Eovaldi Impressive In Yankees Debut

The Yankees parted with a valuable piece when they dealt Martin Prado to the Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi and others during the offseason. In his first start of Spring Training, Eovaldi already had his fastball fully gassed in the Yankees home opener against the Clearwater Phillies. He consistently threw his number one in the mid-90's, and topped out at 98.

Eovaldi also tossed a 90 mph curve and a changeup between 84 and 89 to keep the hitters off-balance. He allowed a run on two hits, the first of which may have been caught had right fielder Tyler Austin taken a better route to the ball.

The only other batter that reached safely did so on a Stephen Drew error.

Yankees Tie As Judge Makes The Final Decision

Aaron Judge cuts an imposing figure.

The Yankees opened their 2015 Grapefruit League schedule Tuesday, in Clearwater, FL, against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 5-5 tie. The game was called after nine innings, which is not unusual during Spring Training.

Highly touted pitching prospect Luis Severino tossed 1.1 innings and Adam Warren threw two scoreless innings as he battles for a spot in the rotation. But it was Aaron Judge everyone was talking about afterwards.

Judge, a first round draft pick (32nd overall) by the Yankees in 2013, hit a three-run home run in the top of the 9th inning as the Yankees rallied from a four run deficit to tie the game at five apiece.

The 6'7", 230 lb outfielder split 131 games between Single-A Charleston (SAL) and Advanced-A Tampa (FSL) last year. In his first year of professional ball, the right fielder hit 17 home runs and drove in 79 runs. He produced a slash line of .333/.428/.530 for the RiverDogs before his promotion to Tampa. There he put up a slash line of .283/.411/.442. Though Judge struck out 131 times in 467 at-bats, he also walked 89 times and stroked 24 doubles.

It's only one game, but it's the first game and Judge make a quick, positive expression Tuesday.


Severino didn't fare as well. The Yankees top prospect gave up two runs on four hits. The Yankees had 13 hits, led by Slade Heathcott and Greg Bird with two apiece. Future second basemen Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder both committed errors in the game.

Roberts Handed Second Base

I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Cashman held a lucky rabbit's foot, wore a four leaf clover around his neck, and said a novena or Hail Mary or two when Brian Roberts put ink to paper and signed his contract with the New York Yankees.

With Kelly Johnson also in camp, manager Joe Girardi announced that Roberts would be his starting second baseman when the team heads north (actually west to play the Houston Astros) to start the regular season. Roberts isn't expected to replace the production that the Yankees will miss from Robinson Cano, but they hope Roberts and others can collectively make up some of that ground.

A once quick-as-a-rabbit youngster, Roberts joins a team of older, injured players. Well, most of them were injured last year anyway. For Roberts it's been a myriad of injuries over the last several years.

Roberts suffered an abdominal strain in 2010 that kept him out  of the lineup from April to July and limited him to 59 games. (He also suffered from a herniated disc in his back during Spring Training in 2010.)

In May of 2011, Roberts hit the back of his head sliding into first base and suffered a serious concussion. He missed the rest of the 2011 season and didn't return to the Majors until June, 2012.  But he wasn't active for long.

Roberts hurt his groin in early July and was placed back on the DL. At the end of the month he opted for season ending hip surgery. During the off-season he also had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He played in 17 games, the lowest number of his career and the same number his new double play partner, Derek Jeter, played in his own injury plagued 2013 season.

In April, 2013 Roberts made another trip to the DL after he ruptured a tendon in a portion of hamstring behind his right knee and underwent surgery. It kept him out of an Orioles uniform until June 30. His 77 games played was the most action he saw over a four year stretch of injuries and surgeries, but his production was far below his norm. (.249/.312/.392 slash line)

The Yankees hope to see a glimpse of the former first round pick (50th overall out of U. of South Carolina in 1999). Roberts was a two-time All-Star who combined some pop with speed (90 stolen bases 2007-2008) and was often a Yankees killer. A typical season for Roberts saw 13 home runs, 64 RBI, 36 steals, 45 doubles, and 99 runs scored. 

In attempt to keep him healthy, Girardi may very well put the reins on Roberts when it comes to stolen base attempts and it will be interesting to see where he bats in the lineup with a pair of lead off men - Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner - already in the lineup.

The Yankees and Roberts don't care where he bats as long as he can stay healthy and productive.

The Captain Hits the Field

Derek Jeter last played a game for the Yankees on September 7th of last season. Ankle and quad injuries had wrecked his season and limited him to 17 games. The least he had played since a 15 game cup of coffee back in 1995.

The Yankees captain returned to the field on Monday to take batting practice and workout in the infield. According to the AP report he took exactly 108 grounders at shortstop.

Jeter told the media present that he's fulling good and looking forward to the upcoming season.

''It's good to have a normal offseason and get some work in,'' Jeter said. ''Everything is normal now.''

The Yankees pitchers and catchers report to Tampa on Valentine's Day.

Yankees Pitchers and Catchers to Report On Valentine's Day

Forget the chocolate or roses, the Yankees will be reporting to Spring Training on Valentine's Day. THAT is a gift. Though we'll still be in the freezer in mid-February, the Yankees will getting ready for the season...hopefully with a re-tooled team.

Position players will report on the 19th. Hopefully Derek Jeter will have some new friends to play with.

Courtesy of the nj.com (Star Ledger), here's the Yankees Spring Training Schedule:

Feb. 25: vs. Florida State University, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 26: at Pittsburgh, Bradenton, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 27: vs. Pittsburgh, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

Feb. 28: at Detroit, Lakeland, 1:05 p.m.

March 1: vs. Philadelphia, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 2: at Toronto, Dunedin, 1:05 p.m.

March 3: vs. Washington, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 4: vs. Baltimore, GMS Field, 7:05 p.m.

March 5: at Tampa Bay, Port Charlotte, 1:05 p.m.

March 6: at Philadelphia, Clearwater, 1:05 p.m.

March 7: vs. Detroit, GMS Field, 7:05 p.m.

March 8: at Houston, Kissimmee, 1:05 p.m.

March 9: vs. Tampa Bay, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 10: OFF

March 11: at Washington, Viera, 1:05 p.m.

March 12: vs. Detroit, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 13: vs. Baltimore (split-squad), GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

at Philadelphia (split-squad), Clearwater, 1:05 p.m.

March 14: vs. Minnesota, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 15: at Baltimore, Sarasota, 1:05 p.m
.
March 16: vs. Atlanta, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 17: at Pittsburgh, Bradenton, 1:05 p.m.

March 18: vs. Boston, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 19: at Atlanta, Lake Buena Vista, 1:05 p.m.

March 20: at Boston, Ft. Myers, 1:05 p.m.

March 21: vs. Pittsburgh, GMS Field, 7:05 p.m.

March 22: at Minnesota, Ft. Myers, 1:05 p.m.

March 23: vs. Toronto, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

March 24: OFF

March 25: vs. Philadelphia, GMS Field, 7:05 p.m.

March 26: at Toronto, Dunedin, 1:05 p.m.

March 27: at Pittsburgh, Bradenton, 1:05 p.m.

March 28: vs. Miami, GMS Field, 7:05 p.m.

March 29: vs. Miami, GMS Field, 1:05 p.m.

Yankees Take Grapefruit Opener

There are some basic rules in Spring Training:

1. Stay healthy. This rule far exceeds any other.

2. Get your batting eye ready; get your swing set; get your fielding down; get your pitches in and throw strikes.

3. Don't get hurt. Yes I said it already...still can't stress it enough. Just ask Austin Romine (back) and George Kontos (oblique) about that.

4. If you weren't in shape, get in shape. NOW. Michael Pineda wants (needs) to lose 10 pounds.

5. Make people take notice of you...and be sure it's in a positive way.

Won/Lost record is not on the list of rules. George Steinbrenner would totally disagree, but it doesn't matter. You want to be sure to play well, but the won/loss record does not matter, even if you play the Red Sox or Mets or whomever.

The Yankees did win today, 8-5 over the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, but the play wasn't all positive. The Yankees made three errors, including Eduardo Nunez booting the first ball of the game at shortstop.

On the up side, Curtis Granderson picked up where he left off last season, with a home run and two hits. On a day the wind helped many a baseball elude fielders, free agent signee Cole Garner needed no help in ripping a 2-run home run to left.

Ivan Nova started for the Bronx Bombers and looked pretty good. He allowed two runs, one earned, in two innings of worked. Manny Banuelos and David Phelps threw a couple of scoreless innings apiece as they followed Nova in the pecking order.

Dellin Betances struggled with mechanics and control in an inning of work, but induced a double play to put a goose egg up on the scoreboard. A couple of lefties had mixed results in the last two innings.

Rule V pick (from Boston ) Cesar Cabrel got off to a good start in his bid to make the Yankees bullpen with a scoreless 8th inning, but Mike O'Connor was not so fortunate. The 31-yr old, who pitched in parts of three seasons with the Nationals and Mets, allowed three runs on three hits and a walk to make things interesting in the 9th.

Brett Gardner (0-3), Nick Swisher (0-3), and Russell Martin (0-2) were the only returning lineup regulars to accompany Granderson on the trip. Newbie, and former Phillies outfielder, Raul Ibanez made his Yankees' debut with a 1-3 afternoon that included an RBI.

Mariano Hints At Closing Out Career

I wrote the other day that I felt this would be Mariano Rivera's final season in the Major Leagues. At Yankees' camp today, Rivera pretty much put affirmed those feelings when he met with reporters.

"I know now," Rivera said when asked if this would be his final season. "I just don't want to tell you. I know now. I will let you guys know when I think I should tell you." Rivera added that he wanted to leave before his game went downhill.

"I don't want to be seen like that. It is important for me to leave the game on top if God allows me to do that, just finish on top, knowing I did what I was called to do."

No matter what type of season he has, Rivera said he will not change his mind. If he were to come back in 2013, he certainly wouldn't make a statement like that.

Thet time has come...the time to appreciate every Rivera appearance and hope he stands on the mound in November celebrating the Yankees 28th World Championship.

It's Officially Spring Training: Yogi's In Town

BD Spring Training Report: Time For Redemption | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: Time For Redemption | Baseball Digest

Spring training is all about redemption, about getting a clean slate; the chance to prove yourself to your new team or to earn new confidence from your old team. Sometimes it’s about cleaning up your personal life and image, or it can simply be a case of putting a poor performance behind you. Like every other season though, this spring training there are a number of stories involving redemption seekers.

Francisco Rodriguez made a quick impression on Major League Baseball in 2002. A late season call up that blew away hitters to earn the nickname ‘K-Rod’ and helped the at-the-time Anaheim Angels win their first World Series championship. Eventually he would replace All-Star Troy Percival in the closer’s role and would dominate American League hitters. In 2008 he saved a record breaking 62 games and then bolted for the Big Apple to the tune of $37MM over three years.

Obviously it would be difficult to match his ’08 numbers and at times Rodriguez wasn’t as consistent in his first year in a New York Mets uniform. But he still saved 35 games in 42 attempts, and made 70 appearances. Last season, due to injuries and other factors, the Mets had a miserable season. But nothing was more horrible than what happened off the field on the night of August 13 at Citi Field.

Rodriguez, after arguing with his girlfriend’s father, Carlos Pena, shoved the man into a wall and struck the 53-yr old repeatedly. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with assault. A month later seven counts of criminal contempt were added after Rodriguez sent a barrage of texts to his girlfriend/mother of his twins, Daian Pena, in violation of a court order of protection. Rodriguez plead guilty to all charges in December and was ordered to attend 52 anger management sessions. In addition he had to reimburse Pena for his medical expenses and paid a $1,000 fine.

Two months later he begins the process of winning back the support of the fans, his teammates, and the organization. Rodriguez spoke with reporters, including the NY Daily New’s Andy Martino, at the Mets’ complex in Port St. Lucie yesterday.

“It’s a very unfortunate situation I put myself in,” Rodriguez said. “Obviously I regret (it) a thousand percent. But I’ve got to move on. I’ve got to learn from those mistakes. It made me grow up more as a human being. I’m truly sorry for the way I put my teammates, the Mets organization, the fans, in that spot.”

“One second, one decision can change pretty much your whole life. It already happened to me in a bad way. When you have a lot of success, things going your way, you’re not thinking about the opposite. When that happened to me, it made me open my eyes. It made me realize I’m not doing things the right way. I just have to put my feet in earth once again and correct what I was doing wrong in trying to become a better father, a better boyfriend, better in everything. It made me grow up a lot in everything, all aspects.”

Rodriguez is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, which includes a $17.5MM vesting option for next season should he finishes 55 games or more in 2011. It will take a lot more to earn back the respect of the Mets faithful.

It may take a little longer for the Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera to work things out. The devastating hitter was arrested late Wednesday night and charged with DUI and two counts of resisting arrest. It was especially troubling since Cabrera has an acknowledged drinking problem.

In October, 2009 he was taken into a custody after a domestic dispute with his wife. Though he was not charged with any crimes, his alcohol level was nearly three times (.26) the legal limit. Cabrera’s teammates were also let down because the incident occurred the night before a crucial game in the AL Central race. Last winter Cabrera was treated for alcoholism and declared last March that he no longer drank.

Cabrera seemed true to his word and responded on the field with an MVP-caliber season. But for now, it’s back to square one.

A.J. Burnett didn’t have the same issues as Rodriguez or Cabrera, but he struggled in his own right in 2010. He had been an integral part of the Yankees 27th world championship the prior year, but for whatever reason Burnett could never get a handle on any kind of consistency last year. Yankees fans tried to point the finger of blame everywhere else- at catcher Jorge Posada and substitute pitching coach Mike Harkey (regular pitching coach Dave Eiland had taken an extended leave of absence during the season), before squarely putting the blame and boos on Burnett himself.

The end result was a 10-15, 5.26 record and a pitcher whose confidence appeared gone. It also led to immature behavior- an angry Burnett smashed his hands on the shower room doors in the clubhouse during a July game and received cuts on both hands as a reward. Now he not only had let his teammates and organization down with his performance, but with his actions as well.

Remember the mantra, Feburary is the time for redemption and a clean slate. Burnett told reporters on Tuesday that he’s confident, that nothing needs to be fixed. But he did acknowledge what a disaster 2010 was. “I’m a force out there. Guys don’t want to face me. I just felt like guys didn’t care if they faced me (last year). I feel like I gave them that edge… I came here to win. I came here to pitch. I came here to be behind Big Man (CC Sabathia). And I wasn’t last year.”

Burnett’s new pitching coach, Larry Rotschild who also worked with Burnett in Florida, was asked if the talent abandoned Burnett first or his confidence. He told LoHud’s Chad Jennings and others, “It’s a chicken and egg question,” new pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. “Is the confidence there because of success or is success there because he’s doing things right mechanically and gets confidence? I think we’ll attack it right now to get him in line to the plate. Get him comfortable throwing the ball, and I think he’ll get the confidence and demeanor that he should have.”

Burnett has a full year to figure it out, but for the sake of his team and himself, he had better figure it out in a hurry.

BD Spring Training Report: It’s Just A Game | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: It’s Just A Game | Baseball Digest

Anyone who has followed Dallas Green’s managerial career knows he’s tough, that he doesn’t mince words, and he isn’t afraid to let his feelings be known to the media. This morning Dallas Green should have been enjoying the annual rite of spring training, of watching players stretch and play catch and take batting practice. But Dallas Green is still grieving a loss much more meaningful than any baseball game.

By now you all know that Green’s granddaughter, Christina-Taylor Green, died along with five others at the hands of a mentally ill individual last month in Arizona. A 9-yr old girl who was just beginning to learn of the wonders of the world. A girl who had big hopes and dreams; dreams and memories are all that are left now for her family.

Dallas Green spoke to the media for 20 minutes this morning at the Phillies’ Clearwater, Florida complex. In doing so he showed far more courage than making any crucial World Series decision could ever come close to.

“Obviously, dealing with something like this is difficult enough for me and my wife, but it’s been a terrible thing on John and Roxanna and Little D (referring to his son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Dallas Jr.).

“You all know what has happened with Christina. I don’t think Sylvia (Dallas Green’s wife) nor I, in our wildest dreams as we were flying out to Tucson, realized that it would hit the nation and the community as hard as it did. We thought it was just our family and our neighborhood out in Tucson. But that little girl woke an awful lot of people up. We just miss the hell out of her.

“Obviously, I’m prejudiced, because she was my granddaughter. But she has become known to an awful lot of people in the country. Most of what has been written about her or said about her obviously is very true. She was really a special young lady, probably older than her years. She and her brother were very, very close. Christina was kind of the mom, as much as Roxanna was, to little Dallas. Made sure he got on the bus right, made sure he got to the karate classes on time. I was really blessed, John and Roxanna and Christina and Dallas came down to Providenciales (where the elder Greens have a winter home in the Caribbean) for Christmas, and we had some great quality time down there. She loved the water, she loved just being down in Providenciales with her Nana and Poppa. We had a great time.”

Green also spoke about the remarkable response the nation has had towards the tragedy and to his family in particular.

“It hit everybody,” he said. “The way it happened and the fact she was only nine years old obviously hit a lot of people hard. It brought up the gun business and the craziness the country seems to be going through at times. But she embodied what’s good about kids and what’s good about growing up in the United States.She wanted desperately just to be a little girl that loved doing what she did. Obviously her interest in politics and going to that function and being in the wrong place at the wrong time hit an awful lot of people hard.”

Green also praised the woman who had taken Christina to the event and then was wounded by three bullets as she tried to protect her. You can read those comments and more by checking out Larry Stone’s column in the Seattle Times.

News and Notes

Albert Pujols’ deadline has come and gone with no contract. If Prince Albert sticks to his guns there will be no further negotiations until after the 2011 season is completed.

A.J. Deserves A Clean Slate

Throughout much of the winter and in the early stages of spring training, the Twitter world has been awash with comments ripping A.J. Burnett. There's no doubt that the enigmatic right-hander had a miserable 2010 season, but it's a new year, a new season, and time to wipe the slate clean.

It really doesn't matter what Burnett did last year or the year before that for that matter when he had some big wins in helping the Yankees to their 27th World Series title. Obviously Burnett will be pitching under a microscope this season. He's got a new pitching coach, a new catcher (no more blaming Posada for his troubles- even if it wasn't necessarily him doing the finger pointing), and a new season.

Larry Rothschild worked with Burnett in Florida and knows that one of his primary roles as Dave Eiland's replacement is to try to get Burnett back on track. Actually it would great if Burnett could get on an even better track than the inconsistent one that has been the hallmark of his career. Reporters asked Rothschild yesterday about the confidence issue.

“It’s a chicken and egg question,” new pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. “Is the confidence there because of success or is success there because he’s doing things right mechanically and gets confidence? I think we’ll attack it right now to get him in line to the plate. Get him comfortable throwing the ball, and I think he’ll get the confidence and demeanor that he should have.”

For his part Burnett is completely confident this spring, at least publicly. He also recognizes his shortcomings last year. This was Burnett's response to reporter's questioning his current state of mind and his poor performance last year:

I’m a force out there. Guys don’t want to face me. I just felt like guys didn’t care if they faced me (last year). I feel like I gave them that edge… I came here to win. I came here to pitch. I came here to be behind Big Man (CC Sabathia). And I wasn’t last year.

Time to let Burnett try to be that guy again.

Catching News

Jorge Posada is still recovering from knee surgery, so he won't be putting on the foil, er catching equipment until next week. Posada does have a hunch though- that Andy Pettitte will be back at some point this year. Posada isn't speaking from anything he knows, it's just a hunch.

toh to @dp57 and @joepawl - the NY Post's George King reported that Gary Sanchez hasn't taken part in any catching drills yet after undergo heart tests. The results of which showed nothing. The question is why were they done in the first place? Sanchez is among the highest rated catching prospects in baseball and is targeted to start the season in Charleston.

BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: And Stretch That Money | Baseball Digest

One of the things that clearly is not a favorite among players during spring training is the daily stretching. It’s a necessity, but it’s an incredible bore. And running, sprinting…all this getting in shape stuff. How many times have you heard a player say “I haven’t picked up a ball since (fill in some late date)”. Of course for hurlers nothing is worse than PFP (Pitchers Fielding Practice). Spring training is all about rote. Turning the double play. Who goes where on a sac bunt. Hitting the cut off man.(The MLB Network has videos demonstrating the pitcher’s workout) Spring training is also about answering questions from the media that you sometimes would rather not have to.

The New York Yankees CC Sabathia found himself in that situation on Monday. Sabathia, who came to camp 25 pounds lighter (290 lbs), has a clause in his contract that would allow him to opt out after the 2011 season. Reporters quickly brought it up when questioning Sabathia. From the CC Sabathia_drops_25_pounds_says_not_eating_capn_crunch_is_key_to_yankee_aces_we.html" target="_blank">New York Daily News, ”I’m here to try to help this team win,” Sabathia said. “I went through it with the free agency thing, so it’s not going to distract me at all.” Still, Sabathia seemed to back off a previous statement that he had no plan to exercise the opt-out clause. ”Yeah. I said that, but …” Sabathia said. “Like I said, I’m here to try to help the team win. I don’t want to talk about that all year. This will probably be the last time I address it. I’m here.” Hank Steinbrenner for one doesn’t think Sabathia will opt out.

The St. Louis Cardinals having plenty weighing on their minds and it has nothing to do with how many pounds a player has lost. According to Cardinals GM John Mozeliak the team has until Wednesday at Noon to reach a deal with slugger Albert Pujols or the team won’t have access to the three time MVP until after the season. Pujols’ manager, Tony LaRussa feels the union is putting immense pressure on his star ball player. “I know what he’s going through with the union, and to some extent, his representatives,” said La Russa this morning at the Cardinals’ camp. ”His representatives are getting beat up by the union. ‘Set the bar. Set the bar.’” You can read the rest of LaRussa comments in Rick Hummel’s column in St.Louis Today.

Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel has imposed a deadline of his own. Manuel is entering 2011 in the final season of a contract he signed after the 2007 season and is reportedly seeking a two year extension. Manuel told reporters he doesn’t want his negotiation to be a distraction to the team. “Hopefully something happens in spring training, and if not, my extension and contract, I definitely don’t want it to be a distraction for our team,” Manuel said. “I definitely put my team first. The players, and how we play, that’s how I get a contract. That’s the whole purpose of me doing what I do, and that’s how I look at it.”

No new word on a new contract for Boston Red Sox 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who isn’t scheduled to report to camp until Friday. But Adrian’s older brother Edgar has a new gig; the infielder signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants.

Jose Bautista knows that the likelihood of him hitting 54 home runs again isn’t great so he has to strike while the iron is hot. Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays were set to go to arbitration, but have pushed back the hearing with the possibility of a long term deal on the horizon.

Chicago Cubs closer Carlos Marmol avoid arbitration by agreeing Monday to a new three year, $20MM deal.

CC Sabathia wasn’t the only one who felt weight loss could help his performance. John Lackey, who had a decent first year with the Red Sox, dropped 11 pounds and feels great.

Yankees Camp Day 1

"Who ate my Captain Crunch?!!!!!!!"

Pitchers and catchers reported yesterday to Yankees camp and things got interesting right off the bat.

You know that joke where a friend says he lost 60 pounds and you say, "so what are you now, like 290?" (Kudos to Tmags) Well CC Sabathia almost filled the bill on that one. The big man lost 25 pounds..and still weighs 290. But it actually looks pretty good on his 6'7" frame.

Sabathia decided to lose the weight after undergoing knee surgery. Nothing takes the brunt of too much weight more than knees- Sid Fernandez learned that lesson too late- so good job by CC. The comical thing about it though is that CC lost the weight by stopping his habit of eating a box of Captain Crunch. Who knew that's what CC really stood for? CC, what are you 12? I think that's the last time I ate Captain Crunch.

Now to a more interesting/serious situation. Those "elitist media" types got right down to business and asked CC if he was going to opt out of his contract after this season. CC didn't say yes, but he didn't say no either. He also said it was the last time he was going to address the issue this season.

"I'm here to try to help this team win," Sabathia said. "I went through it with the free agency thing, so it's not going to distract me at all." Still, Sabathia seemed to back off a previous statement that he had no plan to exercise the opt-out clause. "Yeah. I said that, but ..." Sabathia said. "Like I said, I'm here to try to help the team win. I don't want to talk about that all year. This will probably be the last time I address it. I'm here."

Most of said media feels CC will opt out and I have to agree with them. Even though he's happy and seemingly content, the big dude sees how much money is being thrown around right now. But here's the thing, how many teams can really afford him? CC's current contract is seven years (now in year three) for $161 million- an average of $23MM a year. Opting out could actually backfire. There's been a lot of speculation thrown around already too that the Yankees will avoid an issue by giving him an extension.

Hank Steinbrenner, for one, doesn't think CC will opt out. Hank may be wearing rose colored glasses.

"I don't think he will," Steinbrenner said this afternoon. "He's happy there. He's been very happy there. Now he really knows what it's like to be a Yankee. He had another excellent year last year. I think he's here to stay."

When asked if he were willing to negotiate a new deal, Hank wisely stated that this is not the time to be talking about such matters and that this season is the only important thing right now. He also said he knows CC is thinking the same thing. The maturity meter has risen for Hank who probably would have responded with a much harsher retort a few years ago. Kudos Hank.

No matter what does happen after this season, the Yankees must keep CC in Pinstripes...unless he turns into Oliver Perez. God forbid.

Oh and this is how I ate my Captain Crunch when I was 12. No, I'm not kidding.

BD Spring Training Report: Play Ball | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: Play Ball | Baseball Digest

Sunshine, palm trees or cacti, the smell of freshly cut grass, beer and hot dog vendors peddling their wares. Yes, baseball is back. Catchers and pitchers, as well as some positional players getting an early start, have reported to Florida and Arizona to begin spring training. Arguably, THIS, is the most wonderful time of the year. Especially if you’re like me, living in a colder, northern climate, it means there is some light at the end of the tunnel.

So many questions during this spring training…Will Albert Pujols sign a new deal before his self imposed deadline/scheduled day to report? Will Jesus Montero make the Yankees 25 man squad? Is Josh Beckett healthy? Can Don Mattingly manage a Major League club? Can anyone stop the Phillies starting rotation?

And of course spring training means that while teams may look much better than others on paper, everyone has a clean slate. Everyone can dream of the post-season, of hitting .300, and throwing a perfect game. Of popping champagne corks and hoisting the World Series trophy. There are some that will place too much emphasis on the games themselves- George Steinbrenner was infamous for that- but the most important thing in spring training is to come out of it healthy. The miles per hour on the fastball will come as will the bat speed. But keeping the hamstrings and shoulders and elbows healthy is much better than having the best record in the Grapefruit or Cactus League. That’s why the focus of today’s spring training report is those players we shall dub…

The Comeback Kids

Soon we’ll be getting a chance to see if players that were injured last year or in prior years have what it takes to get back to playing Major League Baseball. Here are some of the stories to follow this spring.

Brandon Webb is being counted on to help replace Cliff Lee in the Texas Rangers starting rotation. Webb averaged 17.5 wins per season from 2005-2008 and 231.2 innings. Apparently the latter took it’s toll. Webb went on the DL in April, 2009 with what was originally diagnosed as bursitis. After rehabbing it for several months, Webb had to undergo surgery and missed all of the 2010 season.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Webb recently told the Ben and Skin radio show in Dallas that he’s excited about the upcoming season. “I’ve made some dramatic strides. If anybody had been around me for the past month or so since I’ve been throwing, it’s been awesome. I don’t think they have to be too patient. I think I should be totally ready to go in spring training, jumping right in with the guys and just carrying on like a normal spring training for myself.”

In case Webb doesn’t recapture his 2007 NL CY Young form, he does have something to fall back on; he’s begun selling used cars with his brother in-law.

Carlos Santana can play a mean guitar, but baseball’s Carlos Santana can swing a mean bat and call a pretty good game. The Cleveland Indians catcher is hoping to be at full strength for the start of the season as he continues his way back from a torn LCL and surgery. Santana was knocked out for the remainder of the 2010 season when his knee lost a collision with the Red Sox’ Ryan Kalish in early August.

Santana, who hit .300 over his first 20 big league games, recently got word from his doctor that he can resume full baseball activities. That’s good news for the Indians who are in a rebuilding stage and need all the help they can get.

Indians fans are also hoping for a big comeback from Santana’s teammate Grady Sizemore. The one time five tool prospect has suddenly become injury prone and is trying to make his way back from the microfracture knee surgery he had last June. Sizemore was a budding superstar, who from 2005-2008 averaged 27 HR, 29 SB, and 116 runs while playing Gold Glove defense. He once played in 382 consecutive games. But Sizemore played in groin and elbow pain for all of the 2009 season and it showed in his lackluster offensive production. Finally the Indians shut him down in September and he underwent surgery on both areas.

Last season Sizemore injured his left knee during spring training and then aggravated it in a game against Baltimore in mid-May. When doctors went in they found extensive cartilage damage and opted for the more complex microfracture surgery based on Sizemore’s desires to “…play another 10 years” and “…only have one knee surgery”. Indians GM Chris Antonetti told MLB.com Jordan Bastian that he’s hoping that Sizemore will be ready at the start of the season or “shortly thereafter”.

Chien-Ming Wang was a two time 19-game winner and unlikely ace for the New York Yankees in 2006-2007. But a Lisfranc injury prematurely ended his 2008 season and then shoulder trouble limited him to just 12 games in 2009. Surgery followed, causing Wang to miss all of the 2010 season after signing as a free agent with the Washington Nationals. GM Mike Rizzo told MLB.com’s Bill Ladson back in January that he was confident that the Taiwanese native would be ready to go when camp broke.

With the retirement of Andy Pettitte and the inability to land Cliff Lee via free agency, the Yankees have brought in a number of pitchers to compete for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation. One of them is former AL CY Young winner Bartolo Colon, who did not pitch in the Major Leagues in 2010. Colon found some success and some life on his fastball (91 mph) in winter ball recently, so he decided to give “The Show” another shot. Colon has reportedly lost a substantial amount of weight and hopes that his arm and shoulder issues are behind him. He has not been able to reach 100 innings since his 21-win, CY Young season in 2005.

Colon won’t have to look far to see another reclamation case. Suiting up near him will be former top Cubs prospect Mark Prior. The right-hander hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2006 due to an assortment of arm issues. After selecting Prior with the 2nd overall pick in the 2001 draft, the Cubs were salivating at the thought of a 1-2 punch of Kerry Wood and Prior for many years to come. Sometimes life just doesn’t work out the way you planned, in particular for Mark Prior and his pitching career.

It didn’t start out that way though. Prior finished third in the 2003 NL CY Young voting after finishing with an 18-6, 2.43 mark in 30 starts. Then things started to turn- a line drive off his pitching elbow created a fracture in 2005. An MRI during spring training the following season showed a moderate shoulder strain. Something was clearly still wrong when he returned- teams rocked him to the tune of better than seven earned runs a game. When shoulder tendinitis put him on the DL in August, little did Prior know it would be the last time he would pitch on a major league mound.

After initially ruling it out, Prior had to go under the knife in April, 2007 to have the shoulder cleaned up. Renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrew was confident Prior would pitch in ’08 following the procedure. But a year later a tear in Prior’s shoulder led to another surgery and another missed season. Prior tried to come back with the Padres in ’09. but was released in August. Part of 2010 was spent in an independent league and for a short time in the Rangers organization. Which leads us to where Prior is today, having signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in December. One more shot, one more time hoping to recapture something, to come back as a reliever.

Yes, spring training is a time for new hopes, redemption, and a lot of daydreaming.

BD Hot Stove: Grapefruit or Cactus? | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Grapefruit or Cactus? | Baseball Digest

With snowfall blanketing much of the country, it’s good to know that spring training is within reach. A mere 33 days until pitchers and catcher report to sites in Arizona and Florida. With that in mind it’s never too early to present a guide to the individual spring training sites for each team (maps courtesy of mlb.com).

Florida

Dunedin – Toronto Blue Jays

Clearwater – Philadelphia Phillies

Port Charlotte – Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa – New York Yankees

Bradenton – Pittsburgh Pirates

Sarasota – Baltimore Orioles

Ft. Myers – Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox

Lakeland – Detroit Tigers

Lake Buena Vista – Atlanta Braves

Kissimmee – Houston Astros

Viera – Washington Nationals

Port St. Lucie – New York Mets

Jupiter – St. Louis Cardinals, Florida Marlins

Arizona

Surprise – KC Royals, Texas Rangers

Peoria – San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners

Goodyear – Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians

Phoenix – Chicago White Sox, LA Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland A’s

Scottsdale – Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants

Mesa – Chicago Cubs

Tempe – LA Angels

If you get the chance to go to spring training some time, do so. The players are more accessible, the ballparks are quaint, and the atmosphere is similar to minor league baseball.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The all time leader in saves (601), Trevor Hoffman, decided to call it a career on Tuesday after 18 seasons in the bigs. His saves mark is likely to stand a year at the most with Mariano Rivera just 42 saves behind him. Hoffman spent 16 years with the San Diego Padres before pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers the last two seasons. He finished his career with a 61-75, 2.87 mark in 1035 games, all relief appearances, and averaged 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings.

The Rays certainly don’t expect him to replicate the nearly unhittable season Joaquin Benoit had in 2010, but the team has added Kyle Farnsworth to their bullpen. The deal is worth $3.25M with an option for 2012.

The Cubs have added Reed Johnson to their outfield mix with a minor league contract and invite to spring training. They also avoided arbitration with Koyie Hill, agreeing on a one year deal worth $850K.

The Tigers and Ryan Rayburn agreed on a two year deal to avoid arbitration.

The Mets signed pitcher Taylor Tankersley to a minor league deal. Now if they could only acquire Taylor Teagarden to catch him.

Yankees Start '10 in Walk Off

The temperatures in Tampa, Florida were unusually cold yesterday afternoon, but the New York Yankees were already in mid-Summer form. Prospect Colin Curtis belted a 3-run, walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning to give the Yankees a 6-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the teams’ grapefruit league opener.

The walk off win became a staple of last year’s team that captured its 27th title and though it was just an exhibition game, the ironic outcome of yesterday’s game was lost on no one.

Chad Gaudin started for the Bombers and was followed by two of his fellow combatants for the 5th starter spot, Sergio Mitre and Al Aceves. The three combined to allow just one hit over six innings. A rough beginning by Jonathan Albadejo and a Yankees error helped the Pirates tie things up in the 7th after the Yankees had jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

But after lead off singles by fellow minor leaguers Brandon Laird and Jon Weber to start the 9th, Curtis hit a no doubt about (in fairness almost all home runs in the grapefruit league are no doubt about it due to the wind) blast off Virgil Vasquez to right-center for the game winner.

Ramiro Pena opened the scoring for the Yankees in the 6th with a solo home run. Nick Johnson added an RBI double and Weber drove in a third run in the inning with the first of his two singles. Former Yankees prospect was charged with all three runs.

Game Notes

The Yankees traditionally wore their pinstripes for the only time during spring training.

Curtis Granderson played centerfield and was 0-2 in his Yankees’ debut.

CC Gettin' His Groove On

CC Sabathia threw a 28 pitch simulated game yesterday, pitching to Kevin Cash and Hideki Matsui, neither of whom made the road trip to Kissimmee.

Anthony DiComo of mlb.com has a recap:

And aside from what would have been a ground-ball single up the middle for Matsui, Sabathia appeared in command, mixing in a curveball and cutter with his fastball and changeup.

"It was my first time throwing to guys without a cage or a screen up," Sabathia said. "It just felt good."

To that end, Sabathia will be on three days' rest for his Friday start -- a typical occurrence at this point in Spring Training, when pitch counts remain low.

"I didn't do a good job of that last year," Sabathia said of his spring scheduling, which may have been a factor in his 7.76 ERA in April. "I kind of took too much rest. I think I need to throw more to be ready for the season, and I'm going to get that accomplished this spring."

Of most interest to Sabathia during the session was his command of the cutter, a pitch that he generally doesn't gain a feel for until later in the spring.

"It usually takes a while for it to get right," Sabathia said, "and I'll just keep working at it and hopefully be ready for the season."

Feb 14 Spring Training Photos

Hallelujah!

It's here!!! It's here!!! No, not the new phone book. Pitchers and Catchers are reporting today to George M. Steinbrenner III Field in Tampa, FL.

Here are some pictures from yesterday's informal workout.

Hideki speaks with the Japanese press














Girardi gets grilled about A-Rod














Newbies Nick Swisher and A.J. Burnett


























The Captain gives A.J. a bro hug






















Jete and his potential back up, Angel Berroa, run sprints















Jeter and the even slimmer Brian Bruney

The Bobby Murcer Award

Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.), which was at one time headed by Bobby Murcer, has created an award in his honor. The Bobby Murcer Award will go to the team in the American and National Leagues that donates the most money to B.A.T. through payroll deductions. The first award will be presented at the 2010 annual dinner.

"Bobby was very proud of the work he accomplished for B.A.T.," said Kay Murcer, widow of Bobby Murcer. "Our family is deeply grateful that his legacy will continue in such a tremendous way through the B.A.T. organization."

Bobby started visiting each ball club during Spring Training to tell them about B.A.T.. Since 2003, the organization has generated $5.5 million in revenue from current player donations/deductions.

"We are honored to establish this award in memory of Bobby Murcer's giving and inspirational spirit," said B.A.T. executive director and COO Jim Martin. "Although Bobby passed on at the young age of 62, his efforts and commitment to the B.A.T. organization will live on through those he left behind and serve as a perfect example of how things should be done. He is greatly missed, but never forgotten."

Great award for a great guy, and very apropos that this announcement came out with 1 day left until pitchers and catchers report.