And then, there was baseball

photo courtesy of Baseballpilgrimages.com

After pitchers and catchers report, the next milestone before the regular season begins is that first Spring Training broadcast. It’s a chance to take that winter chill out out of your bones, and dream of the long, languid summer days to come. It happens today on YES (also WCBS radio 880) at 1:05 this afternoon with the Yanks facing the Phillies. No, Cliff Lee will not be starting for the Phils. Bartolo Colon will be on the bump for the Yanks, facing Cole Hamels for the Phiilies. The game will be played at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, and the Boss will be honored with a pregame ceremony. A video tribute will play on the outfield scoreboard, granddaughter Haley Swindal will sing the national anthem and servicemen will unfurl a giant American Flag in the outfield. Joe Girardi has yet to reveal the Yankee lineup,  but said he will start his regulars minus Russell Martin. Andrew Brackman is also scratched with a minor groin injury. After Colon goes 2 innings (or 35 pitches) the Yanks will pitch Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, Hector Noesi and Eric Wordekemper.

Here’s the Phillies lineup:

1. Jimmy Rollins SS
2. Ross Gload DH
3. Raul Ibanez LF
4. Ryan Howard 1B
5. Ben Francisco CF
6. Domonic Brown RF
7. Jeff Larish 3B
8. Brian Schneider C
9. Wilson Valdez 2B

Vance Worley, Ryan Feierabend, Brian Schlitter and Mike Zagurski also are scheduled to pitch after Hamels. Chase Utley will miss the opener with “lingering soreness”, whatever that means.

Update: Here’s the Yankee lineup, courtesy of LoHud:

Jeter SS
Swisher RF
Teixeira 1b
Rodriguez 3b
Cano 2b
Posada DH
Granderson CF
Cervelli C
Gardner LF

For the full schedule of YES and WCBS-880 broadcasts this spring click here.