Bright House Field, Clearwater Florida

A few pictures from the Yankees playing the Phillies at Bright House Field in Clearwater last Thursday. Wanted to get them up sooner, but things have been crazy. Not the greatest pictures, I really need to spend a few hundred dollars on a good digital camera, but one step at a time.

Reggie Jackson

Derek Jeter And The Rest Of The Yankees Warming Up

Derek Jeter Leading Off

Joba Chamberlain Pitching

Yankees Lineup

Joba Chamberlin 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 was 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 blog. 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.

Then 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 way 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.

But while watching the Yankee game tonight with the Yanks demolishing the Red Sox (yes, I know it’s only spring training and scores don’t count – but I’ll take any victory over the Sox), I started to get excited about the game again. Seeing the players on the field, even if it wasn’t the new or the old stadium, brought that good feeling back. It’s nice to see the names that I recognize playing again. I love watching players like Brett Gardner fighting for a spot in the big leagues. And seeing future all star Austin Jackson blasting a grand slam really put it all back in focus.

I can’t wait for the season to start!