Rookie Hazing

I’ve been enjoying the stories about LaTroy Hawkins having some fun with all the rookies, especially Billy Crystal and Andrew Brackman. After having his shoelaces and socks cut by Hawkins, Crystal  gained his revenge by screwing Hawkins’ sneakers to part of his locker. Hawkins took it in good humour though, saying ‘I’m still going to hold it against Brackman’. I make it a point of not messing with people who are almost 7 foot tall.

Bullpen

In all likelihood the Yankees will travel north with twelve pitchers. Here’s my thoughts on who’ll make the club.

Wang

Pettitte

Hughes

Mussina

Kennedy

Karstens

Patterson

Farnsworth

Traber

Chamberlain

Hawkins

Rivera

While nine of the spots pretty much pick themselves, i think that Scott Paterson has earned his shot, Kartens(while pretty bad in his previous outing) is the best choice for long relief and Billy Traber seems like he can do a job as a lefty specialist.  Spare a thought for Ross Ohlendorf, Chris Britton and Kei Igawa, who have all done decent jobs and will all see a reasonable amount of time in the majors this year.

Suspensions

 

Both Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan were suspended for three games today after their part in the “brawl” against Tampa Bay a couple of days ago. Both were also fined an undisclosed amount. Lets hope that Joe G’s (who wasn’t suspended) talk with Duncan after the incident will help keep on a shorter leash  . Apparently Melky was suspended for punching Evan Longoria, a strong candidate for ROY honours.

On another note, Phil Hughes gave up his first hits and runs in the opening inning against the Reds today. The Yankees currently lead 3-2.