Yanks fall flat on Opening Day in 8-2 loss to Red Sox

Looking back at the game, the second inning is where the Yankees fell flat. CC Sabathia made some costly pitches which resulted in the Red Sox scoring four runs off of the Yankees ace. The three run ninth inning by Joba Chamberlain didn't make matters any easier. In the end, the Yankees looked as flat as Sabathia's fastball in the fourth inning. The offense was barely existent, minus the two run single by Francisco Cervelli in the fourth. To put it in perspective, the Yankees as a team looked sluggish. So sluggish that by the time the ninth inning rolled around, no one was in their seats.

The Yankees had one chance to score some more runs in the seventh when Cervelli and Brett Gardner got on base with back to back walks, but Eduardo Nunez, Robinson Cano and Kevin Youkilis struck out to end the inning, and any chance of the Yankees coming back in the game.

The Yankees pitching wasn't as sharp either. David Phelps was able to tightrope out of danger in the sixth inning due to a base-running blunder by Jacoby Ellsbury, but the seventh was where everything fell apart. Phelps gave up a run with the assistance of Boone Logan, Chamberlain gave up three in the ninth. Now it's back to the drawing board for the Yankees, as they prepare to take on the Red Sox again on Wednesday night.

Some Notes:

-- Mark Teixeira went to visit the doctor today and got the OK to take off the brace on his wrist--but he has to wear it when he works out.

-- Derek Jeter had some treatment done in Tampa today and played catch in the OF. Although Jeter could come off the DL on Saturday, I doubt he would since the Yanks want him to play a full nine innings before he returns.

-- Curtis Granderson had X-Rays on his forearm and told reporters in Tampa that his arm is feeling better. He's allowed to shag fly balls but he can't throw them back in the infield.

-- Phil Hughes pitched in an extended Spring Training game today, and went seven innings. Hughes will next pitch for Scranton Wilkes-Barre in five days, meaning he's on track to return on April 11. Girardi left open the option that Hughes could return by Saturday but David Phelps is still in line to make that start.

Reminder: Mega Prediction Game Starts Today

Just as a reminder we will be running our very popular Mega Prediction game EXCLUSIVELY on The Greedy Pinstripes this season. All the details and the game actually goes down HERE and everyone is invited. Please check it out as it is a lot more fun when multiple people play.

Elvis Andrus Signs Extension With Rangers

Elvis Andrus and the Rangers have agreed on an extension that will keep the shortstop in Texas through 2022. The contract includes $120 million of new money for Andrus, upping the total amount to $131.275.

I know a lot of people will be upset by this news, seeing as how Andrus may very well have been the heir to Derek Jeter, as his now old contract was set to expire at the same time Jeter's did.

Justin Verlander, Buster Posey, and Adam Wainwright signed extensions with their respective teams last week. While reporting the news regarding Verlander I wrote the following...

The Yankees should throw their old "we don't negotiate extensions" policy completely out the window. Not only have they already broken that policy in the past, but allowing somebody like Robinson Cano or Phil Hughes to reach free agency could make their price go through the roof. If they are two of the best on the market at their respective positions, then there will be plenty of teams with enough money to drive their price way up (*cough*Dodgers*cough*).

One thing that's brought up quite a bit in regards to Robinson Cano signing an extension is that Robbie is a Scott Boras client, and Boras is not one to let any money slip away. Meaning going to free agency, in order to start a bidding war for his client, seemed inevitable. But the news of Elvis Andrus, also a Boras client, signing an extension with the Rangers gives me reason to think otherwise.

It really looks like the next free agency season is going to involve a ton of money being thrown around. Let's hope Cano, and possibly Hughes, aren't lured away from New York.

Opening Day: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

It's been a long time since we have seen the Yankees play a game that actually mattered but the wait is over. After hearing all about Alex Rodriguez, losing players to free agency, the lack of a blockbuster signing, and losing half of our players to injury already it all can go away, at least for a day, because baseball is back. The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox will renew their rivalry in just a few hours as Yankees ace CC Sabathia takes on Boston's ace Jon Lester. The game will be televised at 1:05 pm ET on YES, ESPN, and MLB TV.

Here is the lineup

1. Gardner CF

2. Nunez SS

3. Cano 2B

4. Youkilis 1B

5. Wells LF

6. Francisco DH

7. Ichiro RF

8. Nix 3B

9. Cervelli C

Clay Rapada Says Goodbye To The Yankees

It was a good year.. But it is a business I appreciate the opportunity to pitch in the NY.. Fans are tough but awesome.Can't predict future

— Clay Rapada (@pada5something) March 31, 2013

Stay Classy Clay. Good luck wherever your baseball career takes you and good luck in all walks of life!

Predicting The Opening Day Lineup

I just wanted to take a stab at what lineup Joe Girardi is going to put out there in a couple of hours. Here is what I think Joe will; put behind the big man, CC Sabathia, this afternoon. 

1. Brett Gardner (CF)

2. Eduardo Nunez (SS)

3. Robinson Cano (2B)

4. Kevin Youkilis (1B)

5. Travis Hafner (DH)

6. Vernon Wells (LF)

7. Ichiro Suzuki (RF)

8. Francisco Cervelli (C)

9. Jayson Nix (3B)

ESPN Sunday Conversation With Mariano Rivera

Game 1 Lineup: Red Sox vs. Yankees

Lineup vs. Red Sox:

Brett Gardner CF
Eduardo Nunez SS
Robinson Cano 2B
Kevin Youkilis 1B
Vernon Wells LF
Ben Francisco DH
Ichiro Suzuki RF
Jayson Nix 3B
Francisco Cervelli C

CC Sabathia LHP

Start Time: 1:05 p.m
T.V: YES Network
Radio: WCBS 880

Interesting Note On The Morning Of Opening Day

Here is just an interesting note that I wanted to bring to you guys before the Opening Day festivities really get going today. The Yankees will only have two positional players, Robinson Cano and Brett Gardner, on the field today that were on the field for Opening Day in 2012. That means we lost either to injury or free agency seven of our starting players from last year's Opening Day. Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Curtis Granderson will all start on the disabled list and Russell Martin, Nick Swisher, and Raul Ibanez all left via free agency.

Morning Bits: Opening Day, C.C., payroll

Good morning all.   The season is finally here!!!!!  Let's get it started with some morning links.....

-- Matt Snyder of CBS writes that the amount of money the Yankees have on the DL is more than 16 teams total payroll.

-- Bill Madden of The New York Daily News believes the Red Sox and Yankees will be at the bottom of the division this year.

-- Andy Mcullough of The Star Ledgers writes that a healthy C.C. is ready to lead the Yankees.