Yanks edge Nats

Behind Javy Vazquez’ 6+ innings of one-run, four-hit ball the Yanks edged the Nats 3-1 on Wednesday. Vazquez faced the minimum through five innings and was said to have pitched well in his fourth start of the Spring (what grand slam?). The one baffling stat is that Ian Desmond, Ian freaking Desmond, finagled a two-bagger off Mo. The game wasn’t on TV but yankees.com has the low down.

A-Rod had an RBI triple, drove in a pair and continued his torrid Spring Training, hitting .357 in these games that don’t count. I hope that meeting with the Feds regarding Dr. Galea doesn’t screw him up for the regular season. Swish Dog has a nine-game hitting streak and the oft-lazy Cano has hit safely in 9-of-12 ST games. Nick The Stick went 1-for-3 and scored twice, while Frankie Cervelli SAW TIME AT THIRD BASE and went 1-for-1. I wonder if his concussion issues forced him to Olerud it and wear a helmet in the field.

The Yankees also faced former teammates Brian Bruney and Tyler Clippard (among others), who combined to throw 1 2/3 innings of one-hit, two-K ball.

Next up for the Yanks is a “division game” against the O’s on Thursday afternoon. Ace will get the start in a last-ditch attempt to make a bid for the fifth spot in the rotation. Although it’s a moot point as Joel Sherman is certain that Phil Hughes has the spot locked down, even though he has no sources for the claim.

In other baseball news, Bud Selig has announced that the off day between games 4 and 5 of the LCS will be no more, but there will be a travel day between games 4 and 5 of the LDS. So MLB really didn’t do anything to shorten the playoffs, which seem to drag on forever. Thanks for mutton, Bud Selig.

In an attempt at some shameless self-promotion, check out what I have to say about various Yanks-related issues and other MLB goings-on in the latest BBA podcast. C’mon, if you were on a podcast I’d listen.