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The Yankees confirmed after the game that Brian Cashman has made the decision to send Andy Pettitte to Tampa to make his next start with the Class-A Tampa Yankees on Monday. He was schedule to pitch with the Double-A Trenton Thunder on the road against the Portland Sea Dogs, but weather concerns have derailed that plan.

Before the game, Yankees manager Joe Girardi hinted that this was a possibility noting the conditions of Pettitte's last start in Trenton.

"He pitched in some pretty raw conditions the other day, as well," Girardi said before Saturday's game. "Because of that we might change where he throws. He might pitch in Tampa on Monday depending on talking about some conditions."

Pettitte most likely will not be pitching with the Major League club until early- to mid-May, making

Alex Rodriguez now stands alone in fifth place on the all-time home run list with 631 surpassing his former teammate and friend Ken Griffey Jr. In the history of baseball only Willie Mays (660), Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762) have amassed more. With a strong push in 2012, A-Rod may be able to catch Willie Mays.

A-Rod, in his ninth season with the Yankees, has hit 285 of those 631 career home runs in Pinstripes. He also played spoiler hitting this very historic home run on the same day the Red Sox celebrated the 100 year anniversary of Fenway Park. He did it iconic fashion, hitting it over the Green Monster.

“I think it's interesting,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about A-Rod climbing up the home run chart. “I think it's something to follow.

Joe Girardi talked all spring about how he planned to rest his aging stars (specifically Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez) more often this year to keep them fresh.

Injuries, both minor and major, are unavoidable throughout the marathon that is a Major League Baseball season, so it was a very valid thought. Yet, through two weeks and so much scratching that Girardi’s lineup card might soon need some calamine lotion, it’s Jeter and A-Rod who are among the five Yankees to have appeared in all 12 games so far.

Life is weird sometimes, no?

Brett Gardner was scratched against the Angels Saturday due to flu-like symptoms, Mark Teixeira sat out Tuesday for the same reason (actually getting Jeter a “half-day off” as the DH as a result), and Wednesday saw Gardner once again

Opener Over

With the always highly-anticipated Home Opener over and resulting in a Yankees 5-0 victory, it's back to business as usual in the Bronx. The second game of the series between the Yankees and Angels is just that. It's still a very important test for the Bombers, but the team can now settle in and make themselves at home.

Designated Rest

The Yankees have chosen to DH Alex Rodriguez today with left-hander and new Angels ace C.J. Wilson on the mound. The half day for Rodriguez will only help the Yankees in the long run and save his legs for the grind that is the baseball season.

Joe Girardi discussed his decision before the game, stating, “I could have done either one (Jeter or Rodriguez). I decided to go with A-Rod. I believe we'll see a left hander on Tuesday as well,

Chavez Ravine to the Bronx reminds me of Tommy John for some reason…

Welcome to New York, Hiro!  It was a terrific debut at Yankee Stadium for #2 starter Hiroki Kuroda, as he shut down the Los Angeles Angels, 5-0 in the team’s 2012 home opener.  The Angels, historically, play the Yankees very well in New York, so Kuroda’s performance was significantly more impressive than if it had come against a team like the Minnesota Twins.  Obviously, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is not going to pitch like this every time out, but I do feel more confident in the #2 slot in the rotation than I did when it was held by A.J. Burnett. 

The game also marked the 630^th home run by Alex Rodriguez, which tied him with his former teammate, Ken Griffey, Jr. 

Chavez Ravine to the Bronx reminds me of Tommy John for some reason…

Welcome to New York, Hiro!  It was a terrific debut at Yankee Stadium for #2 starter Hiroki Kuroda, as he shut down the Los Angeles Angels, 5-0 in the team’s 2012 home opener.  The Angels, historically, play the Yankees very well in New York, so Kuroda’s performance was significantly more impressive than if it had come against a team like the Minnesota Twins.  Obviously, the former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is not going to pitch like this every time out, but I do feel more confident in the #2 slot in the rotation than I did when it was held by A.J. Burnett. 

The game also marked the 630^th home run by Alex Rodriguez, which tied him with his former teammate, Ken Griffey, Jr. 

There’s no doubt that today’s athlete is built a lot better than their predecessors due, in large part, to developing their bodies and athletic ability to its fullest like no others before them.  With a lot of hard work, year-round training, along with personal nutritionists and chefs, it’s no wonder that more players are still enjoying very solid careers well into their late 30’s and some even cracking the “4-oh” mark.

Maybe like some other Yankee fans, as I get ready for this season I can’t help but wonder when Father Time’s gradual effect on aging players-- slowing down a hitter’s bat speed, a pitcher’s arm speed, or a fielder’s foot quickness—might truly push a player over the hill.

Despite taking great

The Return of an old Friend…

When I first heard the news, I kept looking for the tag that it was a joke.  I did have to think about what day it was, wondering if we had somehow fast forwarded to April Fool’s Day.  But alas, the reports of Andy Pettitte coming out of retirement were accurate. 

I am happy to see Andy back in Pinstripes, but it was still very surprising news.  Of course, those close to Andy realized how much he missed the game when he was at camp for a few days earlier this month, but from the distant view of a fan, it just looked like he was enjoying spending time with the team.  It sounded as though he was busy with his children’s activities in Texas, and could only spend a short amount of time in Florida as a result. 

A foot apart…

Yes, I admit it.  I was genuinely concerned.  Yesterday, news broke that David Robertson had hurt his foot in a mishap at his home.  The Yankees sounded very concerned and of course they ordered a MRI and were making comments about the severity of the injury.  The immediate thought was the Lisfranc injury suffered by former Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang.  While Wang is pitching again, it took years and he is still not the same guy who won 19 games in successive seasons a few years back. 

Today, it was announced that Robertson had a deep bone bruise after missing a step on the stairs at his home.  The foot is a boot and he’s on crutches until Sunday, but it now sounds as though Robertson will be back sooner than initially