1. One item you recognize quickly about LaTroy Hawkins, even in a batting practice session against teammates, is just how early he takes the ball from his glove during his delivery and how high and open he shows the ball. Hitters, especially lefty hitters, probably get a very good look at the ball.
2. The Yankees are very impressed â underline very â with the precision that Jonathan Albaladejo throws his fastball. The Yanks obtained Albaladejo from the Nationals for Tyler Clippard in the offseason, and he is very much in the mix for one of three bullpen slots.
3. We asked this morning who are the only four active players currently on an NL roster with a higher lifetime batting average (minimum 3,000 plate appearances) than the Metsâ Moises Alou. The answer: Todd Helton (.332), Albert Pujols (.332), Nomar Garciaparra (.315) and Chipper Jones (.307).
