Yankees notes

New York Yankees notes:

• The organization showed class today by playing an exhibition game at Virginia Tech University. After a winter of negative news, it was nice to dwell on positives for a change. Girardi was asked if he would go easy on the college kids, he replied, "no, it's not in my nature." Karstens made the start and fortunately it may be a much needed confidence booster. The Yanks' regular lineup won conclusively, but the score is irrelevant, the campus got some positive memories, that's all that matters.


• Peter Abe from LO Hud, reports as only a beat writer can, "Andy Pettitte conveniently developed a case of mild elbow tendinitis last week, just in time to miss the game against the Tampa Bay Rays and the messy brawl that ensued. As younger players grappled and threw punches, he was safely back at Legends Field.
  Miraculously, he healed in time to throw a long bullpen session two days later and started against the Red Sox yesterday." Pete goes deep undercover to let us in on an alleged conspiracy.


• Girardi's first spring training has featured retaliation, manipulation, a take no prisoners attitude and the icing on the cake--getting Big Papi to move his feet (somewhere Manny is practicing his bail-out.) You get the distinct impression that if he had managed the Schilling "bloody sock" game, a few bunts would have been laid down.


• Walked into a Sports Authority store, large rack of Yankees' jerseys marked 50% off, check the name on the back--Clemens, all other Bomber jerseys full price. Fame is fleeting.


• Dose of reality-- An article titled, "Joba's job to change mid-season" mentions, "It's hard to imagine that Chamberlain would be forced into the rotation if Yanks' five starters are operating on all cylinders." Team architect Brian Cashman is quoted, "I certainly can't count on that." Candid comments are refreshing. In poker strategy, there is an expression that fits this situation, "it depends." If the Yanks' can acquire a real set up guy--Damaso Marte would be a nice fit--moving Joba makes a lot of sense (note, those who would hope he'll automatically dominate at the top of rotation need to check the history of young starters.) If no quality reinforcements are pending, moving a proven, dominant late inning guy ( I keep reading he'll be an 8TH inning specialist-he can easily handle more work than that) to be a work in progress starter, in a pennant race, is not an easy decision. Either way, it's nice to have options.