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Spring training notebook

By Times wire and staff reports
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 4, 2002

Pettitte alters delivery to avoid tipping pitches

KISSIMMEE -- Andy Pettitte is not sure if he was tipping his pitches in the World Series last year.

But he's taking no chances.

"I'm setting a little different with my hands," he said Sunday. "Trying to keep my hands a little higher. I'm trying to make sure they don't see anything."

Pettitte made his spring training debut, allowing two runs and four hits in two innings of the Yankees' 12-10, 10-inning loss to the Astros.

Pettitte lost two starts against the Diamondbacks last fall, allowing 10 runs in nine innings. He was the losing pitcher in Game 6 when Arizona won 15-2.

The change was something Pettitte started working on in the offseason. The goal is to cut down on hand movement, which can tip off pitch selection.

"It's not a major thing," pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said. "It doesn't affect his stuff. He's trying to get rid of any doubt about tipping his pitches."

SLOW BUT SURE: Catcher Jorge Posada is expected to resume duties behind the plate this week. Posada had offseason shoulder surgery and been limited to DH this spring.

"Toward the end of the week, maybe next weekend," manager Joe Torre said before Sunday's game. "We just want to be conservative."

FRUSTRATION: Outfielder Rondell White, who strained his left ribcage Tuesday, remains at least 5-6 days away from resuming on-field drills.

"It's coming around," White said. "It's hard (not playing). It's tough."

White has been on the disabled list eight times in his major-league career. He hit .307 with 17 homers and 50 RBIs in 95 games last season for the Cubs.

ODDS AND ENDS: Infielder Enrique Wilson was scratched because of a blister on his big toe. ... Right-hander Ramiro Mendoza did not throw because of a stiff neck. The problem is not considered serious.

He's his own best judge

DUNEDIN -- Pitcher Randy Wolf is all about results. He just keeps track of them a little differently than everybody else.

If he throws strikes and stays ahead of hitters, as he did in Sunday's 4-3 victory against the Blue Jays, he's happy -- no matter how many runs he allows.

"That's my results -- whether or not I'm consistent throwing my pitches and being able to get my offspeed pitches over," Wolf said. "Usually, the result follows in line when you're getting ahead of guys and throwing good, quality strikes."

Wolf did not allow a run, striking out two and allowing one hit in three innings. He threw 21 strikes on 31 pitches and faced the minimum batters.

Wolf was demoted to the bullpen after struggling early last season. But better control and a slight adjustment in his delivery made him one of the team's most consistent pitchers down the stretch.

"If he continues to keep his poise and pitch, he's a kid that wants it bad," manager Larry Bowa said. "Sometimes, adversity helps you out."

NO RELIEF: Closer Jose Mesa was ineffective in his first spring appearance, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk in one inning. But Bowa was not concerned.

"I think he threw pretty good," he said. "I think his adrenaline was a little pumped up."

TODAY: Brandon Duckworth, twice named the top pitcher in the team's minor league system in 2000 and 2001, will start a split squad game against the Rays in St. Petersburg. Vicente Padilla, the key acquisition in the 2000 trade that sent Curt Schilling to Arizona, starts against Cleveland in Winter Haven. Both games start at 1:05 p.m.

-- FRANK PASTOR

Improvement on the mound

DUNEDIN -- Chris Carpenter pitched two scoreless innings against Philadelphia on Sunday, becoming the first Jays starter to last more than one inning this spring.

Carpenter showed good control, hitting his spots with his fastball and mixing in breaking pitches and changeups. He allowed two hits and escaped a two-on, one-out jam in the second by getting Todd Pratt to hit into a double play.

"I went out and threw strikes, and they hit it into the ground and off I went," Carpenter said. "I wasn't worried about what went on the last two days. I was worried about myself."

Manager Buck Martinez said he expects better results the second time through the rotation, beginning with Roy Halladay's start Tuesday against Pittsburgh.

CLOSED OUT: Closer Kelvim Escobar struggled in his first spring appearance, allowing a run on one hit, two walks and a hit batsman in two-thirds of an inning. The damage could have been worse, but Dan Plesac struck out Tomas Perez with the bases loaded.

"I'm not particularly alarmed by it," Martinez said. "It's his first time out, and everybody's anxious to get that first outing under their belt."

SIDELINED: Centerfielder Jose Cruz strained his left side Sunday morning and was replaced by Vernon Wells. Wells, who hit a three-run homer, will start today against the Rangers in Port Charlotte.

ON DECK: Right-hander Luke Prokopec, acquired in the December trade that sent Paul Quantrill to the Dodgers, will start today's 1:05 p.m. game.

-- FRANK PASTOR

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