You Couldn't Ask For Anything Mo

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera saw his first action yesterday, as he tossed six pitches in one perfect inning of work. His presence, however, overshadowed some of the other highlights of the game in which the Yankees won 5-0 over the Twins.

Hideki Matsui went 2 for 3 with a double, which ironically lowered his average to .778. Jorge Posada also went 2 for 3, contributing a home run and two RBIs. Kevin Howard came off the bench and went 1 for 2, with two RBIs. Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera both put up o-fers, but their Spring Training averages are still well-above .300.

On the mound, Shawn Chacon started and pitched three shutout innings. Chacon is definitely my sleeper pick. If you go back to my AL East predicitions, I predicted him to win nineteen games. Unless he is badly injured or flounders during the rest of Spring Training, his chances are high that he will make the rotation. After Chacon left, Henn, Farnsworth, and Rivera combined to throw a few shutout innings. The Yankees face Pittsburgh tonight at 7:15. Jaret Wright will be on the hill at Legends Field.

With a 3-3 record, the Yankees have certainly rebounded, and they are performing without many of their top players. Overall, I have gotten a good look at most of the younger players, and I can definitely see some potential. J.B. Cox is a guy I love. Many think he will replace Rivera when the time comes, and his stuff is amazing. In a few years, he'll be more than ready to take the stage. This is what Spring Training is all about- to scout and observe the younger players in the system. The Yankees have certianly done that.

Also, check out my new poll. If you have any comments or questions, you can e-mail me personally at jjf91@aol.com or leave a comment on the blog.