Philadelphia Phillies Vs. New York Yankees 3/26/2009

If you’re looking for the news and stats from the game, you’re probably reading the wrong article, but I can tell you a few things that I noticed.

Joba Chamberlain looked a little rough in the first inning. By a little rough, I mean he let up a couple of home runs in the first inning. That’s never sexy, but at least it was better than what happened the last time I saw him pitch. It was in Cleavland, there were a bunch of bugs, and it was during the playoffs. Need I say more?

I think Phil Coke pitched pretty well. I think he threw a bunch of strikeouts. I tried to find some stats after the game, but I couldn’t find anything. Like I said, if you’re looking for stats, wrong writer. Sorry.

As far as hitters, the switch to have Derek Jeter leading off and Johnny Damon batting second seemed to workout well for both guys.

Got to see Nick Swisher for the first time. He knocked out a homer. I’d really like to see him as a starter at some point this season.

I would’ve liked to see more of Brett Gardner. He didn’t come in until late in the game. He’s another guy that I’m unbiasly rooting for. Also coming in late in the game was Shelly Duncan. I’ve never seen him play before so I was pretty excited about that.

My last note about the players; Cody Ransom knocked out a homer too. Who needs A-Rod. He can continue hanging out with strippers or whatever he’s doing.

This was my first spring training game ever. I just moved down to Florida last summer and I’m kicking myself for not going to any spring training games sooner. Brighthouse Field, where the Phillies play, is literally right down the street from where I live and the Blue Jays field isn’t far away either.

Thanks to a hook up, I had great seats, only a row back from the dugout. I was about five feet away from Reggie Jackson the entire game. Just had to share that. I was impressed by how much time he spent signing autographs before the game as well as many of the other Yankee players.

Loved the laid back feel of spring training. There were lots of Yankee fans there (of course) and the Philly fans were pretty friendly compared to other cities I’ve seen the Yankees play, plus they seemed pretty knowledgeable about the game.

Not so happy about the sunburn I’m going to have, but I’ll deal with it. I’m definitely going to try catch a few more games before spring training is over.