Mike Mussina was in the clubhouse as a visitor here today. He’s in Tampa on vacation with his family and very happily retired. He was wearing an ESPN cap and a Ford Mustang t-shirt, and told CC Sabathia to keep his locker. Too bad the Mussina window has disappeared, replaced by a large circle ‘NY’ logo.
A sweaty Andy Pettitte hugged Mussina, and Joe Girardi asked Mussina if he’d get dressed or throw out the first pitch. Mussina said no to both. Phil Coke dropped by and Moose thanked him for the outs he recorded in wins No. 19 and No. 20 last year.
“You guys can keeping moving,” Mussina said. “I’ve got to live in this moment for a while.”
CINCINNATI REDS
Chris Dickerson CF
Alex Gonzalez SS
Jay Bruce RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Kevin Barker 1B
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Lance Nix LF
Ryan Hanigan C
Wes Bankston DH
Nick Masset RHP
NEW YORK YANKEES
Brett Gardner CF
Johnny Damon LF
Xavier Nady RF
Hideki Matsui DH
Cody Ransom 3B
Jose Molina C
Juan Miranda 1B
Angel Berroa SS
Ramiro Pena 2B
Joba Chamberlain RHP
UPDATE 6:24 p.m.: Yes, it’s early, but the Yankees are watching Chamberlain closely in this start. Girardi said that the fifth starter’s job is Joba’s to lose, but they need to see improvement over his first two starts – especially the aborted five-batter outing against Team Canada. Chamberlain has been working on his mechanics, including one exercise where he threw a ‘dry’ bullpen with a towel.
UPDATE 6:40 p.m.: Brian Cashman said earlier that he is “not optimistic” about trading for a third baseman to fill in for A-Rod. Until further notice, Cody Ransom, it’s yours to lose.
“I’m not going to be proactive in trying to do something,” Cashman said. “If something presents itself that makes sense, which is not realistic, then maybe it will be somebody different. I think our answer is here in camp.”
