Yankees start to gel

By John Bertollo
Staff Writer

After a rough spring training start for the pitchers of the New York Yankees, the Bronx Bombers are starting to show their potential.

Four of the Yankees starting pitchers (Roger Clemens, Andy Pettite, Mike Mussina, and DavidWells) have improved with each outing, as they continue to pitch multiple scoreless and hitless innings. Jeff Weaver, who is battling for the fifth starting position, is also producing well. Yankees manager Joe Torre has stated that he is hoping Weaver can be the fifth starter, moving Sterling Hitchcock to the long reliever role, according to www.yankees.com.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner continues to comment on certain players in the organization. Steinbrenner is impressed with new comers Hideki Matsui and Jose Contreras. Through March 16, Matsui was batting .355 with three triples and a team leading eight RBIs. Despite a few bad outings, Contreras began to pitch up to his potential and shut out the Devil Rays on March 14.

Any problems that evolved between Steinbrenner and shortstop Derek Jeter seem to be over. There hasn't been any further information on the situation, as Jeter's spring training numbers continue to rise. However, problems between Steinbrenner and Wells seem to be progressing. In his new book, Wells referred to some drug problems in baseball, and said he was hung over during his perfect game in 1998. This led to Steinbrenner to fine Wells $100,000.

The Yankees open up their season on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Sky Dome. The Yanks will remain on the road for six games, before returning home to Yankees Stadium on April 7 when they face the Minnesota Twins in what is the start of their 100th season. This season will definately be a memorable one! Go Yanks!

March 27, 2003 Issue