Yanks vs. Astros: regular season lineup

by Travis G on Mar 16, 2010 10:54 PM EDT in Game Threads

That's what we'll see tonight, as Joe Girardi sends out his expected opening-day lineup. Nick Johnson is expected to bat second, with Cano fifth, followed by Posada, Granderson, Swisher and Gardner (who'll play centerfield).

A.J. Burnett, Phil Hughes and Mo Rivera (in his spring debut) are scheduled to pitch. Brian Moehler goes for Houston.

There will be no televised games until Thursday.

Postgame notes -

The story of this 4-1 win was the Phranchise. He increased the distance between himself and Joba for the fifth starter spot with four scoreless innings (3 h, 1 bb, 2 k), albeit against a lot of reserves.

Mo made his first appearance and threw a scoreless frame with a hit, walk and K.

A.J. Burnett is still battling with control, evidenced by four walks in the first three innings.

Houston had six hits but went 0-11 with RISP; the Yanks had eight and went 2-8. Posada had two singles, while Jeter, Tex, Arod, Cano, Swisher and Gardner had one hit apiece.

Joba goes tomorrow against Philly. You can watch the game only on MLB.tv (for a fee, of course).

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Phil

Phil Huges had a great game but he still has to prove that he can is the fifth starter to the Yankees

by Meatface on Mar 16, 2010 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

Sure ST isn’t over yet but it’s Phil Hughes’ job to lose right now with his most recent outing. I don’t know what else he has to “prove” as he has 192 career innings and 28 starts under his belt.

by Scooby Snacks on Mar 16, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions

If the No. 5 spot is really a "competition" then it's probably Aceves who is ahead.

If it’s between Chamberlain and Hughes, and is only a competition if they both stink it up, then the job looks like Hughes’

by designatedquitter on Mar 17, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Our man...

A.J. needs some work, he has less than 4 innings pitched this spring, albeit with one rainout thrown in there..(2 1/3 yesterday)

by Great Gatsby on Mar 17, 2010 10:01 AM EDT reply actions

Tooting my own horn

I had that line-up pegged in February, including GGBG in center and Hughes as the fifth starter.

Other predictions I’ve made on this site: Posada eventually gets benched this summer (replaced by Swisher in the 6-hole and Cervelli in the #8), Cano leads Yanks in hitting, and Granderson platoons with Winn before June.

New one: Hughes not only keeps the 5th starter role, but leads Yankee starters in ERA and earns a spot in post-season rotation. Told my buddy last June when Hughes went to the pen that he and Zack Greinke had identical careers and to expect excellent bullpen service in ’09 followed by starter stardom in ’10. check it out.

by steelerwheeler on Mar 17, 2010 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

Girardi said that the outfield alignment, unlike the rotation, is not indicative of an opening day defense. I highly doubt Gardner will start in center considering how little time they have given him there.

Why do you think Posada will be benched? Injury or ineffectiveness?

I’m really excited about Hughes in the rotation!

by YankeesPWNu on Mar 17, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Posada lost a step before he ever had one. He has no range or quickness anymore and his arm isn’t good enough anymore. He’s turning 39 this summer and if he hasn’t lost some bat speed, power or eyesight by now he certainly will shortly. For now he’s no better than a backup DH to Nick Johnson and emergency catcher. I’d rather see the Yanks play their young catchers and get a guy like Montero the extra ABs when Johnson goes on the DL.

by steelerwheeler on Mar 18, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Posada hasn't gotten quite that bad yet.

Although he is the worst base runner I’ve ever seen in my life. He used to be painfully slow and have terrible judgment. His judgment has improved to “questionable,” although he is slower than ever. Other than that, his offense is declining slowly. He’s still one of the better hitting catchers in the AL.

by designatedquitter on Mar 18, 2010 4:11 PM EDT reply actions