Yanks Drop Second Straight to Twins

The Yankees pitching let them down for the second straight day and it resulted in their second straight loss to the Twins, 7-3. Joba Chamberlain got off to a rough start in his spring debut, allowing two runs on three hits in the first inning.

Joba's spot on the team is pretty secure though. The same can't be said for Dan Giese, who is a competing for one of the open spots in the bullpen. It's a day Giese will have to wash from his memory after allowing four runs, including a home run to Carlos Gomez, in two innings of work.

The Yankees bats went to sleep after the second inning. Sac flies by Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, plus an unearned run, had tied the game at three apiece after just two innings. But the Yankees managed just seven hits on the day, two of them by Shelley Duncan.

Brian Buscher put the Twins ahead for good with a 2-run double in the third and Delmon Young enjoyed a three hit day.

* * *

Jose Molina went 0-2, stranding 3 runners, but threw out two would be base stealers.

Former Yankees prospect Jason Jones, selected in the Rule V draft, threw two scoreless innings against his old organization.

Box Score

Joba and Yankees Take on Twins

The Yankees and Twins are playing the back end of a home and home exhibition series in Tampa today. Two of the most promising young pitchers are facing off- Joba Chamberlain for the Bombers and the Twins' Francisco Liriano.

Just one inning of work for Chamberlain today and it was a rough one. After getting the lead off man, Chamberlain gave up a single and back to back doubles for a 2-0 Twins lead. He did get out of further trouble with a pair of bounce out. 2-0 Twins with the Yankees up in the bottom of the 1st.

1:32 PM - Yankees get on the board. Single by Derek Jeter, a double by Mark Teixeira, and a long sac fly by Alex Rodriguez.

1:34 PM - Yankees tie it up on a throwing error by Luke Hughes, allowing Nick Swisher to reach first base safely.

1:38 PM - Robinson Cano drew an actual spring training walk! But Jose Molina grounded out to end the inning. 2-2 after 1.

1:42 PM - Dan Giese in to pitch. Be sure to check out our Q & A with Dan in case you missed it. Joba threw 21 pitches in his one inning of work.

Between innings, Twins radio had an ad for the new Target Field the Twins are moving to next season and the ceremonies that will take place this season at the Metrodome. They'll be doing the countdown, honoring teams and players. Let's get right to the point here. The Twins had some great players in the Metrodome - i.e. Kirby Puckett - but the Metrdome is a piece of shit and we look forward to seeing it imploded.

1:44 PM - Carlos Gomez just crushed an inside pitch from Giese for a solo home run and a 3-2 Twins lead.

1:50 PM - A line drive single by Shelley Duncan, an infield single by Melky Cabrera, and a sac bunt by Johnny Damon puts runners in scoring position with one out.

1:51 PM - Fly to right by Jeter brings home Duncan with the tying run. Cabrera holds at second.

1:54 PM - Big Tex grounds out for the final out. 3-3 after 2.

2:01 PM - Rough inning for Dan Giese. A single, walk, and a 2-run double by Brian Buscher have given the Twins a 5-3 lead.

2:05 PM - Luke Hughes rips a single through the left side for a 6-3 Twins lead.

2:09 PM - Giese finally escapes on a strike him out-throw him out double play.

2:11 PM - Former Yankees prospect Jason Jones is on to pitch for the Twins. Jones was a Rule V selection and must remain on the Twins major league roster all season. If not, they have to offer him back to the Yankees.

2:16 PM - A lead off walk by A-Rod was erased when Nick Swisher hit into a double play. Too bad since Robinson Cano just singled.

2:19 PM - Molina taps out as the Yankees are held scoreless for the first time. Jorgie, please stay healthy. We love Jose behind the plate, but not at it. 6-3, Twins after 3.

2:21 PM - Jose Veras pitching for the Yankees.

2:28 PM - Nice 1-2-3 inning for Veras.

2:35 PM - Another hit for Duncan, but the Yankees put up a goose egg.

6-3 Twins after 4 and that's it for our "play by play". We'll be back later with a recap.

Posada Scratched with Shoulder Ache

Jorge Posada was supposed to be in today's lineup, was scratched after feeling some soreness while stretching during Thursday's game. Despite feeling it on Thursday, Posada was the designated hitter in Friday's game against the Twins.

Posada said the shoulder doesn't hurt while swinging the bat and would have played if the Yankees let him.

Kids Give it Away

Yankees fall to Twins, 5-4, as Bullpen Falters

Ian Kennedy looked good, but a group of young pitchers- Eric Hacker, Andrew Brackman, George Kontos, and Wilkins De la Rosa - couldn't hold the Yankees 3-0 lead. The Twins snapped a 3-3 tie with a pair of runs in the 8th and staved off a Yankees rally in the 9th, for a 5-4 victory. It was the Yankees first loss of Spring Training.

The Yankees banged out 14 hits, but after scoring a pair of runs in the first inning, and adding another in the second on a Justin Leone home run, they didn't score another run until the 9th, and that was with the help of an error.

Hacker, who had a tremendous year split between Tampa and Trenton in '08, struggled through 2 innings, allowing the Twins first run in the fourth inning. Anthony Claggett came on to get Hacker out of further trouble and added a scoreless 5th inning as well.

But then things went south. Brackman allowed a solo home run to Jason Kubel in the sixth, to cut the lead to 3-2. The Twins then tied the game with a run on three hits in the seventh against Kontos, who struck out 2, to tie the game.

Minnesota went ahead in the eighth with a pair of runs off of De la Rosa, who allowed 2 hits and 2 walks in two-thirds of an inning. Steven Jackson came on to get the final out.

* * *

With a 2 1/2 hr ride each way, the Yankees left most of their regulars home.

Jorge Posada, who had a home run and double yesterday, added two singles in today's game.

February 27, 2009

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		4	14	0
Minnesota	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	2	X		5	11	2

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Gardner, CF	2	1	2	0	1	0	0	.429
Jackson, A, CF	2	1	1	0	0	1	1	.500
Ransom, 2B	3	1	1	1	0	1	2	.167
Pena, 2B	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	.250
Swisher, 1B	3	0	2	0	0	0	1	.500
Miranda, 1B	2	0	1	0	0	0	2	.400
Posada, DH	3	0	2	0	0	0	2	.800
1-Rodriguez, J, PR-DH	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	.333
Nady, RF	3	0	0	1	0	0	4	.200
Linden, RF	2	0	0	0	0	1	4	.200
Cabrera, M, LF	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	.000
Russo, LF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Berroa, SS	2	0	1	0	1	0	0	.667
Nunez, E, SS	2	0	1	0	0	0	3	.333
Leone, 3B	3	1	1	1	0	0	3	.250
Bernier, 3B	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1.000
Cervelli, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.250
Romine, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Totals	39	4	14	3	4	4	27
1-Ran for Posada in the 5th.
BATTING 2B: Gardner (1, Baker), Miranda (1, Delaney). HR: Leone (1, 2nd inning off Baker, 0 on, 1 out). TB: Gardner 3; Jackson, A; Ransom; Pena; Swisher 2; Miranda 2; Posada 2; Berroa; Nunez, E; Leone 4; Cervelli. RBI: Ransom (1), Nady (1), Leone (1). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera, M; Ransom; Leone 2; Swisher; Jackson, A; Linden; Nunez, E 2. Team LOB: 12. BASERUNNING SB: Gardner 2 (2, 2nd base off Duensing/Redmond, 2nd base off Baker/Redmond). CS: Rodriguez, J (1, 2nd base by Mulvey/Ramos), Nunez, E (1, 2nd base by Julianel/Ramos). FIELDING DP: 2 (Leone-Ransom-Swisher, Pena-Berroa-Miranda).

NY Yankees	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Kennedy	2.0	1	0	0	1	3	0	0.00
Hacker (H, 1)	1.0	3	1	1	2	0	0	9.00
Claggett (H, 1)	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Brackman (H, 1)	1.0	1	1	1	0	0	1	9.00
Kontos (BS, 1)	1.0	3	1	1	0	2	0	9.00
De La Rosa (L, 0-1)	0.2	2	2	2	2	1	0	27.00
Jackson, S	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00

Minnesota	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Gomez, CF	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	.000
Martin, CF	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	.714
Casilla, 2B	2	0	0	0	1	0	1	.250
Tolbert, 2B-RF	2	0	1	1	0	0	2	.167
Crede, DH	2	0	0	0	1	1	2	.000
a-Hughes, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	.333
Morneau, 1B	2	0	1	0	0	0	1	.500
1-Peterson, PR-1B	2	1	0	0	0	1	2	.250
Cuddyer, RF	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.250
2-Winfree, PR-RF	2	0	1	0	0	0	0	.400
3-Plouffe, PR-SS	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Young, LF	2	0	2	1	0	0	0	.750
Kubel, LF	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	.333
Pridie, LF	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	.333
Redmond, C	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	.250
Ramos, C	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Harris, 3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	3	.400
Valencia, 3B	2	1	2	1	0	0	0	1.000
Punto, SS	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000
Macri, SS-2B	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	.000
Totals	32	5	11	5	5	7	20
a-Struck out for Crede in the 7th. 1-Ran for Morneau in the 4th. 2-Ran for Cuddyer in the 4th. 3-Ran for Winfree in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Morneau (2, Hacker). HR: Kubel (1, 6th inning off Brackman, 0 on, 2 out). TB: Martin 2; Tolbert; Morneau 2; Cuddyer; Winfree; Young 2; Kubel 4; Valencia 2. RBI: Young (1), Kubel (1), Tolbert (1), Valencia (1), Martin (2). 2-out RBI: Kubel. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Harris; Punto; Peterson; Tolbert 2. SF: Martin. GIDP: Crede; Casilla. Team LOB: 9. BASERUNNING SB: Young (1, 2nd base off Kennedy/Cervelli). FIELDING E: Casilla (1, throw), Valencia (1, fielding). Outfield assists: Gomez (Berroa at 2nd base).

Minnesota IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Baker 2.0 6 3 3 0 0 1 13.50 Duensing 2.0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0.00 Mulvey 2.0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 Delaney 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 Julianel (W, 1-0) 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0.00 Gosling (S, 1) 1.0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0.00

Hacker pitched to 3 batters in the 4th. WP: Kennedy, Mulvey. Groundouts-flyouts: Kennedy 1-2, Hacker 3-0, Claggett 2-3, Brackman 0-3, Kontos 0-1, De La Rosa 0-1, Jackson, S 0-1, Baker 3-2, Duensing 3-2, Mulvey 1-3, Delaney 0-2, Julianel 1-1, Gosling 1-1. Batters faced: Kennedy 8, Hacker 7, Claggett 6, Brackman 4, Kontos 6, De La Rosa 6, Jackson, S 1, Baker 11, Duensing 10, Mulvey 7, Delaney 4, Julianel 4, Gosling 7. Inherited runners-scored: Claggett 2-0, Jackson, S 2-0. Umpires: HP: Randy Marsh. 1B: Tim Tschida. 2B: Brian O'Nora. 3B: Marvin Hudson. Weather: 78 degrees, sunny. Wind: 12 mph, R to L. T: 3:11. Att: 7,998.

IPK Tries to Get Off on the Right Foot

Ian Kennedy got the start today as the Yankees and Twins faced off in Ft. Myers, FL. Kennedy had a miserable 2008 season after showing much promise in a call up in September '07. So far, he's thrown one scoreless frame.

The Yankees lead 3-0 in the top of the second inning after Justin Leone's solo home run. The Bombers scored a pair in the first on hits by Brett Gardner, Cody Ransom, and Nick Swisher, and an RBI ground out by Xavier Nady. Gardner also stole a base.

Box Score

UPDATE 2:47 PM
Yankees lead it 3-1 after 4 1/2 innings. Ian Kennedy did a nice job, with 3 strikeouts in 2 innings of work. Eric Hacker, on the other hand, struggled in the third inning and that struggle continued into the fourth. He allowed a run on 3 hits and walked two, but Anthony Claggett came on to escape further trouble.

Justin Leone had a chance to bust the game open in the fourth, but grounded out to end a bases loaded threat. Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher have 2 hits apiece, with Gardner adding 2 stolen bases.

Yankees Not Banking on it

Anthony Reiber of Newsday is reporting that sponsorship talks between the Yankees and Bank of America have been called off. BofA has been under fire for considering a signage deal with the Yankees, despite being given a $45 billion bail out by the federal government.

Needless to say Bank of America's stock has dropped since then and the economy continues to struggle.

In an interview on WFAN Wednesday, before word of Bank of America's dropping out was first reported on The New York Times' Web site, team chief operating officer Lonn Trost was asked whether the general economic slump had affected the Yankees' ability to sign up advertisers.

"Fortunately, I can say that the economy has not affected our sponsorship one iota," he said.

Pressed by host Mike Francesa, Trost said he was "thrilled" with the Yankees' advertising efforts for the new stadium.

Bank of America could still work a deal with the Yankees to provide ATM's in the new ball park.

Spring Training Quick Cuts

The YES Network produces quickie clips every year. Here are some of this years.

Mark Teixeira



Phil Hughes



CC Sabathia



Nick Swisher



Johnny Damon

Is Andy Phillips a Pervert?

That's the question of the day. Actually for the last couple of days. Deadspin reporter A.J. Daulerio brings us the supposed sordid tale of former Yankee, Andy Phillips, (Who may not be the real Andy Phillips) and a porn star (actually we don't know if she's a star, but she's "in the biz".).

As you probably know, Phillips is a deeply religious man, that is devoted to his wife and family, and Alabama football. It's one thing to have an affair, but Phillips is also accused of impersonating several others in emails. "Some silicone sister with a manager mister", Gina Rodriguez (known as Delia in her trade), has filed a police report accusing Phillips fraud.

G-Rod doesn't accuse Phillips of fraud in their romantic encounter. In fact, she says Phillips showed/did several things to prove he was the real deal. But Phillips is accused of sending emails as Carl Pavano (we'll give you a moment to recover from laughing), Greg Dobbs of the Phillies, and agent/possibly make believe agent Jordan Kapler.

There are a couple of things that make you suspicious right off the bat. The email that Phillips supposedly used was 'andy1Bphillips@yahoo.com'. That's right, he put his position in his email address (We wonder if Miss Rodriguez puts her "position" in her email.). But it gets even better. Pavano's email adress was 'CarlPitchPavano@yahoo.com'. You can't make this stuff up...or could you?

Delaurio contacted G-Rod and was given the phone number of the alleged Andy Phillips. The person who answered the call had no idea what was going and didn't know from Andy Phillips.

Delaurio also contacted MLB, which stated an investigation was on-going.

First Andy Pettite, now Andy Phillips. I don't think we could handle another Andy fall from grace. (Why can't they all be like Sherrif Andy Taylor?).

Click here to read A.J. Delaurio's full story.

Boras the Puppet Master

Manny Ramirez has rejected the Dodgers latest offer. $25 million guaranteed for one year, with a $20 million player's option for a second year. And Manny said, nah.

Though it would significantly damage their offense, the Dodgers should just say, it was nice knowing you, and move on. They're only bidding against themselves right now.

Scott Boras, Manny's agent, is waiting for something to happen this spring. Specifically, a major injury to a big time hitter. That's the best scenario for Manny to get the four year deal he is seeking. Desperate times call for desperate, and sometimes panicky, measures.

The Giants are said to be monitoring the situation and they certainly aren't afraid to make bad deals (Barry Zito, Aaron Rowand).

Perhaps Manny sits out the start of the season and a team, such as the Mets, gets off to a slow start due to lack of production from the corner outfielders (a very real possibility). Would they then make an "offer you can't refuse" to the Man-child?

Apparently, Boras is willing to wait and see.

Hats Off to You

To commemorate the opening of the new Stadium, the Yankees will be wearing patches on the back of their caps. Yes, it's really just a way to sell more merchandise at the souvenir stand.
(photo courtesy of Journal News)

Yuri Outta Here

Alex Rodriguez may be sticking by his cousin, Yuri Sucart, but the Yankees don't want any part of the family. When Sucart picked A-Rod up after Tuesday's game with the Blue Jays in Dunedin, the Yankees front office said enough is enough.

"It has been handled," New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters Thursday, saying A-Rod being picked up by his cousin, Yuri Sucart, was no longer an issue.

Sucart, of course, is the infamous cousin that was A-Rod's delivery boy and injector. You would think A-Rod would be smart enough not to have his cousin around, but after all, this is the guy who dated/dates Madonna.

Posada Shoulders Early Load

Jorge Posada may not be ready to squat down behind home plate, but he's looking pretty good with the bat. Posada has homered and double to give the Yankees a 2-0 lead over the Rays after 5 innings.

Phil Hughes got the start for the Yankees and threw 2 solid innings as the Yankees opened the home part of the exhibition schedule. Phil Coke followed Hughes with 2 scoreless innings of his own before giving way to Brian Bruney.

Mark Teixiera and Xavier Nady each have a hit, with Nady scoring on Posada's double.

UPDATE: 3:49 PM

Yankees win it 5-1 for the second straight day.

Shelley Duncan put the game away with a tremendous 3-run home run in the 7th inning.

The Rays picked up their only run in the top of the 7th, putting three hits together against a struggling J.B. Cox.

Bernie Williams threw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the start of the game.

February 26, 2009

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Tampa Bay	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0		1	5	0
NY Yankees	0	0	1	0	1	0	3	0	X		5	7	0

Tampa Bay	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Kennedy, 2B	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Olmedo, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000
Crawford, LF	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.333
Perez, F, LF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Aybar, W, DH	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Jaso, J, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Ensberg, 3B	3	0	1	0	0	0	2	.333
Nowak, 1B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Zobrist, SS	2	0	1	0	0	0	2	.333
Brignac, R, 2B	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Kapler, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Johnson, E, 3B	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	.250
Richard, 1B	1	0	0	0	1	1	1	.333
Weber, J, RF	2	0	1	1	0	0	0	.200
Riggans, C	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000
Sadler, CF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.500
Ruggiano, RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.333
Hernandez, M, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000
Totals	31	1	5	1	1	5	13
a-Struck out for Aybar, W in the 8th.
BATTING TB: Ensberg; Zobrist; Johnson, E; Weber, J; Sadler. RBI: Weber, J (1). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Zobrist; Olmedo. Team LOB: 6. BASERUNNING SB: Johnson, E (1, 2nd base off Cox/Cervelli). FIELDING DP: (Ensberg-Kennedy-Richard).

Tampa Bay	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Davis	2.0	0	0	0	0	3	0	0.00
Orvella (L, 0-1)	1.0	1	1	1	0	1	1	9.00
Abreu, W	2.0	3	1	1	0	0	0	4.50
DePaula	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Medlock	1.0	3	3	3	0	1	1	27.00
Thayer, D	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

NY Yankees	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Damon, LF	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Gardner, LF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
Jeter, SS	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.167
Nunez, E, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Teixeira, 1B	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	.500
Ransom, 1B	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Rodriguez, A, 3B	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.333
Bernier, 3B	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
Cano, 2B	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Berroa, 2B	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
Nady, RF	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	.500
Duncan, S, RF	1	1	1	3	0	0	0	.250
Posada, DH	2	1	2	2	0	0	0	1.000
a-Anson, PH-DH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Molina, J, C	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Cervelli, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Cabrera, M, CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Curtis, CF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Totals	30	5	7	5	0	6	3
a-Grounded out for Posada in the 7th.
BATTING 2B: Nady (1, Abreu, W), Posada (1, Abreu, W). HR: Posada (1, 3rd inning off Orvella, 0 on, 0 out), Duncan, S (1, 7th inning off Medlock, 2 on, 0 out). TB: Teixeira; Bernier; Berroa; Nady 2; Duncan, S 4; Posada 6. RBI: Posada 2 (2), Duncan, S 3 (3). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Cabrera, M. GIDP: Rodriguez, A. Team LOB: 1. FIELDING Outfield assists: Gardner (Ensberg at 2nd base).

NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Hughes, P 2.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0.00 Coke (W, 1-0) 2.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 Bruney 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 Marte (H, 1) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 Cox (H, 1) 1.0 3 1 1 0 0 0 9.00 Melancon 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 Albaladejo 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.00

HBP: Kennedy (by Hughes, P), Aybar, W (by Hughes, P). Groundouts-flyouts: Davis 2-1, Orvella 0-2, Abreu, W 4-2, DePaula 3-0, Medlock 2-0, Thayer, D 1-1, Hughes, P 2-2, Coke 1-4, Bruney 1-1, Marte 2-0, Cox 2-1, Melancon 2-0, Albaladejo 2-1. Batters faced: Davis 6, Orvella 4, Abreu, W 8, DePaula 3, Medlock 6, Thayer, D 3, Hughes, P 9, Coke 7, Bruney 3, Marte 3, Cox 6, Melancon 3, Albaladejo 3. Umpires: HP: Mark Wegner. 1B: Eric Cooper. 2B: Marty Foster. 3B: D.J. Reyburn. Weather: 76 degrees, sunny. Wind: 5 mph, R to L. T: 2:17. Att: 10,693.