New York Yankees’ journey in the 2011 MLB season – Part 12
The New York Yankees had gained their momentum, if not full, enough to overthrow some of the toughest teams of the MLB. However, to put their dominating impression over the opposition the Yankees had to win the last two outings of Spring Training.
The last two outings were tough, as these were not so hard that it would destroy the confidence of the Yankees. The American League Eastern club squared their old rivals Minnesota Twins in an electrifying outing.
Game 30 of Spring Training: Yankees show promising performance as Twins dominate 7-6
The Yankees failed to cope with Carl Pavano and the club dropped an electrifying contest 6-7 at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida on March 27 just three days before opening day.
The club could not carry their expressive form and remained in a struggling position for the first four innings despite Robinson Cano had launched a solo home-run off Pavano in the first inning. Although the game was not in the Yankees favour, Girardi was
satisfied as his struggling batter Mark Teixeria had gone two for three.
Curtis Granderson had a strained muscle problem in his right side and was unable to participate in the practice session. This made his availability for opening day doubtful, but somehow he managed to get him back on March 31.
Last outing of Spring Training: Yankees end spring with 2-1 win over Detroit Tigers
The competition was the last and the opponents were the old rivals Detroit Tigers at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 29 as the Yankees had to overthrow the club to take a psychological advantage into the regular season.
Alex Rodriguez rolled down with his 15th run of spring and took the club to a 2-1 win over the strong Tigers. It was the last outing and the Yankees’ bullpen was aware of their importance.
Freddy Garcia yielded only four hits and allowed one run in just over four innings before Girardi called him off up the middle of the fifth inning. Luis Ayala closed down the inning and then Scott Garrison and Mike Prior joined to toss the scoreless sixth.
Girardi was getting pleased with every single pitch. Although the game was tied, the overall combination of the camp was perfect to enter for the regular season. Bartolo Colon closed down the game with a shut-out inning but until now, the final rotation
had been selected.
The performance of Alex Rodriguez displayed in Spring Training was the driving force for Girardi.
"Alex's spring was unbelievable, there's no other way to really describe it," Yankees’ manager Joe Girardi said.
Yankees overall performance was not at their best in the spring, but the team officials were satisfied. Out of 31 games, the Yankees won only 13 outings but whatever they won, they won in a dominating manner. They had also won five consecutive outings in
the middle of the training sessions.
The Yankees first three-game series was against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, March 31. Carsten Charles Sabathia landed to the mound to take on Justin Verlander. Looking at the practice session the Yankees had against the Tigers in Spring
Training, it could easily be predicted at that time the Yankees would easily overthrow their old rivals.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: