Nightly Links: Pettitte, Cervelli, Kontos

• Freddy Garcia started the final spring training game today, going an unimpressive 4.2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 3 runs (all 3 off an Ike Davis homerun), 2 walks, and earning 4 strikeouts. The pitching performance we were eager to watch was Andy Pettitte, who pitched as well as a once retired 40 year old could have. He gave up only 1 hit (which was a groundball through the infield) through his 1.0 inning of work. His fastball sat around 86 and topped out at 88 on a pitch he overthrew, but his breaking pitches looked great. Offensively, Francisco Cervelli hit a 2 run homerun. (Box Score)

• Unfortunately for the backup catch, while he was hitting his homerun, the Yankees were sending relief pitcher George Kontos to the Giants for backup catcher Chris Stewart. Cervelli will now start the year at AAA, where Austin Romine leaves the spot vacant thanks to ongoing back problems. Though Stewart doesn’t have much time to learn new pitchers, and for all his offensive woes, he is actually a very good defensive catcher. Beyond the Boxscore ranked Stewart #15 of all 114 catchers last season.

• Amongst many roster moves today, the Yankees announced that David Phelps has won the James P. Dawson top Yankee rookie award, as well as a opening day roster spot. As predicted, Clay Rapada has taken the other major league bullpen spot as the LOOGY, with Boone Logan more likely to face both lefties and righties. Justin Maxwell was designated for assignment, and with the type of spring he had, theres little chance he’ll clear wavers. Finally, the Bill Hall era has ended with his release today.

• A few injury updates, Michael Pineda says “No pain right now.” Thats great, but tendinitis takes longer to heal than when you stop feeling pain. Pineda will most likely rest his shoulder for a while longer and then pace himself in a rehab plan. Girardi and Cashman appear optimistic about getting him back on the team quickly. Another injured player, Boone Logan went for an MRI on his back today, and the results were negative. It doesn’t look like the team plans to put the lefty on the DL.

• Yankee Fans Unite believes that the failures the team had with Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will help them develop Pineda. If it doesn’t, I don’t think they’ll ever learn.

• And today’s workouts.

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