1 Catcher might be a steal
It is not too often when a catcher in his prime becomes available, but that was the case with Russell Martin. In his first three games as a Yankee, Martin batted .455 (5-for-11) with a home run and three runs scored.
It’s helped an aging Jorge Posada, who smacked two home runs yesterday in his new role as the designated hitter.
“At the end of the day, my job now is all about my four at-bats,” Posada said. “But I’m still here.”
2 Starting pitching is indeed a weakness
Though A.J. Burnett was serviceable in his five innings Saturday, he still appears far from 2008 form when he won 18 games with the Blue Jays. Phil Hughes, meanwhile, may make general manager Brian Cashman add Andy Pettitte to his speed dial.
“I attack guys and I’m aggressive, so if my velocity is a bit down, I can’t get away with as many mistakes,” Hughes said after yesterday’s loss to the Tigers.
3 There’s still a slow starter in the lineup
Mark Teixeira already has more home runs (3) in three games this season than he did in all of the first month of last season (2). That leaves leadoff man Brett Gardner as the team’s slow starter. The centerfielder is 2-for-12 with five strikeouts. Meanwhile, Derek Jeter, who was moved to the second spot, is off to a .200 start.
