Well, that was fast. Only a few days into camp and we’ve got our first real injury: Phil Hughes’ bulging disk in his upper back, taking him out of commission for awhile. Let’s hope this isn’t a nagging problem and that after his time out he’ll be ready to go. It’s his contract year – his moment to show once and for all that he can pitch effectively and consistently as a starter. It’s also important to the Yankees that he be the phenom Cashman’s always projected him to be.
The other “malady” I was referring to is Nunez, aka Eduardo Scissorhands. I kid the kid, I know. But when it comes to Nunie I can’t help myself. Put him at shortstop and he’ll make errors. That’s how it’s been. And now that Jeter’s recovering from his ankle surgery, we’ll be seeing more of Nunie. Will we be seeing more of his errors too? There’s no question that he can be a terrific spark in the lineup, getting hits and running the bases well. But his glove scares me. I think Nix will be a fine backup at third and first (and short), but I have to say I miss Chavez already.
And finally, am I the only one who resents the WBC just a little? I completely understand that players want to represent their country and that it’s fun for them to play in competition, but to leave camp so early in the spring training season, interrupt their routines and disrupt the team chemistry feels off to me. I guess I’m just being contrary, but I’m not wild about hearing how guys like Cano and Tex, who need to get their timing down as hitters, will be running off to join their respective WBC teams.
The good news is that MLB.TV (and YES, for those who get it) will be televising spring training games in another week. Can’t wait.
What else can you do but laugh when your starter can’t pitch his way out of the first inning? Hughes has been pretty good lately, so I’ll give him a pass on tonight’s meltdown. I guess. Ibanez was bound to hit at least one homer against him, since he’s hit them against everyone else at Yankee Stadium. Why Cashman didn’t hang onto Rauuuul I’ll never know. But bottom line? The Mariners are a weak-hitting team that nevertheless scored 12 runs, which proves that anybody can beat anybody on any given day.
