Sabathia Rebounds while Swisher and Posada drive offense (Postgame Notes 11 April 2009)

Going into this game the number one thought on the minds of Yankee fans was: how would CC Sabathia rebound from a rough outing on Opening Day?

The answer: illustrative of the reason the Yankees dug deep in their pockets to shell out the big dough in December.

Sabathia was nothing short of brilliant, giving up six hits over 7.2 innings, while walking none, striking out six and allowing no runs to cross the plate. José Veras was responsible for the Royals' run in the ninth.

Sabathia simply appeared more relaxed today, and it showed.

After the Yankee offense, courtesy of Nick Swisher and Jorge Posada, staked him out to an early lead, he never faltered. Had the Yankees stopped after scoring just two runs they would still have won--though it's certainly better that they scored the six they did.

The story on the offense continues to be Nick Swisher. His OBP? .625. Okay, so it's a small sample size, but he keeps playing himself into the line up and has quickly become a fan favorite. He should get quite the reception in New York if he keeps this up.

Having won three straight, the Yankees now move above .500 for the first time this season, and with the rotation of Sabathia-Wang-Burnett-Pettitte-Joba, it seems unlikely that the Yankees will ever lose more than two games at a time this season. It will happen, of course, as it does to every team, but each of the Yankees' starters could theoretically be an ace on another team.

Joba Chamberlain makes his first start of the season tomorrow he's on a strict innings count so don't be surprised if he isn't allowed to go more than five or so innings.

EDIT ON TEIXEIRA: According to post game, day-to-day with tendinitis below wrist.