Eiland to take leave of absence

The NY Post reported today that Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland will take a leave of absence as the team opens a three-game set north of the border. Eiland, in his third season as pitching coach, is apparently dealing with an undisclosed family matter, and this is not a rift between he and Girardi. Mike Harkey, the bullpen coach, will handle Eiland’s duties in his absence.

Girardi:

"He’ll be gone as long as he needs. That’s all I’m going to say. He’ll get as much time as he needs…Everything is fine between Dave and I."

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that everything is OK with Dave and his family.

On a lighter note, here is Friday’s lineup. As you can see, Frankie is getting a night off behind the dish while Gardy is replaced by Thames in left:

1. Jeet SS
2. Swish Dog RF
3. Tex 1B
4. A-Rod 3B
5. Cano 2B
6. Georgie DH
7. Thames LF
8. Grandy LF
9. Chad Moeller C

Girardi also said that Granderson will get a day off tomorrow, play Sunday and then have Monday’s off day to rest again. After that, Girardi said “he’s pretty much full go.”

AJ vs. Brett Cecil and his former team tonight. LET’S GO YANKS!!!!