Progress Update

After watching the Yankees live for three consecutive games, we can report the following.

JOBA

Joba pitched three strong innings on Monday against the world champion Phillies.  Admittiedly, the Phils were without Utley, Rollins and Victorino, but nevertheless, Joba was impressive.  He appears ready to dominate.

CENTER FIELD

Brett Gardner should win the starting slot.  He is swinging with confidence and running like the second coming of Ricky Henderson.  Melky had a good game against the Twins on Sunday and will not roll over and play dead, but he lacks Gardner’s upside.  Melky will struggle to claim the 25th spot on the roster and may fall victim to the numbers game.  But barring a complete collapse, Gardner will be the man in CF on Opening Day.

JORGE’S SHOULDER

Posada made his maiden appearance behind the plate on Sunday.  His throws during the warmups and between innings looked strong, but none of the Twin baserunners tested his arm under actual game conditions, so there was no way to be sure how well he can throw.  Still, he looked as if he will be back.  Pencil Jorge in for 80-100 games behind the plate.  He also hit like it was 2007 again.

ANDY

Andy pitched three strong innings.  He appears to have overcome the nagging injuries that plagued him during the second half of 2008.  At his age, those kinds of problems could arise again, but so far so good.

SWISH

Nick Swisher has had a bad Spring, but he looked good when we saw him.  He hit line drives all weekend, and I had the sense that the Yankees prefer him to Xavier Nady.  He is a switch hitter and can play 1b and any place in the outfield, so look for him to play somewhere almost every day.

COKE

Phil Coke pitched terrific baseball for 2 2/3 innings on Sunday before running out of gas.  It appeared the Yankee coaches were stretching him out, so look for Coke to win the long relief job, and if Damaso Marte struggles, don’t be surprised to see Coke move into the left handed setup slot.

BERROA

Angel Berroa is making a serious bid to take the utility infield spot previously held by Wilson Betemit.  Cody Ransom was slated to fill that place, and he is having a good Spring, but Berroa is a a better fielder and looked good at the plate.  He should go north with the team.  Whether he stays north once Arod returns will depend on how Ransom performs as the 3b starter.

JESUS

Every Yankee fan should note the name Jesus Montero.  He is the catcher of the future.  Montero is only 19, and will play in the minors this year, but the kid looked awesome against the Pirates.  He could be with the big club by 2011.

TEX

Teixiera looked awful at the plate.  True, it is only mid-March, but he has a history of slow starts.  With Arod out, let’s hope Tex gets it in gear early.  He sure didn’t show much this weekend.

We left Florida before CC and Mo pitched on Tuesday.  Both had good outings, hopefully a harbinger of things to come.  Now if only Arod can get healthy…

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