New York Yankees

While the New York Yankees have an All-Star laden roster, there was still a roster competition taking place in Tampa. The center field job was a wide open race between Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner.

Both players were pretty hungry, too, posting outstanding spring numbers. They definitely made it hard on manager Joe Girardi to choose one over the other. With the season less than a week away, Girardi made the announcement today. The NEW Yankees starting centerfielder is Brett Gardner.

The New York Yankees beat the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 9-8. Most of the runs scored against the Yankees were against one pitcher. That was the bad. First the good.

A+: Mariano Rivera

To say he is ready to start the season is an understatement. He struck out three batters in one inning.

A+: Johnny Damon

He had three hits today. I'm wondering if those three hits would of been better out of the lead-off spot.

A+: Nick Swisher

Here lies "The House That Ruth Built" (1923-2008)

The New York Mets open up the season on the road April 6th against the Cincinatti Reds.  They play three games in Cincinnati and then a three game set with the Marlins in Miami.  Then they arrive at their new home to face the San Diego Padres for the their long awaited opener. 

Three years ago, the Yankees announced their plans to build a new stadium across the street from the current one. Now, with the new stadium getting ready for its debut, the old one is going to be torn down.

For most teams, a new stadium is no big deal. It's a new place to play that's probably filled with more amenities and conveniences than the old one.

The minute after Curt Shilling and Mike Mussina announce their retirements, the debating began in offices, message boards, and sport articles. Are these two terrific pitchers Hall of Fame worthy?

Well before we answer that question. I wanted to compare the two pitchers and decide who would be selected if only one was allowed.

So let's go to the Tale of the Tapes (Shilling's stats first then followed by Mussina):

Winning Pct.: 59.7% (216-146) v. 63.8% (270-153)

Regular Season

According to reporters, former Yankee outfielder Bernie Williams is mulling over a return to the game he once could not live without.

Apparently, he is finding it harder and harder to stay separated from baseball still to this day.

Game 31: Yankees win over the Braves 6-4

Today was an important day for some Yankee players. Some made a good impression and some didn’t. Some will remain on the team and some might get released. Let's look at the players battling for spots.

Melky Cabrera

In the next year or two, the New York Yankees will have to decide on what to do with Derek Jeter.

And it looks like the decision is going to happen sooner than later, especially with Jeter's uninspired play in the World Baseball Classic.

Now, Yankee fans are going to argue that it is March and he's not in shape yet.

I find that hard to believe, considering that present day professional players are constantly making sure to keep in shape when coming in to camp.