All Things Bubba

September 22, 2006: N.Y. Yankees 4, Tampa Bay 1

Wang got off to a rocky start, giving up a rare homer in the first inning. Wang hasn't done well on the hard turf of the Trop, but he settled down and did pretty well last night. It was an easy win for the Yanks.

Mo made his first appearance in almost a month. He was a bit rusty, but nothing a few more games won't fit. It was nice to see him back.

This game also saw the debut of Gary Sheffield at first base. He actually handled it pretty well. Nothing flashy, but he was solid enough.

Someone posted a comment here awhile back suggesting that Bubba should learn first base. He's certainly athletic enough, and being able to play another position would be handy for a utility guy. Though I've heard it's difficult for outfielders to move to the infield, because the ball just gets there so much faster than they're used to. Sheffield actually started as an infielder; he came up as a third baseman, IIRC. I don't think Bubba has ever been an infielder. He started out as a pitcher in high school, became an outfielder in college, and has been an outfielder ever since.