Tuesday, March 3, 2009

A Few Quickies About The Game Vs. Team USA

I got a chance to DVR and "speed watch" today's game versus Team USA. I was looking forward to it and was most excited to see Phil Hughes face a tough lineup. Here's some quick hits about the game and some other things:

  • I thought Hughes looked sharp. I like seeing his fastball popping consistently in the low 90s. He threw first pitch strikes and that's key. I'm really encouraged by his 2 spring starts. Too bad he's likely headed for Scranton.
  • It was weird/neat seeing Derek Jeter on the other side. I was hoping Hughes would have lobbed one at him just for giggles. And if you didn't know, Jeter was named the team captain for Team USA. He's a natural born leader and was the right man for the job.
  • I'm pretty sure by the end of spring training Phil Coke is going to be a late-inning guy. I'm quickly becoming a big fan of his. His very fun to watch and I'm expecting big things from him. Sorry Damaso, but I don't think you'll be getting those big spots against the lefties.
  • The Yankees offense really excites me. Is it me or does it seem like they score in the first inning every game? Pardon me a moment while I look. This was their 7th game of the spring and they've scored runs in the 1st inning 6 times, including the last 5 straight. I like that. The top of the lineup getting it done. It'll be nice to see these guys give the starters early leads. This team could win a lot of ballgames.
  • I'm pretty sure the starting CF job is going to Brett Gardner. He's hitting 500 so far this season and went 3-3 today. He could be a nice spark plug at the bottom of the lineup. Melky is out of options and I wouldn't be surprised if he's traded before the season starts.
  • Posada has been en fuego this spring. 7 hits in 11 at-bats. Jorge = kicking ass! It's going to be great having him back in the lineup.
  • The Yankee pitchers today, with the exception of Hacker, impressed me. They yielded only 6 hits to a pretty stacked Team USA lineup. The pitching is going to be a big strength this year. I'm loving the depth and talent they have.
  • I saw over at Pete Abraham's blog that A-Rod stuck his foot in his mouth again, saying, "I wish (Reyes) was leading off on our team, playing on our team.” Alex, Alex, Alex. Dude, what's wrong with you man? It was probably an innocent comment, one intended to give respect to Reyes, but the NY media is going to have a field day with this. What an idiot! The only way Reyes would work in Pinstripes is if the heart and soul of the Yankees weren't there. He may not have intended to disrespect Derek, but he sure as hell did. Again, what an idiot. A-Rod needs to shut his pie-hole.
  • Question to the Toronto Blue Jays tickets office: Where are my effing WBC tickets? The thing starts Saturday for crying out loud. Shouldn't I have them by now?

Peace, love and Pinstripes,

J-Boogie

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think you could be right about Phil Coke. He looks impressive every time I see him.

Anonymous said...

Scoring runs in the first inning is key. I like how the Yanks set the tempo. Phil Coke = huge growth, I like watching this guy. Can't wait for the real season to start.

Anonymous said...

if they can scratch out a few runs early, with their pitching staff and bullpen depth, they should be tciketed for a big year. Hughes looked sharp against USA and i like how hes throwing his curve more like burnett, with a more tight, sharp break and not so loopy. coke has done nothing but impress since his call up last year and so far this spring. seems like gardner has no intention of giving girardi any reason to think about playing melky.