The Core Four were at it again… well, in a way. Derek Jeter started at shortstop tonight for the first time this Spring, exactly 5 months to the day after his season-ending broken ankle in the ALCS last year, playing 4 solid innings. Andy Pettitte made his Spring debut tonight on the mound, throwing 3 innings, striking out 3, and only allowing 1 of the Phillies’ 2 runs tonight. Mariano Rivera came on in the 5th inning to throw 3 straight, quick ground outs. And Jorge Posada (the only retired member) watched from the coaches’ den by the dugout, enjoying his role as Guest Coach and good friend to so many on the team. It was quite a fun mini-reunion to watch in a game tonight for those of us used to rooting on the Core Four for nearly two decades now.
The two teams meet for March 30th Exhibition game
The Yankees topped the Phillies 6-2 tonight, much of that is due to the 5 errors made by the Phillies. Newly signed minor leaguer and outfielder Ben Francisco made a big splash tonight with a 2-out RBI. Melky Mesa also is stepping up as an outfield contender, with some nice offense including a 2-out RBI hit in the 3rd and some good base running and outfield defense.
Also in Yankees news tonight, the Yankees sent infielder Corban Joseph, outfielder Zoilo Almonte, and pitcher Adam Warren back to AAA camp. Though we know cuts have to be made, all three are solid pinstripe material that could easily see any Bronx time later this year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see these three names on the September expanded roster.
Another fun thing about tonight was the addition of the West Point baseball team to their pre-game workouts and honored at the 7th inning stretch during the Yankees’ traditional “God Bless America”. The teams will play an exhibition game on March 30th at West Point. I love that the Yankees have kept the tradition of honoring America and the troops that serve our nation during every home game and support programs like the Wounded Warrior Project. It’s part of why I love the Yankees because it serves to remind us that we are not on one side of things, but a bunch of citizens united together who owe a debt of gratitude to an amazing group of men and women who choose to voluntarily serve our country. It’s good to remember all that we have (including baseball games) is because someone else fought for us to have it.
So I thank all those (including some of my family members) who have served and know that I think about you and am grateful for you every time I hear Kate Smith’s vocals over the loudspeaker and see the thousands of people honoring your service.
Go Yankees!
Yankees Life 