The Yankees can thank the old guard for this one.
Andy Pettitte pitched 7-1/3 solid innings and Derek Jeter had two key hits to rally the Yankees to a 4-3 victory over the Rays Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
It feels funny calling Jeter and Pettitte old, but they, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera are the last links to the dynasty. Still, there are few sights (thanks Mark, good editors are invaluable) sweeter than watching Jeter and Pettitte deliver a win.
A quiet offseason appear to be all Pettitte needed to return to his old form after last season's disappointing finish.
Pettitte did not get the victory Wednesday, but he deserved one. He wasn't perfect, but he kept the Yankees close while going deep into the game. He allowed three runs on six hits and one walk. He struck out four while throwing an efficient 92 pitches, 62 for strikes.
He gave up two, two-out runs in the third and a long homer to Carlos Pena in fourth after the Yankees had tied the score on Robinson Cano's two-run homer. But Pettitte settled down after that. He's become that crafty, reliable veteran every staff needs.
Jeter then picked up the offense, leading off the eighth with a double and scoring on Johnny Damon's double to tie it a 3. In the ninth, Jeter's two-out double scored Cody Ransom with the go-ahead run.
Jeter has l
ost a step and his range in the field is diminishing, but he remains one of the most clutch players in the league with an uncanny ability to make the big play in the big spot. He's the type of player we'll never be able to fully appreciate until he retires.
Of course, it wouldn't be an old-guard victory without a save from Mo, who was flawless in the ninth.
The Good
Ransom started the game on the bench again, but looked good when he came up to bat in the ninth, lacing a one-out hustle double. I think the break helped him relax and that hit in the ninth should be a big boost to his confidence. Jeter finished 2-for-4, Johnny Damon went 2-for-5 with an RBI and Cano went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and two RBI. Nick Swisher continues to hit, going 1-for-4 and scoring on Cano's homer.
The Bad
The day started poorly for the Bombers. An MRI on Xavier Nady's ailing elbow was not good. Unless a second opinion indicates otherwise, Nady will need surgery and will miss the rest of the season. He will go on the DL today and a minor leaguer will be called up, possibly Kevin Russo or Juan Miranda.
Nady was a big part of the lineup, but Swisher will be able to pick up his production. However, that will leave the bench short and could force GM Brian Cashman to make a move for another bat. ... Mark Teixeira also went 0-for-4. He is scuffling and I have to wonder how much he is being hampered by that sore wrist.
What We Learned
Brian Bruney is quickly establishing himself as the eighth-inning guy. He picked up the win, striking out the last two batters of the eighth on eight pitches, seven strikes. If he continues to pitch like this, all the talk about how the Yankees are a better team with Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen will die down and Joba will get a legit shot to find out just how good of a start he can be.
Hey Dave...
The Yankees opened the season with a nine-game trip and finished 5-4. I'll take that. How are you feeling about the Sox's 3-6 start?
Runner On Third With Less Than Two Outs
Wednesday
No Opportunities
Season
2-for-13, 3B, BB, 3 SF, 10 R, 7 RBI, K, GIDP
Up Next
The regular season opener for the new Yankee Stadium
Thursday vs. Indians, 1:05 p.m.
Cliff Lee (0-2, 9.90 ERA) vs. CC Sabathia (1-1, 4.50)
CC's big chance to win over the home crowd.
Andy Pettitte pitched 7-1/3 solid innings and Derek Jeter had two key hits to rally the Yankees to a 4-3 victory over the Rays Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.
It feels funny calling Jeter and Pettitte old, but they, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera are the last links to the dynasty. Still, there are few sights (thanks Mark, good editors are invaluable) sweeter than watching Jeter and Pettitte deliver a win.
A quiet offseason appear to be all Pettitte needed to return to his old form after last season's disappointing finish.
Pettitte did not get the victory Wednesday, but he deserved one. He wasn't perfect, but he kept the Yankees close while going deep into the game. He allowed three runs on six hits and one walk. He struck out four while throwing an efficient 92 pitches, 62 for strikes.
He gave up two, two-out runs in the third and a long homer to Carlos Pena in fourth after the Yankees had tied the score on Robinson Cano's two-run homer. But Pettitte settled down after that. He's become that crafty, reliable veteran every staff needs.
Jeter then picked up the offense, leading off the eighth with a double and scoring on Johnny Damon's double to tie it a 3. In the ninth, Jeter's two-out double scored Cody Ransom with the go-ahead run.
Jeter has l
ost a step and his range in the field is diminishing, but he remains one of the most clutch players in the league with an uncanny ability to make the big play in the big spot. He's the type of player we'll never be able to fully appreciate until he retires.Of course, it wouldn't be an old-guard victory without a save from Mo, who was flawless in the ninth.
The Good
Ransom started the game on the bench again, but looked good when he came up to bat in the ninth, lacing a one-out hustle double. I think the break helped him relax and that hit in the ninth should be a big boost to his confidence. Jeter finished 2-for-4, Johnny Damon went 2-for-5 with an RBI and Cano went 2-for-4 with a double, homer and two RBI. Nick Swisher continues to hit, going 1-for-4 and scoring on Cano's homer.
The Bad
The day started poorly for the Bombers. An MRI on Xavier Nady's ailing elbow was not good. Unless a second opinion indicates otherwise, Nady will need surgery and will miss the rest of the season. He will go on the DL today and a minor leaguer will be called up, possibly Kevin Russo or Juan Miranda.
"It's tough because I love taking the field with this group of guys," Nady said.
"I feel like I'm letting down the organization. It hasn't necessarily sunk in
today."
Nady was a big part of the lineup, but Swisher will be able to pick up his production. However, that will leave the bench short and could force GM Brian Cashman to make a move for another bat. ... Mark Teixeira also went 0-for-4. He is scuffling and I have to wonder how much he is being hampered by that sore wrist.
What We Learned
Brian Bruney is quickly establishing himself as the eighth-inning guy. He picked up the win, striking out the last two batters of the eighth on eight pitches, seven strikes. If he continues to pitch like this, all the talk about how the Yankees are a better team with Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen will die down and Joba will get a legit shot to find out just how good of a start he can be.
Hey Dave...
The Yankees opened the season with a nine-game trip and finished 5-4. I'll take that. How are you feeling about the Sox's 3-6 start?
Runner On Third With Less Than Two Outs
Wednesday
No Opportunities
Season
2-for-13, 3B, BB, 3 SF, 10 R, 7 RBI, K, GIDP
Up Next
The regular season opener for the new Yankee Stadium
Thursday vs. Indians, 1:05 p.m.
Cliff Lee (0-2, 9.90 ERA) vs. CC Sabathia (1-1, 4.50)
CC's big chance to win over the home crowd.
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