The start of the 2011 campaign for the New York Yankees provided us with an ample amount of foreshadowing. Not only did Mark Teixeira crush a Justin Verlander pitch out into right field, but more importantly, the rejuvenated Yankee bullpen displayed their dominance over the final three innings of the tie. The old cliché of ‘shortening the game’ will certainly be heard this season as the titanic trio of Joba, Soriano and Mariano Rivera are sure to shutdown any lineup the final time around.
Although Joba had his second consecutive year with an ERA of 4+ in 2010, the 25 year-old hurler pitched a clean inning today in the Bronx. The 8th inning saw the Yankee debut of Rafael Soriano, last year’s AL saves leader with the Rays. He too, made quick work of the Tigers and handed the ball to the greatest reliever of all-time. No surprise, Mariano Rivera ended the game easily, although he did showoff his new fashion with high socks, a la Alex Rodriguez.
Joe Girardi’s decision to start Russell Martin paid off, as the new catcher compiled a single and two runs scored. However, young stud Jesus Montero should not be forgotten in this equation, as although he was sent to Triple-A, Montero is regarded as the future catcher of the Yankees.
So for Opening Day, the Bombers’ pitching looked formidable and its hitting seemed acceptable, after all, Earl Weaver’s philosophy of, “Pitching, hitting and the three-run homer”, seemed to work today.
