates scored a pair of runs in the 7th off of Colter Bean for a 3-1 lead. The Yankees got one back in the 8th when spring hitting machine, Josh Phelps, singled and eventually came home on Bronson Sardhina's sac fly.