Billy Ball

Billy at the Bat wasn't a bad show at all. Leading off for the Yankees here at Legends Field, Billy Crystal actually made contact against Pittsburgh lefty starter Paul Maholm, who did not let up against the funny-man - who went to a full count!

Here's how the at-bat went (all fastballs)

1. Outside, ball one.
2. Grounder foul, right side.
3. Inside, ball two.
4. High, ball three.
5. Swing and a miss
6. Swing and a miss, strike three.

Crystal came off the field to a standing ovation, and got a hug from Alex Rodriguez. He stood and waved to the crowd after his at-bat The 10,000-plus fans had given him a big cheer when he made contact. They also booed a bit when Johnny Damon replaced Crystal as the DH.

In other Yankee news, Shelley Duncan is standing by his claim that his hard slide against the Rays' Akinori Iwamura was a good, hard baseball play, though he had a private conversation with manager Joe Girardi after Wednesday's brawl game.

Andy Pettitte played catch and is scheduled to throw his normal bullpen tomorrow, prior to Monday's start vs. Boston. Jason Giambi is resting his stiff back again today. Hideki Matsui is in left field for the first time this spring, and has already made a good running catch toward the line.