Dealin' Dellin

In their second Spring game the Yanks went over the Clearwater and pounded the Phillies, 7-3. The Phillies started Blanton, so the Yanks did what they should. The big stories; however were Nova, Montero and Betances! Wow.

Ivan Nova is looking very much like a late bloomer. I think the comp is Wang, who also came on late - though that was more about injuries. Nova just moved along until coming back from the Padres and started going nova at age 23 last year. He looked really good today, touching 96 and getting 4 grounders and 2 K's in two perfect innings of work.

Montero was seemless behind the plate, and Girardi, Nova and Betances all praised him. Montero went 1-3 with and RBI single. He hit the ball hard all three times and had a great ab his first time up that resulted in a lineout that drove Polanco onto the outfield grass.

Betances pitched the 5th and was dominant, K'ing the side and walking 1. He touched 97 and showed a nasty curve. It's going to be hard keeping him down on the farm if he keeps dominating in ST.

Gardy may be poised for a big year. Today, the only time he swung he produced a double and later scored. His other two PA's created two walks and one run. He did not steal. Or use an out.

Grandy and Jorge Vazquez homered. Jorge now has two in two games. Go Yanks!

UPDATE: Manny Banuelos was just as impressive in his ST debut today, inducing a weak ground out and K'ing two in one inning of work. Keeper.