Yankees make six roster moves

Bryan Hoch is reporting the Yankees have made six cuts before this afternoon's game in Tampa.

Phil Hughes, Steven Jackson and Anthony Claggett have been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Humberto Sanchez was sent to Double-A Trenton.

Also, Jason Johnson and Sergio Mitre were sent to the minor-league camp across the street from Steinbrenner Field.

General Manager Brian Cashman said there aren't enough innings to go around this late in camp.
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I've thought all along that Hughes would begin the season in Scranton, so I'm not shocked by this. If he pitches as well as he has this spring (12.1 IP, 3 ER, 8 K), he'll be back up sooner rather than later. His seven walks are a bit of a concern, but he'll be able to hone his craft.

Yankees sweep split squad Saturday

The Yankees, behind A.J. Burnett's four perfect innings, defeated the Astros 3-1 in one split squad game this afternoon in Tampa.

Burnett struck out three batters in his second start in Grapefruit League play. Dan Giese followed, giving up one run in two innings of play, striking out three. Edwar Ramirez, Brian Bruney and Jason Johnson then pitched one scoreless inning each.

Johnny Damon hit a solo home run in the first inning to give Burnett and the Yankees an early lead. Cody Ransom went 2-for-4 with his third double of the spring and a run scored.

In the other game, the Yankees defeated the Pirates 13-10. Austin Jackson went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. Jesus Montero hit a grand slam in the seventh inning.

Phil Hughes started for the Yankees. In three innings, he gave up two earned runs, two hits and three walks while striking out two. Ian Kennedy pitched three innings of his own, striking out five and allowing one run. Mark Melancon disappointing, giving up five earned runs in only 2/3 of an inning. He gave up six hits and two home runs.

Andy Pettitte will start for the Yankees against Minnesota in Tampa at 1:15 tomorrow.

Jason Johnson diagnosed with cancer of the retina

George King is reporting that pitcher Jason Johnson has been diagnosed with cancer of the retina.

"I went to the eye doctor to get a new pair of contacts and they found it,'' said Johnson, who is in camp on a minor league deal. "They sent me to the Wills Eye Institute in Philly. It's supposed to be the best in the world. Only 2,000 people a year get it. They put a radiation plaque on my eye for four days. They told me it has a 98 percent success rate. I can't pitch outside for two weeks. I can see but not real well.''

Scary stuff. My thoughts are with him and his family.

Yankees sign Angel Berroa

Wow, the Yankees really are buying championships. First Jason Johnson, then John Rodriguez. Now they have signed Angel Berroa, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Remember the uproar when he won the Rookie of the Year award over Hideki Matsui in 2003? Boy, has his career really fallen off.

Rosenthal said Berroa is expected to compete with Cody Ranson for the utility infielder job.

Post: Yankees set to lower offer to Pettitte

From Joel Sherman:

(Andy) Pettitte recently rejected the Yankees' latest $10 million overture, and now - barring a wave of sentimentality by the Yanks or significant change of strategy by either side - that dollar figure very likely will not be offered again.

Multiple sources refused to divulge if the offer had been lowered already. But one executive briefed on the matter described both the chances of making a deal and the $10 million bid as on life support. Another executive said he did not believe that the $10 million offer was there to be taken any longer. A lowered offer almost certainly would assure the end of the prideful Pettitte's second tour with the Yankees.

You snooze you lose, Andy. I don't think another team will come up with $10 million.

With the Yankees signing Jason Johnson and having Phil Coke preparing to be a starter, it appears as if the Yankees are ready to move on.

Yankees sign Jason Johnson

Sam Borden (via Peter Abraham) is reporting that the Yankees have signed RHP Jason Johnson to a minor-league. Manager Joe Girardi said he will compete for the fifth starter spot.

Johnson went 1-2 with a 5.22 ERA in 16 appearances (two starts) with the Dodgers last season. He is 56-100 with a 4.99 ERA (89 ERA+) in 1357 career innings.

In other words, he won't be the fifth starter.