| |
 Confidence builder Irabu's final spring outing looming big
Posted: Sunday March 28, 1999 07:48 PM
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Hideki Irabu has a lot riding on his final spring start. His teammates' confidence may be at stake. The New York Yankees right-hander, coming off his third straight lackluster outing against major leaguers Saturday, has team officials placing greater emphasis on his expected start Thursday against Cleveland. "A bad outing would create doubt -- not for me -- but the team," Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said. "No question they're a demanding bunch. Hopefully we will see a big turnaround. Hopefully it's just a one day setback." The Yankees are more concerned about Irabu's apparent lack of concentration than the six runs and 13 hits allowed over five innings in an 11-10 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. In that game, Irabu failed to cover first base on an infield grounder and had three runners steal second uncontested. "Any time a pitcher doesn't cover first base, it usually means you're not mentally into the game," Stottlemyre said. "Hopefully we can get some improvement -- which we need." There are no current plans to drop Irabu from the starting rotation. "I'm not happy, but I'm not ready to give up on him," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said. "If the manager or general manager can't get the point across, I know who will." Irabu has allowed 14 runs -- 13 earned -- and 24 hits in 15 2-3 innings. If he continues to falter, the Yankees could turn to spot starter Ramiro Mendoza, who went 10-2 last season in 41 games -- including 14 starts. "He's got to perform better. He has to give a better effort on the field," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "When there's a question mark, then there's uncertainty. You still have time on the clock." Stottlemyre said Irabu has worked hard this spring, but admits there are still communication problems with the Japanese-speaking pitcher. The New York pitchers went through extensive drills Sunday -- including covering first base -- which Stottlemyre said were previously planned. "Hopefully he didn't look at that as punishment," Stottlemyre said. "It addressed all the pitchers. It's time to impress on them the little things." Stottlemyre will talk with Irabu before the pitcher's scheduled side throwing session Monday. "My role is very important out there and I know it," Irabu said through interpreter George Rose. "I have to think of my teammates and coaches who are working very hard. I have to work hard when I'm out there."
| |||||||||||||||||
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. Terms under which this service is provided to you.
| |||||||||||||||||
