Yankees, Red Sox Get Good News in Monday’s Game

Photo Credit: Mike Carlson

Spring Training games don’t usually mean very much, but Monday night, the New York Yankees beat the Boston Red Sox 6-3. The fact that the Yankees won and the Red Sox lost really meant nothing, but both teams came away with some really good news.

On the Red Sox side, David Price, though by his own admission, didn’t have his best stuff on the mound. But he boasted superb control and good velocity, looking like the ace that he is. He went four innings and gave up just one run and that came on a good pitch.

Aaron Hicks’ homer to right center was down and on the outside of the plate, not a mistake on Price’s part and usually a good pitch. Price is one of the best left-handers in baseball, but this was the first time he had gone four innings and Red Sox fans got a good look at him as their future No.1 starter.

On the Yankee side, Ivan Nova, who came back last year late in the season after Tommy John surgery, went four innings as well, giving up just one run in the first inning. He had good velocity and his control was better than last year. When he and Price left after four, the score was 1-1 and they had both looked ready for regular season.

In Nova’s case, he may very well end up in the regular rotation depending upon what happens with C. C. Sabathia coming back from his personal problems and a horrible 2015 campaign. If Nova can continue to improve on last night’s performance, it will make the Yankees much stronger. Michael Pineda’s tendency to succumb to injury mixed with the possible problems with Masahiro Tanaka’s elbow and Sabathia’s off-the-field problems, Nova could be a real key to the Yankee season.

Both teams, who could fight it out for the American League East title, got good news in Florida last night.