Yanks Lose from Bad Second; Updates

The Yankees were blanked by the Phillies 4-0 today, the same Phillies they blasted 13-4 a couple days ago.  Wang surrendered all four runs, earned, in a rough second inning.  He got the Phillies to hit ground balls, but the Yankees booted a couple.  A-Rod's error was particularly costly costing the Yankees a chance at a double-play and extending the inning.  But otherwise, Wang wasn't bad, allowing a total of six hits and walking two, while fanning two.  He got nine ground outs, so his sinker was working.  Yet some grounders eluded Yankees infielders, and others the Yanks misplayed.  Wang hasn't had a good Spring, but this might actually be a small sign that he's sharpening up.

With any kind offense, Wang's start would have kept the team in the game.  Yet the team mustered all of four hits--two more by Cano who batted second in Jeter's absence.  Cano is now batting .467 this Spring.  Hopefully he can carry his stroke and eye straight into the season.  Cody Ransom and Posada had the other hits.  Not to be overlooked, the Yankees' bullpen did a very good job, shutting down the Phillies by allowing three hits and a walk over three innings.  Traber retired Utley and Howard in succession, a very good sign against top-flight lefties. With his Spring that includes a 1.08 ERA, there should be no question that Traber is on the club.  Ross Ohlendorf continues to make a real bid to play in The Bronx, allowing only a hit while fanning two in one inning of work.  His Spring ERA is 2.08, not too shabby kid.  Joba had a walk and a K in 2/3 IP, while Bruney allowed two hits with a K in his 2/3 IP. 

That last bullpen spot will be tough to determine.  Bruney and Ohlendorf appear the front-runners.  I'm not sure one has a real, clear advantage over the other.  Bruney has more experience, but Ohlendorf has impressed just as much.  Tough Call.

Supporters of Chris Woodward were dealt a blow today, as the Yankees released him.  Woodward hit well this Spring (.393 AVG.), but had a hamstring injury.  Plus, he's just not as productive as Betemit who, despite his Spring struggles (.167 AVG.), drove in nine runs on eight hits and had five extra-base hits (out of his eight hits) compared to Woodward's one (out of eleven hits).  Betemit surely needs to step up when the regular season arrives, and fourteen Ks in forty-eight at-bats is waaay too high, but his productivity and flexibility are still big pluses.   Wilson, stop swinging for the fences.  Hit the gaps, it's more democratic.