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Bird, Tanaka Shine in Win- Game Recap 3/22/17 (New Writer Application)

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Bird, Tanaka Shine in Yanks win over Phils

Brock Hammond

The Yankees cruised to an easy 7-3 win over the Phillies Wednesday afternoon. A few hours before the game, Joe Girardi named Greg Bird the Opening Day starter at First Base. Considering Chris Carter's paltry .422 OPS and Tyler Austin's busted foot, this should not come as a surprise to anyone. Greg Bird "celebrated" the announcement by tagging Vince Velasquez for two monster dongs and five RBI. Chase Headley added a solo home run in the 6th. Both the Great Sanchino and Billy McKinney continued their strong Spring Trainings, each adding a double. All told, the Yankees posted 8 hits on the afternoon.

Masahiro Tanaka turned in an equally dominant performance on the mound, scattering 3 hits and as many K's over 5.1 innings of work. Leadoff man, Cesar Hernandez, was really the only Phils' hitter to get to Tanaka. Hernandez singled in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, and if not for Greg Bird flashing the leather, he might've doubled again the 5th. Tanaka has yet to surrender a run in 18.2 innings this Spring and remains the only sure-thing in the Yankees rotation.

There were no sure-fire big leaguers in relief yesterday, but they ultimately secured the Yankees 19th win of the early Spring. Jonathan Holder recorded a quiet two outs to finish the 6th inning. Newly-signed Ernesto Frieri struck out the side in the 7th. He's recorded 6K's (and 1 HR) in 2 innings for the Yankees since being signed last week. After an abysmal 2015 season and a year off in 2016, Frieri likely won't make the big league club out of camp, but if he continues striking guys out and throwing 95 (acc. to PitchFX), we'll certainly see him before the season is over. Matt Marsh and Joe Mantiply coughed up 3 ER in the final 2 innings of the game.

"It's not what you want."

Chris Carter, Rob Refsnyder, and Tyler Wade all turned in 0-3 performances. Carter walked and struck out three times. Ref and Wade each added a strike out as well. I point these three guys out for various reasons. Carter's performance is perhaps the least worrisome. He's always been a low average, lots of bombs, and lots of K's. So far, he's met two of those expectations, but Yankee fans have yet to see Carter's power. Hopefully, the homers start coming when the season officially begins.

Once the belle of the Yankees' organization ball, Refsnyder has turned pumpkin. Ref really hasn't shown us anything this spring and probably headed to AAA to start the year. Granted, he hit a home run and a couple doubles in the last week or so, but his .643 OPS and lack of defensive home really does not bode well for his future in this organization.

Tyler Wade is quickly becoming one of my favorite young guys, and I love the thought of the Yankees having a Ben Zobrist/Brock Holt-type that can play multiple positions every week. He came into camp looking like a solid AAA option and has forced himself into the big league conversation, especially now that Didi is on the shelf. I know I'd love to see him in the big leagues over Pete Kozma or Reuben Tejada, but Wade should only be the replacement SS if he's ready. His 0-3 probably doesn't mean much. Guys can't get a hit every day, but he'll need to have a strong final two weeks if he's going to stay in the conversation for Opening Day SS.

Yes, I know its only Spring Training, but man, this team has got me excited. Greg Bird has so far been everything the Yankees or their fans could hope him to be. The rest of the offense has looked great so far too. This team is going to score much more than what we've seen the last few years. Hopefully the pitching will be there to back it up.

The Yankees are on the road today against the Rays. Jordan Montgomery will get another chance to prove himself ready for the show as he'll start opposite Austin Pruitt. First pitch from Port Charlotte, FL will be at 1:05 pm EST.

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