Game Recap

There was good news all over the place on Sunday afternoon, as the New York Yankees hammered the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-1, in Grapefruit League action.

Start with the starter, Yankee ace CC Sabathia, who looked in midseason form. During his time on the bump, Sabathia allowed only one run (on a solo homer to Jimmy Rollins) on six hits and one walk, while striking out five.

After Adam Wainwright went down for the season, Kyle McClellan looked like the leading candidate to take the open spot in the starting rotation. After his first outing of the spring, that spot is now McClellan's to lose.

I admit that if the Athletics had lost this game, I would probably have fallen into the crowd that says "well this is just spring training and doesn't matter, we'll get them in the regular season." Thankfully, the A's took care of business (and the Giants) today behind a solid pitching performance and plenty of support from the lineup beating the World Champion Giants, 6-0.

The New York Mets saw a lot of things to like from their pitchers in a 3-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals today.

Oliver Perez, looking to earn a spot in the starting rotation, tossed two scoreless innings, and closer Francisco Rodriguez, in his first spring action, added a scoreless inning of his own.

With the final two spots in the Yankees' rotation up in the air as they enter the 2011 season, the team is counting on A.J. Burnett to have a bounce-back year to solidify the front end of the pitching staff.

The right-hander started out on the right foot Wednesday against an Astros split squad team, allowing two hits and walking none, while striking out one over two scoreless innings. He recorded five outs on the ground and none in the air.

This month, I’ll be providing insights on all 15 games in the Cactus Leagues in Arizona, telling you who looks good and who does not and what to look for this upcoming 2011 campaign.

Colorado 6, Arizona 5

Salt River Fields, Scottsdale

This is actually the home for both teams, with the Diamondbacks the home team this day.

In the most anticipated spring training in Phillies' history, the Phightins opened up Grapefruit League play Saturday and Sunday against the Yankees.

Let's take a look at what we've learned so far...

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Pitcher Rankings

Positional Rankings

The New York Yankees lost their first spring training game to the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4, after a late rally opportunity was wasted.

This week marked the week highly anticipated by fans across the country, as the unofficial starting point to spring training, and the 2011 baseball season—pitchers, catchers, and then the rest of the squad, all report.

Looking beyond the symbolism, is the literal meaning—it's practically a reunion. Players, coaches, and staff all gather officially for the first time since the end of the season, and for new players, a chance to meet some of your team, most likely for the first time.

Fans have dubbed most of the Giants’ 2010 season and postseason as torture, but after the team’s impressive World Series victory against the Texas Rangers, the Giants’ faithful at the High Five Pizza Co. restaurant and sports bar felt euphoric.