Tomko up, Hacker DFAed

We need to get some explanation from Brian Cashman on this one. Brett Tomko was recalled from Scranton today with David Robertson being sent down. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Eric Hacker was designated for assignment.

This makes no sense to us at all. The Yankees are keeping Angel Berroa as insurance in case A-Rod were to re-injure himself. The question is why? Have the Yankees not learned from Josh Phelps, Morgan Ensberg, etc., who were either at the tail end of their careers or never had much of one? Berroa is highly replaceable.

Hacker wasn't having a good year. He was 0-1, 7.88 in 3 starts after his promotion from Trenton, where he went 1-1, 4.11 in 3 starts. But it comes a season after Hacker blossomed at Tampa and Trenton. Hacker allowed less than a hit an inning and had a 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 144.1 innings pitched.

Hacker is 26, but we can't see him going unclaimed in waivers.

On another note, we have to laugh at all the Yankees fan clamoring for Tomko to be recalled. People can get over infatuated with minor league numbers. Tomko is a journeyman for a reason. Good enough for cups of coffee, but not enough to stick in one place very long.

Pena Makes Final Cut

The Yankees have finally penned in the 25th man on their active roster. Ramiro Pena has been named to the squad, despite the very good exhibition season turned in by veteran Angel Berroa.

Pena is just 23 years old and has never played above Double-A, but the Yankees quickly took notice of his great glove work and a quick bat. The Yankees clearly feel having a very good, versatile glove off the bench is more important right now than an extra bat.

Pena will likely be ticketed for the minor leagues once Alex Rodriguez returns from the DL (he was placed on the IR today, retroactive to March 27.), with Cody Ransom resuming his role as the utility man.

To make room on the 40-man roster, one of our favorites, Dan Giese was designated for assignment. He's likely to be claimed by another organization.

Yankees Win Road Finale

The Yankees finale spring road trip ended well, as the Bombers beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3. Joba Chamberlain threw a very effective 5.1 innings and Melky Cabrera drove in three runs in this afternoon's contest in Sarasota.

Brett Gardner added three hits and Angel Berroa had a pair in a sloppily played ball game. The two teams combined for seven errors. The Yankees pen did the job again though, allowing one unearned run in 3.2 innings.

The Yankees are back at home in Tampa tomorrow to take on the Phillies.

Box Score

Ramiro Pena Makes his Case

Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News reported this morning that the Yankees are giving serious consideration to awarding the utility infield spot to 23-yr old Ramiro Pena. With the injury to Alex Rodriguez opening a spot on the roster, it was believed that Cody Ransom would be the every day third baseman and Angel Berroa would be the utility man.

But Pena has opened a lot of eyes this spring with his glove, speed, and the ability to play multiple infield positions. A .304 spring batting average and 7 RBI hasn't hurt his cause either.

The down side, of course, is having a 23-yr old sitting most days instead of playing regularly in the minor leagues. (Pena hasn't played above Double-A thus far.) Berroa has made a case for himself this spring by hitting .400 this spring. He's got power and could push Ransom if he were to struggle in A-Rod's place.

The bad news for both players is that the winner of the competition will most likely be sent to the minors when A-Rod returns, with Ransom resuming his utility role.

Yankees Pound Tigers, 12-3

Angel Berroa knows that with Alex Rodriguez out of action, his chances of going north with the Yankees has increased greatly. Today, he homered, doubled, and drove in four runs as the Yankees rolled over the Detroit Tigers, 12-3.

A.J. Burnett finally made his spring debut, facing the minimum of six batters in two innings of work. In picking up the win, Burnett allowed one base hit, which was quickly erased by a double play. He didn't record a walk or strikeout before turning things over to Phil Hughes, who continued his good spring with three hitless innings. Hughes walked two and struck out four.

Berroa's home run was his second of the spring. Xavier Nady contributed his first home run of the exhibition season, and Jose Molina and Colin Curtis drove in two runs each. The Yankees had 12 hits and drew 10 walks, including three by Nick Swisher.

With all eyes suddenly on Cody Ransom, the veteran went 2-2 with two runs scored and a stolen base, and is hitting .300 for the spring.

Box Score