Monday: RHP Chien-Ming Wang (0-1. 17.18) for the Yankees vs. LHP Scott Kazmir (1-0, 1.50), 7:08PM

Tuesday: RHP A.J. Burnett (1-0, 3.38) vs. RHP Matt Garza (1-0, 1.29), 7:08PM

Wednesday: LHP Andy Pettitte (1-0, 1.29) vs. RHP Andy Sonnanstine (0-1, 9.64), 4:08PM

The Yankees avoided the sweep by beating the Orioles 11-2 on Thursday. A.J. Burnett pitched a solid 5 1/3 innings. I believe he is going to be a major difference maker in the upcoming season. For the first time in quite a few years, the Yankees have three frontline starters in their rotation. If they all can stay healthy, this should limit any long losing streaks.

Pitching (similar to hitting) is contagious. For example, If Sabathia and Wang pitch back-to-back solid games, Burnett is going to build off of this momentum -not wanting to be the starter that gets knocked out early. This then carries down the line to Pettitte and Chamberlain. The competitive nature of athletes allows them to build off of each others successes. It's this mentality that can cause a pitching staff to get hot and carry a club.

The Yankees are in Kansas City for the home opener of the remodeled Kaufman Stadium. Here are the upcoming pitching matchups:

Friday: LHP Andy Pettitte (0-0. 0.00) for the Yankees vs. RHP Sydney Ponson (0-0, 0.00), 4:10

Saturday: RHP Joba Chamberlain (0-0, 0.00) vs. LHP Horacio Ramirez (0-0, 0.00), 7:10

Sunday: LHP C.C. Sabathia (0-1, 12.46) vs. RHP Gil Meche (0-0, 1.29), 2:10

Perfect line by Joe Girardi to sum up today's game. Here are a few random thoughts:


Plus ca change - Glad to see that after re-tooling the starting rotation during the off season, opening day in Camden Yards was a typical Yankee/Orioles slugfest. CC Sabathia failed to establish his fastball early in the game. Later, when he made a few borderline pitches the umpire squeezed him.

Nick Swisher had a great at bat off of the bench. Questions still surround his ability to make the transition from playing everyday to becoming a role player, but this was a solid step in the right direction.

Brett Gardner had himself a game. The sacrifice bunt wasn't pretty, but it got the job done. He also picked up an assist from the outfield, gunning a player at the plate.

Posada caught all 9 innings. I'm still holding my breath until he reports on how he feels Tuesday.

The great thing about baseball is that there is always tomorrow (or in this case Wednesday)! 

Pete Abraham reported that Joe Girardi announced his opening day lineup after the workout today at Camden Yards:

Jeter SS
Damon LF
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Nady RF
Ransom 3B
Gardner CF

The Yankees wrapped up the Grapefruit League with an MLB best record of 24-10-1 (second best overall in baseball to the Anaheim Angels, who had 26 wins in the Cactus League). Most baseball pundits downplay spring training, however Joe Girardi believes it is good to make a habit out of winning early and then carry it through to the regular season. While this has gone either way for teams in the past, the current 2009 Yankee squad is built around pitching. If the starters can stay healthy over the course of 162 games, October baseball should be back in the Bronx again.

Tomorrow the Yankees start their long march toward the playoffs in Baltimore against the Orioles. As we did last year, here are the upcoming pitching matchups:

Monday: LHP CC Sabathia (17-10. 2.70 in 2008) for the Yankees vs. RHP Jeremy Guthrie (10-12, 3.63), 4:05

Wednesday: RHP Chien-Ming Wang (8-2, 4.07) vs. RHP Koji Uehara (6-5, 3.81 for Yomiuri Giants), 7:05

Thursday: RHP A.J. Burnett (18-10, 4.07) vs. RHP Alfredo Simon (0-0, 6.23), 1:35

The weather is starting to turn in New York, the birds are chirping outside, and the first pitch of the year will be thrown in less than 24 hours. Let the fun begin.

Bob Sheppard, the voice of the Yankees, has decided to retire. Jack Curry broke the story for the New York Times via an interivew with Paul Doherty, a friend and agent who represents him. Here is the link:

 

Voice of Yankee Stadium Retires