'GOLDEN CHILD' TANAKA IS BACK!

Things are looking up, aren't they?  First, the Yankees are winning Spring Training games. Crazy, right? Then Masahiro Tanaka feels good and pitches great in his first outing.  Then CC Sabathia feels good after he pitches.  Now we're back to Tanaka, and the Golden Child is still rolling!  What's next... maybe Vegas picks the Yanks to win the whole damn thing? I know, I'm getting way ahead of myself.  But there is no question that great things are happening lately... am I right?

Tanaka pitched 3 and 2/3 scoreless innings for New York tonight against Atlanta.  He felt great too. As Paul Casella of MLB.com writes:

"The Yankees' ace was dominant for the second time in as many outings on Wednesday night, striking out three batters while allowing two hits over 3 2/3 shutout innings in a 12-5 win over the Braves. This, of course, came after Tanaka retired all six batters he faced in his spring debut -- also against the Braves -- last Thursday.

'I'm pleased with the way he's throwing,' manager Joe Girardi said. 'Since Day 1 of Spring Training, we've been happy with what we've seen. ... He appears to be healthy, he's throwing the ball, so just keep running him out there and keep building him up.'"

In addition, the Yankees scored 12 runs against the Braves 5.  Brian McCann and Stephen Drew both had homers.  Garrett Jones had a double and Didi Gregorius had a triple.

Overall, a big Spring win.  Hey, if McCann's starting to hit, you better call the newspapers!  Maybe Mr. Backstop will have a big season. We sure need some leadership from him! 

Final: Yankees 12 - Braves 5

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!