http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...ng-material-preseason-debut-article-1.1704471 TAMPA — Sure, it was only David Phelps’ first spring outing, so there was not much for him to read into each pitch Thursday when he threw two solid innings against the Pirates. But with Phelps in the middle of the competition to be the Yankees’ fifth starter, every outing means something, even if you are just feeling your way. So how did Phelps — “Phelpsie” if you’re Joe Girardi — fare in the Yanks’ 8-2 loss at George M. Steinbrenner Field? “Good, really good,” Girardi said. “Lotta strikes and that’s important. Arm strength was there. That’s important.” Added catcher Francisco Cervelli: “It’s good, like it’s always been. . . . He’s able to do so many things.” Phelps allowed a long home run to right field by Gregory Polanco in the first inning when he missed location with a curveball and a booming double over Mason Williams’ head in the second inning, but no other damage. He struck out four — all of them looking — in two innings, throwing 20 of 30 pitches for strikes. More at the link.
He is one of the guys who has shown he has the talent but injuries have slowed him a bit coupled with the Yankees using him in both starting and relief roles because of necessity. I've always like him.
I see Phelps in the bullpen, if he avoids TJ. I'm pulling for Pineda for the last spot, but if he falters I'm thinking Nuno, it would be nice to have another lefty in the rotation.
I like all three and are pulling for them to succeed and contribute any way they can and thankful that Garza, Arroyo, Santana, and Jimenez were bypassed.
