YANKEE NOTES
TAMPA — Ed Yarnall’s spanking by the Blue Jays aside, the Yankees’ front-line pitching has been splendid. And Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez added to that yesterday when he went blanked the Astros across four innings in Kissimmee.
“My back is OK, no pain,” said Hernandez, who was slowed at the beginning of camp by a stiff lower back that forced him to miss a start.
El Duque’s sterling effort came one day after Andy Pettitte kept the Devil Rays scoreless. Roger Clemens’ velocity is far better than it was a year ago. And David Cone never should be judged in March.
“They have been sharp,” Joe Torre said of the heart and soul of the Yankees. “I would rather have the sharpness than the numbers.”
Hernandez’ gem didn’t result in a Yankee victory since Mike Jerzembeck was shelled for five runs in 11/3 innings in the Astros’ 6-4 victory.
The Yankees fell to 4-11 by losing to the Royals, 11-5, last night at Legends Field. Ramiro Mendoza gave up two runs and three hits in three innings. Derek Jeter made an error that fueled a six-run sixth for the Royals. Shane Spencer hit his second homer of the spring.
Yankee scouts and representatives of 19 other teams were in Guatemala City yesterday to watch Adrian Hernandez showcase his 93 mph fastball.
The 25-year-old righty, who defected from Cuba Jan. 2, is known as “El Duquecito” — Little Duque — although he is no relation to the Yankees’ El Duque.
The Mets, Braves and Red Sox were among the other teams in attendance for the 90-minute workout complete with an umpire, batters and breaks between imaginary innings.
George Steinbrenner has missed the last two days in order to be in New York, where sources say he has been in meetings regarding the building of a new Yankee Stadium. The Boss is due back today.
Yankees have an interest in Phillies catcher Gary Bennett and may have a match if Juan Melo continues to impress. With Luis Sojo expected to rejoin the Yankees at some point and Clay Bellinger around to fill multiple backup positions, the Phillies have been asking if the switch-hitting Melo can handle being part of a second-base platoon.
If cortisone pills don’t tame his inflamed bursa sac, Allen Watson is going to request a cortisone shot in the left shoulder.
