Photo Courtesy: Frank Klose
Today was supposed to be the day that the Phillies unveil Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez as a starter. Some thought we may even see him emerge as a much more formidable arm compared to what we had heard from his bullpen sessions. However, we learned on Thursday that David Buchanan would be starting the contest instead, as Gonzalez would be shipped to the bullpen. They started Spring Training 0-2, but a victory over the Detroit Tigers gave them a boost in confidence, showing that they may just have some things they can build upon moving into March. The issue, though, stood on the oppenent's mound. Japanese sensation Masahiro Tanaka was set to take the ball for the New York Yankees during the game.
The Game: Both starters came out pitching well. Buchanan and C.C. Sabathia pitched two scoreless innings apiece. Both Hiroki Kuroda and Masahiro Tanaka did the same for New York. Miguel Gonzalez did not receive the same outcome. He was able to strikeout the first two batters he faced, but Brett Gardner helped turn things around. After he singled, both Derek Jeter and Brian McCann walked to load the bases. Brian Roberts had a chance to bring in a run or three, but grounded out to end the frame. However, the Yankees had another chance right after.
MAG started the top of the fourth with two more walks to Fracisco Cervelli and Kelly Johnson. He was finally forced to pay when Ichiro singled to bring home Cervelli. Gonzalez would record two outs in the inning, but a wild pitch and nearly 50 pitches ended his day. The Yankees would go on to score three more runs throughout the rest rest of the game, while also shutting out the Phillies. They would win 4-0.
Impact: The Phillies quickly lose out on any sort of momentum they had stemming from their game against the Tigers. Miguel Gonzalez, while not all that impressive, was throwing in the low 90's, much better than we had expected of him. He's almost certain now to start in Triple A at the beginning of the season, but that really isn't a big deal. Having him perfect his craft there is probably the best thing for him.
Up Next: The Phillies return to Clearwater tomorrow afternoon at 1:05. It will be A.J. Burnett not only making his first start in Phillie red, but he will be facing his most recent ballclub, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Andrew Gillen
