TAMPA – Even at a time when the arms are more developed than the bats, there is a price to pay for making bad pitches.
“The home run was a change-up that was too high,” Chien-Ming Wang said of a two-out, bases-empty homer he surrendered to Casey Kotchman. “I didn’t finish and the pitching coach (Dave Eiland) talked to me about making an adjustment and I finished and got a strikeout.”
Wang, the No. 2 starter, went three innings, allowed a run and three hits. He fanned two and didn’t issue a walk.
Wang, whose 2008 season ended in June because of a right foot injury, moved around the field well and insists the problem is deep in the past.
“It’s behind me completely,” said Wang, who bolted off the mound to field Josh Anderson’s leadoff bunt and turn it into an out.
Wang said his signature sinker has the necessary depth but not perfect location.
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Since Brett Gardner is batting .400 and Melky Cabrera is at .231, the easy way to look at the center-field competition is that Gardner is in the lead.
Yet, the man making the decision believes it’s far too early in the race to establish a leader, never mind a winner.
“It’s still wide open,” Joe Girardi said after yesterday’s 3-1 loss to the Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “It’s really early, there are four weeks to go. To make a determination now is not fair to them or the club.”
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Hideki Matsui went 1-for-2 in his second game and is slated to be the designated hitter today against the Tigers. It will be his initial back-to-back starts.
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George Steinbrenner made a second appearance in a week and third of the season yesterday. . . . Jorge Posadathrew to bases yesterday and will be the DH Monday. He was a pinch-hitter yesterday and fanned. . . . Right-hander Jason Johnson, who reported to camp days after being diagnosed with retina cancer, threw a simulated game yesterday.
The Yankees finally are going to get a look at A.J. Burnetttoday against the Tigers in Lakeland.
Braves 3 Yankees 1