2009 MLB Spring Training

If the race for the Philadelphia Phillies' fifth starter is on, Kyle Kendrick has some major ground to pick up, so he will look for a good outing today against the Atlanta Braves.

Today will mark Kendrick's third outing of the spring, including his appearance in the exhibition against Team USA. Kendrick has been under a microscope from the start of the spring, and the close examination continues today.

Joba Chamberlain has been hailed as the future Ace of the Yankee pitching staff. At the very least, he is considered the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera’s closer role.

Chamberlain has burst onto the scene in his first two big-league seasons, capturing the hearts of the Bronx and haunting the nightmares of the league’s hitters.

There's no doubt that we're all getting excited for the actual baseball season to get under way. Fantasy leagues are forming, box scores are being watched, and performances are being analyzed about every different way possible.

The problem in doing this work during the spring is that often times there is very little correlation between spring observations and regular season behavior. 

Spring Training Game 13

Yankees vs. Blue Jays
George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
Game Time: 1:05 p.m.
TV/radio: none

Here are the lineups.

YANKEES

Brett Gardner CF
Melky Cabrera LF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Jorge Posada DH
Nick Swisher RF
Jose Molina C
Angel Berroa 2B
Justin Leone 3B
Ramiro Pens SS

Pitching: Andy Pettitte, Ian Kennedy, Dan Giese, Dave Robertson, Jose Veras, and Jon Albaladejo

BLUE JAYS

Our previous starting first baseman, Richie Sexson, left Seattle during last season (or was forced to leave). The Mariners, with new General Manager Jack Zduriencik, brought in potential starting first baseman Mike Carp (from the Mets) and Russell Branyan (from the Brewers).

But who will be starting?

Here are the candidates:

Russell Branyan