Girardi happy after Yanks beat South Florida
Mark Teixeira gives Derek Jeter a high five after he scored on a RBI single hit by Curtis Granderson in the bottom of the 1st inning against the University of South Florida. (March 2, 2012) Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams, Jr.
TAMPA, Fla. -- Admittedly, there wasn't much to be gleaned from playing a college team, but it still all looked good from Joe Girardi's perspective.
"Really happy with all the strikes that we threw," he said after the Yankees beat the University of South Florida, 11-0, in their first exhibition game. "I thought we executed well offensively. We did things we're supposed to. Guys moved runners when they had to. Just good fundamental baseball."
Adam Warren started and pitched two scoreless innings, as did Brett Marshall. Dan Burawa, a Rocky Point High School graduate drafted by the Yankees out of St. John's, struck out two in one inning. Outfield prospect Zoilo Almonte had two hits and four RBIs. Girardi gave most of his regulars one at-bat before emptying the bench.
The Yankees will play their official opener Saturday afternoon in Clearwater against the Phillies, with Ivan Nova getting the start. David Phelps, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Cesar Cabral and Mike O'Connor will follow him.
No offerBrian Cashman, speaking to reporters before the game, shot down a report that said the Yankees had made a six-year, $16-million offer to Cuban infielder Adonis Garcia, a free agent. "We have not done that," he said.
Fingers crossed on A-RodCashman said he believes that Alex Rodriguez, limited to 99 games last season, can have a bounce-back season if he can stay on the field.
"When he's healthy, we know he can play," he said. "Obviously, he's had difficulty lately being healthy, but hopefully, this is the year he's back on track. Because you know what he can do when he's healthy."
Good day for JobaJoba Chamberlain threw his second full-mound session of the week -- increasing to 25 from 16 pitches -- and planned to talk to his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, later in the day to discuss when he'll be able to throw curveballs.
"No swelling, no tingling, no nothing," Chamberlain said.
He said he generally talks to Dr. Andrews after each throwing session.
Live BP for Mo?Mariano Rivera threw his third bullpen session this week and should face hitters in live BP sometime next week.
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