There has not been too much drama or too many injuries at Yankees spring training so far this March (knock on your local wood). The fifth spot in the rotation is one of the question marks with the Yankees, 10 days away from opening the 2021 season in front of around 10,000 fans at Yankee Stadium. The other big question is which players are coming up from Tampa to join the 26-man roster.
To discuss the rotation, those final roster spots and the return of fans to the stadium, we bring you a new episode of “Pinstripe Pod” with Chris Shearn and Jeff Nelson, featuring an interview with two-time World Series champion Bucky Dent.
Pinstripe Pod Opening Segment with Chris, Jeff and Jake:
- NELLIE ON IG: Was singing “New York, New York” at bars over the weekend with his daughter.
- FANS ARE BACK: Around 10,000 fans — 20 percent capacity — at Yankee Stadium. What difference does it make for players? Tickets going for a boatload on the secondary market. Fans have to be patient this week as they figure out ticket situation.
- FINAL ROSTER SPOTS: Jay Bruce deserves a spot on the roster as a good veteran lefty bat off the bench. Will Mike Tauchman make the team? Does Tyler Wade make it?
- STARTING ROTATION: Will it be Domingo German getting the fifth spot or does Deivi Garcia deserve it?
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Q & J Segment: Shearn and I pose questions to Jeff Nelson on his career. Nellie responds to questions on the towel he always wore, whether he is the greatest middle reliever in baseball history and his unique pitching motion.
Bucky Dent Interview: Former Yankees infielder (1977-1982), two-time World Series champion (1977, 1978)
- HOMER AT FENWAY: Reliving the famous home run in the 1978 tie-breaker game. Couldn’t see it because of the shadows. Getting a new bat. Greatest moment of his career. Says Red Sox haven’t invited Mike Torrez to any functions after giving up that homer.
- 1978 SEASON: If Twitter existed, it would have been on fire. Ron Guidry was the guy that year. There was more peace after they fired Billy Martin. Guidry was electric in the 18-strikeout game.
- 2021 YANKEES: They keep getting closer to being a championship team. They need that left-handed power. Likes Jay Bruce, professional hitter, coached him in Cincinnati when he was a youngster.
- GREEN MONSTER: Sat in the Green Monster seats in the first game they were made. Did not get heckled, but guy next to him knew him and said he “ruined his life” with that 1978 homer.
- PLAYGIRL MAGAZINE: Made an appearance in 1983 in the magazine.
Catch up on all episodes of “Pinstripe Pod,” a New York Yankees podcast, by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Next Monday will be our season preview episode with special guest Nick Swisher.
