Bartolo Colon Being Given the Ball for First Game…of Spring Training
February 26, 2011 · Ken DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Before anybody goes crazy, curses out Joe Girardi or stops watching Yankee games, let me just remind everyone that this is the Grapefruit League.
And thank God it is, because Colon’s start means absolutely nothing today.
In today’s spring training opener, manager Joe Girardi has decided to allow the newly-signed reclamation project to start.
Does it mean something that he is getting the first opportunity to prove himself worthy for one of the final two rotation spots?
Probably not, as it’s been reported that Freddy Garcia has the advantage for the No. 4 spot and the young Ivan Nova will most likely be the No. 5 starter.
Girardi backed his decision by saying that Colon is “possibly a little more ready.” Colon pitched in winter ball during the offseason, and his conditioning is slightly ahead of the other pitchers in camp.
In seven starts in the Dominican Republic this winter, Colon turned in an impressive 1.93 ERA.
Not too shabby for a guy who hasn’t pitched in the majors since July 2009.
Pitchers Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, David Phelps, Hector Noesi and Eric Wordekemper are also scheduled to throw today against the Phillies.
The Yankees will be using their regular lineup, with the exception of catcher Russell Martin. Martin projects to get in a game later this week as a DH and then catch immediately after.
Other position players that will be getting at-bats today include Kevin Russo, Eduardo Nunez, Brandon Laird, Colin Curtis, Greg Golson, Justin Maxwell and Andruw Jones.
This is the first of 32 spring games for the Yankees. They will play 32 games in 32 days with two off days, as there are split-squad games scheduled for March 7th and March 11th.
The long journey to No. 28 begins today.
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