CC Shines, Mo Returns, And Team USA Wins A Thriller

I spent last night flipping back and forth between the Yankees game against the Pirates and Team USA's game against Puerto Rico. I focused more on the Yankee game for their first 5 innings, figuring that would get me through CC's outing, as well as Mariano's. After they left the game, I pretty much didn't care and I flipped it to the WBC game.

Last night's Yankee game was the first time all spring I'd gotten to see CC Sabathia pitch. I was really impressed with what I saw. His velocity was good. If I remember it correctly, he had his heater consistently hitting 94 on the gun. He was on with his location also. He issued only 1 walk while whiffing 7 guys. I thought that was impressive. Granted he was facing the Pirates, but impressive nonetheless. I'm hoping this is a sign of things to come. I'll take that outing any day of the week.

Enter Sandman. Mariano made his spring debut last night and was lights out. Mo looked real good. Great velocity, great location. He threw 11 pitches, 8 for strikes. 3 up 3 down. 2 Ks. He looked real good. Pete Abe has an update today on how Mo's shoulder felt today and all sounds good. Mo will be ready for Opening Day and I'm predicting he'll have another great year.

I'm not sure how many of you out there watched the ending of last night's USA/Puerto Rico game but it was another classic. I decided before the game that I was going to root root root for the home team. I asked yesterday for some advice. I was torn because I have a ball signed by the entire team less Brian Roberts. Had they lost, I would have only needed to run down his signature. With the victory, I may have to run down another 3 guys to fully complete the ball. In the end, that's not that big of a deal. Granted it would be nice had there been no injuries, but what happens happens. I'll gladly try to run those guys down. Hope the wife won't mind.

I found myself on the edge of my seat during the end of the game. I was pretty pumped when Wright knocked in the game winner. It was an exciting game and you could tell by their on-the-field post game celebration, that these guys are into it. You can definitely see it means something to them. I know a lot of people out there don't like the WBC but I love it. Don't get me wrong, I think it's flawed, but it's great for baseball. I don't know how people can't get into it. I'm curious to know what you guys think about the WBC. Love it? Hate it? Why?

If anyone wants to read a great story about Team USA, I suggest you click here. It's a column from Jeff Passan at Yahoo. Team USA had a special visitor in their clubhouse after last night's game. It's a great read. Check it out.

Peace, love and Pinstripes,

J-Boogie