Are the yankees in trouble?

Ok. I know Yankees don’t have a bad record so far. However, there are two things very obvious right now.

First of all, Yankees certainly don’t have the same luck this year as they received last year in the injury department.

And then Cashman’s offseason moves don’t work out too well, do it? Most of predictions I made on the post of What Cashman has done this off-season become reality.

I know Hideki Matsui doesn’t perform so well in LA land. However, at least, he is playing. Who knows how he will perform in the Yankees lineup. But, Nick Johnson is hurt again and sits on the 60 days disable list.

The plan of replacing Johnny Damon with Curtis Graderson doesn’t work, either. Not to mention that Austin Jackson plays quite well in Detroit. On top of that, Javier Vazquez seems can’t handle the pressure of playing in New York while many old players show their ages, including Posada, Andy and Mo. These problems only prove my concerns about the catcher and bullpen are legitimate.

We only can hope Yankees can weather this storm.

Let’s Go Yankees!

Yes, Every Yankee fan, Here is 27th Title

Let me describe the scene I saw yesterday at my office. As I told you on previous post, I can't take a day off because I just report to the new job.

Once the o'clock turned to lunch time yesterday, a lot of my colleagues ran toward to cafeteria for television. At that time, the game was on top of 8th inning. Marte just got the lefty out he need to . Here we go. Girardi called on Mo to close the game.

Since that moment, everyone in the cafeteria wants to have a strike call for every pitch. With every minute and every pitch passing by, our lunch break closes to the end. Everyone in the cafeteria start screaming on "come on".

When Mo gets the ground ball to Cano, everyone stands up and ready go back to work with a smile on the face.

Sweep! Yankees advances to ALCS

I have to admit I feel so frustrated to watching Pavano to throw a great game against us.

The biggest play of the game is Jeter throwing out that base runner at the bottom of 8th inning when Hughes is in trouble again.

I know most Yankees fans may still be in the heaven for advancing to second round of playoffs. But, be honest, I feel nervous about our bullpen. Joba, Hughes and even Mo look shaky. Another thing worries me is the lineup. It seems to me Jeter, A-Rod and Teixeria are the only persons hitting now. Hopefully, I just think too much.

The players of the game: Pettitte, Jeter and A-Rod.

Game 1 of ALDS_Twins at Yankees

8pm It's 8am in the morning in Taiwan. I wake up on time to see A-Rod come through with a big RBI single. And then Matsui hit another home run against lefty. Of course, I miss the big two-run home run by Captain.

8:20pm At the same time, a well rest CC with run support keep putting on zero on the scoreboard.

8:35pm Well, It starts making everyone nervous, doesn't it? Come on, CC.

8:40pm A job well done by CC. Let's go Hughes. We need this big out.

8:48pm Guess what? Hughes get that big out by throwing fastball right by Cabrera

9:03pm A-Rod likes to face Twins in the post season, right?

9:21pm It's good to get everyone in the game to feel the pressure of playoff.

9:47pm It's hard for me to get nervous when Mo is on the mound. Congrats to Yanks for game 1 win(7-2).

Joba vs A's

9:12pm I wake up at the top of 7th inning when Matsui hit that ground ball to drive in A-Rod. Good ABC baseball

It seems Joba has another good outing.

9:44pm Great job from Coke to save two base runners Joba left on base.

9:45pm It's funny to see Mo's face after Posada hit that home run.

9:52pm It is hard to tell Swisher is safe or out. It looks like A's doesn't tag Swisher. But, I can see why A's manager is angry because throw beats Swisher so much.

9:55pm It looks like a right decision to sit down Mo immediately.

10:12pm Another win in the book for Yankees.

You win some and lose some

This is just the nature of baseball game. When we enjoy those walkoff wins so much, we will be the victim of walkoffs eventually one day. For me, it's about process. It's about how Yankees play this game. This is a great game to watch.

In the end, we know our bombers do their best to come back from 4 runs down to tie the game. I like their toughness. Our bombers are different than those other Yankees team we have watched the past few seasons. They may go down eventually, but they fight hard to make opponents earn their victory. I rather them lose this way than losing to Pavano.

The story of the game is Chien-Ming Wang. He takes another big step to prove the world he is ready. I know Yankees lose the game, but getting a proven winner with back to back 19 wins is so important to Yankees' championship run. As I keep saying, we need Wang back to his oldself. Right now, it is just matter of time for Wang to get back to rotation. When he builds up his arm strengths and pitching counts, he will be back.

Now, Phil Hughes doesn't pitch badly. I actually think he pitches better than his line. But, it is about result in the end. You can't say he pitches decently when he gives up 4 runs in 5IP, when you consider Indians lose their three best hitters in their lineup.

I understand Hughes and Joba are going through their expected growing pain. As I keep saying, Hughes and Joba will be sucessful starters in the big league one day. However, those back to back short outing will kill Yankees eventually when we get deeper in the summer for playoff run. that is the reason we need Wang back to this rotation. The deeper starters go, the better bullpen we will have.

Not to mention Yankees has a not so good bullpen now. Cashman really needs to bring more capable arms from our farm system while he tries to make a trade at the same time.

I know many people blaming Gardner, Coke and Robertson for this lost. Rookies make mistakes. If one of A-Rod, Cano and Posada can do their job they are supposed to do, we may win this one.

AJ vs Phillies

7:17pm A.J has done a good job to limit the damage in the first inning and only gives up one run. Yankees need him to go a long way tonight when you consider the situation of Yankees bullpen now. Teixeira saves at least one run by making that great play to end the first inning.

7:20pm Why try to hit Jeter? Obviously, A.J doesn't want to hit their guy when he clearly doesn't have command earlier in the first inning. A nice job by Captain to hit a single to get a revenge. By the way, the last thing Yankees need right now is Burnett to hit another guy later and then get ejected. Yankees has a short bullpen tonight.

7:28pm If my memory serves me right, this will be the first Yankees base runner to get threw out at home plate.

7:30pm Do you guys get nervous when the ball is hit to right field now? Man, is it too early to get Wang ready now?

7:44pm It seems to me Yankees will have a long night. However, you never know what will happen in any baseball game. One thing I know for sure. A.J has to stop the bleeding in order to give Yankees a chance to come back.

7:50pm Teixeira makes another great play. This time probably save some pitches for Burnett.

7:54pm Burnett is at 48 pitches through 3 innings. At this rate, we will see our bullpen pretty soon. Hopefully, he will have couple of easy innings soon. By the way, at this rate, Myers will finish the game by himself.

8:00pm Here comes the easy inning A.J needs if he can get his third man of the inning.

8:01pm Guess what? He needs to get his third man of the inning against Rollins. Hopefully, it will be him for A.J.

8:12pm A huge at bat for Swisher. Guess not.

8:26pm Well, A.J gives up 5 runs in 5 innings at 86 pitches. What would you do if you were Girardi?

8:39pm A.J somehow get a double play to end the 6th inning.

8:46pm A-Rod hits one out. If Yankees lose this game, we at least score one run.

8:52pm It seems to me Wang's velocity is fine. The location of pitches actually are worse.

9:16pm Wang throws more good sinkers second inning of work.

9:44pm Based on three innings of work Wang puts on, the result is a mixed one. The good thing is Wang's velocity back. The bad thing is he can't throw all his pitches at the lower strike zone consistently. Once Wang get his consistent release point and delivery back, he will be fine. I agree with the decision of putting Wang in the bullpen as a long relief pitcher at this moment. First of all, he needs to pitch against major league hitters to re-gain his confident. Secondly, Yankees can put him back to rotation once Wang gains more arm strengths and throws most his pitches down in the strike zone.

What to do with Wang?

Lohud's blog confirms the news that Wang gets called back. However, it will be interesting to see how Yankees deal with Wang's situation.

I think Jonathan Albaladejo will be the one to get sent down. After Aceves pitches multi innings two games in a row and many relief pitchers pitch many games in a row, Tomko and Bruney are only two fresh relief pitchers left in the bullpen.(Updated: Bruney is injured) On top of that, Coke may be available for Phillies those left handed batters. If A.J has another short outing, Yankees will simply burn their bullpen and leads to a disaster weekend series against Phillies.

As far as I know, many Taiwanese fans are so mad at how Yankees handle Wang's situation. I agree with them to some certain degree, not all of them. Before going into the details how I feel, I have to say this first. I understand the concerns Yankees have over Wang in term of his velocity. I understand every player needs to prove he can stay in the major league no matter how great his track record is and how much money he makes. I also understand the superstition baseball players have, especially Yankees are on a winning streak. I tell you guys most Taiwanese fans are mad and I don't like the way Yankees handle Wang's situation because there is high possibility that Wang feels the same way. We all come from the same culture. There is huge difference between American culture and Taiwanese culture. Wang is not going to express how he really feels.

Yankees front office and coach staff have done few things wrong in terms of handling with Wang's situation.

First of all, Yankees medical staff and front office misjudge the aftereffect of Wang's foot injury and then don't allow Wang to run until Wang blows out three games in a row. They didn't admit this fault at all.

Secondly, Yankees should discuss with Wang before making any kind of decision given his track record. It seems to me Yankees jerk Wang around and only "inform" Wang decision, not "discuss" with him. Yankees should treat Wang more like a veteran, not a rookie.

Thirdly, coach staff don't tell Wang their decisions in person before telling media. That happened many time that Wang was caught by surprise for news when Taiwanese reporters told him and asked his opinion on that. Girardi needs to at least tell Wang first before telling media.

Finally, Yankees should just say what they really think regard of Wang's situation. They should just say they have concerns regard of Wang's velocity. Until he gets his strengths back, they are going to put him in the minor league. Obviously, how Hughes pitches has impact on how Yankees deals with Wang. That gives Yankees more time to get Wang right. But, they claim how Hughes pitch has nothing to do with Wang's spot in the rotation. Yankees also say they will simply put Wang back to rotation once he is ready. That is also the reason they send him to another minor league start as original plan because he is not ready yet. If they tell the truth, why bring him back because of Joba's short outing? If they tell the truth, why say they need to know the condition of Joba before making decision on Wang's next step? Yankees just jerk him around and don't treat him as a veteran.

Ok, let us go back to the decision Yankees makes which brings Wang back. I know Yankees are doing great right now. It seems to me many Yankees fans feel we don't need Wang and we can live without him. I can't disagree with this notion more. Yankees need Wang and need to get him right because Yankees need his long outing he regularly delivery when he is right. Even though Joba and Hughes pitch well, they are 6 inning pitchers at best at this point of their career. They more likely put up those 5 inning outings which eventually will catch up Yankees later in the season. Not to mention both have innings limit.

On top of that, A.J hasn't pitched that great so far and he is an injury prone as well. Pettitte is an old pitcher with a bad shoulder he suffered last season. Finally, are you really to put heavy workload on CC three years in a row when you consider 7 years contract Yankees hand out to him?

That is what I think how Yankees should handle Wang. Before I say it, I want to say one thing. Yankees need to have that no.6 starting pitcher ready in the minor league when there is an injured or ineffective starting pitcher from rotation going down. Not to mention, Joba will hit his inning limit eventually. Yankees should not put Hughes in the bullpen once Wang proves he is ready.

I agree with Yankees bring Wang back to major league. They can't hide him on the DL forever. They need to find out Wang is right or not one way or the other. Pitchers can only pitch at minor league for rehabilitation assignment for 30 days. There are only so much Wang gain from minor league starts. Wang doesn't put on 13 scoreless innings at AAA by accident.

You never know when Wang's velocity will be back. I think the more Wang pitches, the quicker his velocity will be back as long as he is healthy. I believe his velocity will be back to normal when summer comes. Yankees need to find out how Wang pitch against major league hitters anyway. Stop being that superstition.

I will skip Joba next start to make sure he is right. Yankees can limit his innings by doing this. Putting Wang in Joba's spot and let him pitch few innings out of pen to keep him sharp. Yankees also can get an idea when Wang pitches against major league hitters.

After burnig through bullpen on Hughes' and Joba's starts, Yankees need a fresh arm in the bullpen anyway. When Joba feels right and comes back, Yankees can put Joba in Hughes' spot. Of course, Let Hughes keeps pitching at AAA to practice his changeup more.

If Yankees ends up with pitching Wang more innings than they would like to tonight, they can rest Aceves for next few days and prepare for that start. Or they can simply let Joba makes that start if he feels right.

Again, I understand the concerns Yankees have on Wang's velocity, accidents forces Yankees to make adjustments on the fly and three terrible outings Wang put on earlier season. But, Yankees really should communicate and deal with this situation better to show Wang more respect.

AJ vs Twins & Wang's second start at AAA

1:31pm A.J has a nice first two innings while Pena makes a good play at 2B to help him to get out of first inning.

1:34pm Meanwhile, Wang has fine first two scoreless innings. But, his location of pitches is not as good as his first inning based on what I see.

1:47pm It seems to me Wang get into the grove in the 3rd inning. He gets a double play to end the inning. Meanwhile, A.J is dealing at the Bronx as well. It will be nice if Yankees give him 2 or 3 runs to work with.

2:05pm Wang's location is getting better when the innings are going deeper. Meanwhile, A.J gets out of jam by getting Wang-like double play.

2:09pm Let hope Teixeira can get Jeter home with less than 2 outs. Hopefully, A-Rod can pick up Teixeira here.

2:30pm Even though I am very disappointed Yankees don't get that run in from third base. However, I am not sure Yankees can will 1-0 game with their bullpen anyway.

2:41pm Both pitchers are dealing at Bronx. Slowey pitches even better than Burnett. So, obviously, Yankees may regret not to get Jeter in less than 2 outs from third base.

2:47pm I hope Yankees win this game at much easier form than walk-off.

2:49pm Wang gives up 2 singles that one is bloop and the other is just in front of home plate.

2:50pm For whatever reasons, SWB only plays 7 innings for this first game of doubleheader. This is Wang's line for today. 7IP 4H 0R(ER) 75 pitches 1SO 75 pitches 49 Strikes 26 balls GO/FO: 12:8

3:16pm Yankees are behind Twins 2 runs. Yankees need another come from behind victory again. The way Yankees offense goes, it gives all Yankees pitchers a lot of pressure. By the way, I like Yankees to play Cervelli over Cash. Cash and Cervelli both won't hit too much anyway. But, the way Cervelli plays behind the plate as a catcher is much better than Cash in my opinion.

3:29pm It looks like Yankees has another come from behind victory in making. Nice ABC baseball to manufacture that run to tie the game.

3:30pm Bruney starts second game of double header at SWB. I don't know the velocity, but I think Bruney needs one more outing at minior because his location is not good at all.

3:37pm The bullpen Yankees has certainly make us as Yankees fans nervous at every pitch from this point on.

3:47pm Man, what a play by Teixeira! I don't think Albladejo and Tomko pitch great today. Fortunately for Yankees, we get out of bases loaded jam.

4:09pm It seems to me Yankees wants to have another walk-off victory. But, I really hope we could score that run at the bottom of 8th inning.

4:46pm Wow! Yankees certainly don't disappoint Yankees fans. Here is another walk-off and come-from-behind victory. Today heros in my eyes are Yankees pitching and the play Teixeira makes at 1B.

Joba vs CLE

1:21pm Despite giving up solo homerun, Joba pitches a good first inning.

1:22pm Man, Swisher just misses three run homerun. Hopefully, Yankees is able to score at least one run in this inning. I guess not.

1:51pm Another Yankees starter pitches a great game without offense support. The way Yankees offense goes, one run seems to a big mountain to climb.

1:54pm Hopefully, Gardner gets on base and then steal second in order to ignite Yankees offense.

Post-game analysis

Well, what happened? The new mlb.tv didn't allow me to log in because I logged in too many times for a short period of time, so I decided to go to bed and took some rest. Hello, MLB. Why deny my access because of frequency I log in? I did that because my IE browser gives up on me.

When I waked up, it was top of 9th with one man out for Indians. Of course, Mo does his job to strike out two batters to end the game despite giving us a little bit scare.

Obviously, Joba doesn't pitch well. It seems to me Joba always has troubles against Indians. Many Yankees power pitchers will have troubles against Indians because they are so good at hitting fastball.

That is why tomorrow will be a big test for Wang. Sizemore is the guy Wang really has to pay attention on and keep him off base. If I were Girardi, I would let Molina catch Wang tomorrow. Even though Yankees won't admit it, the way Rays run on Wang/Posada certainly plays a role on Wang's last terrible start against Rays. It will be better to reduce things Wang needs to worry about at this point.

Today is actually a momentum change game. The way opening day goes for Indians certainly provides boost for struggling Inidans for this young season. When you combine that with the way Indians scores 3 runs off Joba at 5th inning, it is a huge bad sign for this opening home series against Indians, especially when you consider Yankees have struggling Wang on the mound tomorrow.

It's good to see Yankees fight back to win this game. One thing I really like about 2009 Yankees is the ability to come from behind. If Yankees ever gets three things going, 2009 Yankees will be unstoppable. First:Wang; Second:bullpen; Third:A-Rod/Teixeira/Matsui.

By the way, Yankees has scored at least 4 runs every game except opening day. Where those runs come from when you consider the state of Yankees position players(A-Rod/Teixeira/Nady/Matsui/Ransom)?

Tomorrow is a big game for this series. Why? If Wang turns in a good game and gets a win, I can see Yankees pounding Pavano behind Burnett to take this four games series against Inidans.

Pettitte vs KC

5:27pm Ha! guys, I join this game. Yankees lead 2-1 now.

5:41pm I really need to complain about new MLB media player. First of all, it breaks and stop playing so many time. Secondly, you can't fast forward or rewind when you listen to audio after the game finishes. Thirdly, why we can't choose to listen to WCBS when we watch YES.

5:48pm Cano and Swisher have been extremely hot. I can't image Swisher doesn't play again tomorrow and may move Cano the batting order.

5:50pm Ransom has played very horrible defensively and offensively. He even makes a base running mistake.

6:00pm If Posada can get on somehow, I believe Cano can drive them in.

6:05pm Well, Ponson doesn't want to pitch to Cano at all. Hopefully, Swisher can come through again.

6:14pm Pettitte is one of those pitchers you believe he can work out of jam. Is it just me to feel a little bit nervous when balls go to Jeter or Ransom's territory.

6:20pm I am just kind of nervous when Yankees don't put on more runs against Ponson.

6:32pm Pettitte has pitched strong 6 innings. Based on his pitch count which is 84 pitches, he should be able to pitch one more inning.

6:44pm That's Farnsworth we know. When the game is not on the line with less pressure, he is going to pitch a great game.

6:51pm Pettitte is at 99 pitches. Butler is first batter up next inning for KC. I think that's it for Pettitte. Girardi will go to Bruney at 8th inning.

6:55pm Cano has been looked unbelievable so far this season, especially the way he takes pitches.

6:59pm Here come 8th inning. 6th,7th and 8th batter of order for KC. Bruney looks good with two strikeouts so far. I am surprised at how many "experts" claim bullpen will be the weakness for Yankees. Mo is going to pick up his first save of the season.

7:19pm New MLB player stops and freezes again. When I finally get the feed back, unbelievable Mo already got 2 outs.

Wang with Posada at Phillies

1:56pm So, Posada and Wang don't have good luck in terms of rainouts. Yankees don't want them to travel a lot. They end up with moving more than 2 places

2:03pm Wang has very economical pitching counts in first inning. 1 ground ball 2 flyouts

2:08pm Yankees and coach staff probably are scared to death when Phillies pitcher almost walks Wang to first base.

2:11pm Wang is in trouble to begin second inning. Trouble always begins at walk. Guess what? Wang is always one pitch away from double play.

2:20pm Posada is tested for first time of this game. Runner steals second successfully. Since I can't see it, I don't know how Posada looks. But, Wang strikes out the batter to end the inning. Wang throws a lot of balls in second inning.

2:25pm Back to back walk to Posada and Damon. If Posada can catch 110 games, that will be a huge upgrade for 2009 season.

2:30pm Yankees tie the game for Nady's infield single. See. Trouble always begins at walk.

2:37pm Wang's command and control is not so good today, but he comes up with another double play. I think Wang tries to practice his secondary pitches, such as slider, changeup and splitter. When he is in trouble, he always has sinker to go to.

2:45pm Wang is very underrated in terms of his defense. He just makes a great play to end the inning. There are two hits Wang gives up today are basically ground ball. But, his command and control is not too good.

3:16pm It seems to me Wang get tired once he reaches his pitch counts. I am listening to Phillies announcers for this game. Why they talk like Damon hits .200 last season? Come on, I know Damon doesn't have a great arm which everyone knows it, but the guy hits over .300 at leadoff spot.

3:25pm Wang's day is done. Bruney is up and strike out first two batters he face. However, Bruney gives up another run for Wang and 2 runs for himself. I believe Joba should be in the bullpen crowd will be out pretty soon.

4:05pm When Giese follows Bruney's step to get killed, I believe Joba should be in the bullpen and our bullpen are terrible crowd will be all out by now. Come down, guys. This is a spring training game. Sometimes all relief pitchers have the bad days together. It seems to me Tomko will be long man job.

4:09pm The most important thing of this game is Wang pitching solid and hopefully Posada comes out healthy and feel good after throwing to second once.

Joba's 4th Spring Training outing

1:16pm It's good to hear sort of good news regard of Cano's injury. I am not sure whether that's good news regard of Marte's injury or not. If we need to lose one of them for a period of time, we certainly can't lose more offense after A-Rod's injury.

1:19pm Joba starts with four pitches walk for leadoff hitter. Not good.

1:22pm well, nice comeback for Joba. After four pitches walk, Joba follows a three pitches strikeout. Good to hear Molina's ok. We need him, especially we are not the condition of Posada as a catcher.

1:27pm It turns out a good first inning for Joba, so the mini crisis of healthy status of Joba is over.

1:34pm Gardner is so hot to a point I start worrying about what he will look like once regular season starts.

1:40pm Because I can't see the location of called strike three, I can't make my judgment. However, it's certainly a bad situational hitting for Nady when runner on third with less than 2 outs.

1:44pm Flyout follows by popout. Joba is fine. Another solid inning for Joba.

2:00pm Eric Bruntlett try to steal when Molina catch. A big no no. Of course, Molina got him. With the help of Molina, Joba has another solid inning. Hopefully, Joba works on some pitches successfully.

2:06pm Cody has another good day at the plate. It sounds like Swisher also has another good at at and hit ball hard again.

2:13pm I certainly like Phillies announcers don't just talk about Phillies. However, if they want to talk about stuff of other teams, they better make sure get information right. First of all, Matsui has knee injury the past two season, not hamstring. Ichiro doesn't take a lot of pitches.

2:19pm See, good pitching and defense is more important than offense. Yankees score two runs because of Phillies not so good defense. Joba's solid scoreless three innings make Yankees offense look not so bad.

2:22pm Joba's day is done. 48 pitches and 27 strikes. Not a good strike-ball ratio. Again. Phillies announcers get information wrong. Bruney does comes back from that injury. It's Wang end his season because of the same injury, not Bruney.

2:27pm When Yankees regular starters and relief pitchers start pitching more and getting into game form, Yankees starts winning a lot recently. This certainly is a good news for our Yankees fans.

2:35pm Is it just me to feel this way? When Bruney losses his command for a period of time, I am actually not nervous at all and believe he can get out of inning without allowing runs.

2:44pm It's really hard to understand exactly what happen on the field because of Phillies announcers.

2:55pm Another scoreless inning from Igawa. Any thought?

3:07pm It sounds like Igawa also get helped by Yankees defense on second scoreless inning.

3:19pm A good at bad by Swisher to drive that run in. Instead of pointing out Cano's down year(2008 season), Phillies announcers say Yankees concern about decline of Cano's AVG. Decline? Call .340 to .300 a decline?

3:24pm I don't think Phillies can survive without Cole Hamels. The same thing goes to Mets without Santana. Which team has a healthy ACE may win NL East.

3:29pm A disaster inning for Phillies. Do we have mercy rule in spring training?

3:33pm Igawa is still on the mound.

3:43pm Igawa strikes out the side on third inning work. Any thought? Igawa throws from 5th,6th and 7th inning. It looks like Igawa starts pitching more important innings.

4:08pm Fans attend this game certainly get their money worthy.

4:23pm Yankees win at 12-0 over Philles. I am actually more impressive on pitching than offense. Two games in a row, Yankees pitching shut down opponents.

Wang 3rd Spring Training Outing

7:35pm Well. I keep waiting and waiting for game and then I fall sleep. When I wake up, I miss first inning and then turn on my computer on time to catch Wang gives up a homerun to Lowell.

7:43pm It looks like Wang makes adjustment on his delivery after letting pitches high in the zone for the first two batters of second inning.

7:49pm That is why we sign Teixeira, right? After watching the way Juan Miranda play defense, I am glad to know Teixeira play first base for us.

7:55pm After the game CC get hit hard, Wang get hit hard by Red Sox as well. This certainly gets many people panic and many experts to claim Yankees are in trouble.

7:57pm It looks like Wang can't find his right delivery. As long as he is healthy, I rather them to get hit hard in spring training and then they can realize their problems. Spring training doesn't count. It's good time to find out their problems.

8:03pm That is why I always say defense is very important. If Teixeira is on first base tonight, Wang will be out of second inning while he only gives up one run. I don't care how official scorer think because spring training doesn't count. Those 6 runs are for Juan Miranda.

However, I am glad Wang faces this tough situation in spring training. It seems to me Wang still struggles with command off his pitches. In the past, we won't see Wang misses location of his pitches time and time again this badly. It looks like Wang has good movement on his sinker, but he hasn't had command yet. And then he leaves all kind of breaking pitches high in the zone.

Wang should be the last guy in the rotation get into game shape. We should not expect him to be ready too soon. Don't forget Wang miss half of 2008 season and hasn't pitched for a long time.

8:18pm It's funny Yankees play long game with Red Sox even though they are in the spring training.

8:28pm Tomko looks good and should be leading candidate on long man in the bullpen.

8:31pm I don't care the result of spring training, but I really hope Yankees somehow hammer Papelbon. Well, it's not happening.

8:44pm I am interested in watching Saito pitching. Saito has a very similar delivery to Dice-K.

9:08pm I am listening to the game right now instead of watching the game because of the price of internet in Australia. It looks like Igawa gets more chances now. We certainly need to give him every chance to succeed.

oh, no, Marte and Cano get hurt in WBC

According to the report from Peter's blog, Marte and Cano get hurt in WBC and are going to check out by doctors tomorrow. Hopefully, they don't have serious injury. Hopefully, they just have normal sore and pain that happen in the spring training all the time. We better start praying for Jeter and hope USA team to lose sooner than later.

By the way, who you worry more?

Joba's 3rd Spring Training outing

7:33pm After watching Joba's first 2 innings, Joba's velocity looks just fine. He also has variety of breaking pitches range from 77mph to 85mph. That's why I always say Joba should be a starter.

7:35pm By the way, I saw Moose on the seat with his family.

7:36pm Matsui just hit a leadoff double. Guess who drive him in? Cody. Alex who?

7:40pm I am glad to see someone(Molina) to be able to move runner to 3rd base with less than 2 outs.

7:50pm Is that just misjudged play by Gardner? or hit too hard?

7:57pm I am glad Gardner drive that run in. However, I will be happier Gardner can put that put down successfully. I don't have problems Gardner's aggressive base running.

8:07pm Nice 3 innings from Joba. He should release many people's concern. Coke is up and looks good as well.

8:18pm The most impressive thing I see from Coke is the ability to mix his pitches well. It seems to me Coke is able to locate his fastball well and throw his breaking pitches. Not to mention, he throws a lot of strikes. I hate pitchers walking batters.

8:33pm One thing Gardner often does better than Melky on the plate is seeing more pitches.

8:38pm Why Damon try to steal 3rd base with 2 outs? Someone must miss signs.

8:45pm Is just me to feel this way? Igawa looks good so far this spring. Based on what I see from Igawa pitching, is it possible to have Igawa in the bullpen as a lefty specialist first?

9:01pm If Igawa can pitch low in the strikezone and has command like that, he should be able to pitch good enough in the big league. Since Igawa come to Yankees, I always can't believe how bad Igawa command is because it seems to me Japanese pitchers always have good command and control based on what I have watched for many years.

Joba first spring training game

1:27pm Posada has been scratched because of shoulder discomfort. Hopefully, He is fine. I never want any player get hurt including players on other teams. That's why I don't want to see Santana hurt as well.

1:35pm It seems both starters have rocky start. I don't think Joba has his velocity back yet.

1:45pm Giese is up. I believe Girardi will have a long man in the bullpen. Giese should be a leading candidate for that role. Is wind blowing out today?

1:55pm Is this the Yankees team I know? Two sacrifice flies in a row? Play small ball well?

2pm Why every ball is flying out(or almost) the ballpark? It seems to me Giese doesn't have command yet.

2:20pm Even though Cano has a down year last season, he is still better than many second baseman in the league. We really need him offensively and defensively. He certainly can help out Jeter defensively and lengthen lineup offensively.

2:25pm Veras is up now. When I look at Veras's velocity, it seems not so many players have their velocity back to normal at this stage of spring training.

2:35pm I switch audio between Kay and Sterling. I must say this. If I have to choose one among them, I definitely go with Sterling. Kay is really boring.

2:45pm Teixeira just makes a terrific play at 1B. His defense will help us a lot. By the way, did I mention Molina throw out another base runner? Yankees should send a note to every other teams in the league,"Don't even try to steal off Molina"

3:20pm Because internet is so expensive in Australia, I switch to WCBS once Yankees put Igawa on.

Hopefully, Jeter is fine

We all know what Jeter will say regard of his injury. But, it certainly causes concern for our Yankees fans. However, it will be nice if this minor injury can lead Jeter to give up WBC. But, we all know this is close to be impossible.

Marte and Edwar also have some small to maybe-big injury news. Hopefully, they will be fine as well. That being said, Posada is doing well according to Peter's blog.

Papelbon to Yankees after 2011?

Before I say anything, my answer is a big fat no.

No one know the future, but people always like to look ahead and try to predict the future. There are few interesting stories on Yankeesland ahead of us. After 2009, Damon, Matsui and Nady all become free agent. After 2010, Jeter and Mo enter free agency market again while Joe Girardi's contract will be expired. After 2011, Wang becomes free agent and CC will have his opt out clause. On top of that, Brian Cashman's contract will be expired.

Along the way, Roy Halladay will be available after 2010. How about Papelbon? He will become free agent after 2011 season. WEEI has a good story regard of Papelbon's contract situation after Red Sox gave out extension to Pedroia and Youkilis. Based on what I heard and saw Papelbon playing and how he acts, My answer is a big fat no about the idea of getting Papelbon to Yankees after 2011 no matter how Mo's situation plays out. I believe Mo still can pitch few more years. I don't want to see Mo leaving. After Mo, we will find our new closer. K-Rod and Papelbon are players I don't want on my Yankees team.

These two quotes from Papelbon from that story says it all about his personality,

“I’ve got a lot of money to be made in this game, whether it’s with Boston or not. My goal is to make sure I’m ready to play every day and to make money, and you can’t make money if you’re sitting on the bench. That’s the way I look at it.”

"For me, it’s a thing if I can benefit well from it and the Red Sox can benefit well from it, then I’ll do it. But if I’m not going to benefit . . . I think both parties have to be happy"

I know playing baseball is one kind of jobs. Everyone does his job to make money. However, you have to love what you do. I love players who simply loves to play baseball and passionate about winning ball game, not just about money.

In the end, the article sums it up very well regard that Papelbon wants to get paid more than Mo.

But there is a reason Rivera got his $15 million, because he represents more than just saves. The Yankees paid him for being good now, but also for being the best-ever for a team with the most money. There were other factors in play. Papelbon feels he has his own factors.

It is a unique case for a unique player.

I don't even bother to discuss or start comparison between Mo and Papelbon.

The funny thing is everyone keep saying Red Sox team have a good chemistry going among players. They play like a team unliky Yankees. I don't want player who cares about his personal stats and contract more than winning a baseball game.

Move Joba back to pen?

There is a post from New York Times Bat's blog regard of Joba's role in 2009. I know there are a lot of reactions from Yankees bloggers. Let me say this first. I believe a good starter is better than a good relief pitcher. Simply, when relief pitchers blow the lead, it means we have lead first. I also believe there will be someone in Yankees farm system can do what Joba did in setup role. When I watch Joba pitching, I believe Joba has enough stuff to be a great starter.

I actually think it's useless to debate this issue now. Before we get a veteran starter who can eat 200 innings at one year deal as our no.4 starter(hopefully, it's Pettitte), we need Joba in the rotation. Even if we get Pettitte back as no.4 starter, someone in the rotation may get hurt. You never have enough pitching. Even though everyone in the rotation stays healthy, we may need a strong 5-man rotation to compete in the tough AL East division. If someone gets hurt, we need Hughes as no.5 starter anyway.

No one can predict the future. Most people make their decisions in their life based on the information they have on hand at that moment. Once we makes our decisions, we try it. We may be right or wrong about our decisions, but no one know without trying it. People always should try it, otherwise they would regret they never try it. Let Joba try it. Let us see what Joba can do as a starter. Otherwise, we may keep wondering what kind of career Joba may have as a starter forever. In the end, Joba may be more suitable for a relief pitcher, but who knows?

Mo is still Mo. Why worry about him when Mo show no sign of slowing down? There may be someone in the farm system can do what Joba did given the chance. Who knows?