Joba nearly plunks Nunez during batting practice

TAMPA, Fla. -- Batting practice turned into an eventful, albeit somewhat dangerous, happening on Wednesday.

On a back field at the Yankees' Spring Training complex, Curtis Granderson lined a pitch that hit non-roster right-hander Kelvin Perez in the left elbow. Perez finished his throwing session, but he walked around the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon with a compression bandage wrapped around his left arm.

On the main field, right-hander Joba Chamberlain's second pitch to infielder Eduardo Nunez buzzed just behind his head. Nunez dropped to the dirt and stayed down several seconds, but he bounced up fine. After swinging at Chamberlain's first pitch, Nunez watched the rest pound the catcher's mitt.

"I was so scared," Nunez laughed afterward. "The first day, behind my head, I was so scared. I don't want to hit anymore. ... [Chamberlain] said, 'I'm sorry, my bad, Nuney.'"

Aside from Chamberlain's way-up-and-in offering to Nunez, he appeared to be throwing the ball with the kind of power one would expect out of the big right-hander. Manager Joe Girardi agreed that Chamberlain seems to have regained his strength after sitting out most of last year with a severe ankle injury.

Chamberlain returned to the mound Aug. 1 last season and pitched 20 2/3 innings in 22 games, recording a 4.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

"As we get closer to the end [of Spring Training], I expect to see the power that he has. I think you'll see it from him," Girardi said, "but sometimes, arm strength takes some time to develop in Spring Training for these power guys. Big thing is, you're getting outs. That's the bottom line."

Cashman declines to talk about Cano's contract

TAMPA, Fla. -- General manager Brian Cashman declined to comment Wednesday morning when asked if he was optimistic about signing Robinson Cano to a long-term extension.

On Tuesday, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner told The Associated Press that there were no new developments in contract talks with Cano, who will become a free agent after this season.

"We expressed to [agent] Scott [Boras] how much we like Robbie and what a great Yankee he's been, and we hope he continues his career here for a long time to come," Steinbrenner told the AP. "We just indicated to him on a very preliminary basis that we were willing to consider a significant long-term contract and left it at that. There's really nothing to report since then.

"The main purpose of the conversation was to just let him know we want Robbie to continue to be a Yankee."

Cano discussed his impending free agency with the media Monday, mostly saying that he wasn't worried about it or focused on it and he'll leave any negotiations to Boras.

The second baseman's $15 million option was picked up by the Yankees in October. The 30-year-old batted .313 with a career-high 33 homers and 94 RBIs last season, but he went 3-for-40 in a disappointing postseason performance. For his career, Cano owns a .308/.351/.503 batting line with 177 home runs and 715 RBIs.

Cano would figure to be the most sought-after player on the open market next winter, and most reports project that he's in line for a massive payday, something in the range of an eight- to 10-year deal with an annual salary around $25 million.

Cano said Monday that he didn't know if he'd be open to discussing a contract extension once the season begins. The Yankees have generally avoided doing so with cornerstone players like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

"I don't feel anything about nervousness," Cano said Monday. "To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."

Pineda pleads no contest to DUI charge

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda on Wednesday pleaded no contest to driving under the influence, according to The Associated Press.

Pineda, 24, was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol on Aug. 20. He was arrested without incident and released on $500 bond. The arresting officer wrote at the time that Pineda "had a fixed gaze and his eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy," that his breath smelled of alcohol and that his speech was slurred.

According to the AP, Pineda entered the plea Wednesday in a Tampa courtroom, and the judge ordered that he serve 50 hours of community service and up to one year of probation, attend DUI school and pay a $500 fine.

Pineda, who was traded from Seattle to New York last winter, sat out the entire 2012 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent surgery last April and isn't expected to pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring as he works his way back from the injury. General manager Brian Cashman has said June is a realistic return date for Pineda.

Bombers bits

• Girardi couldn't offer a timeline for shortstop Derek Jeter to start running the bases, but he said Jeter looked "OK" during pop-up drills Wednesday.

"I didn't want him running all over the place," Girardi said. "I said, 'Be careful,' when he's out there."

• Girardi spoke highly of the Yankees' young pitchers taking the mound in camp. He singled out 21-year-old right-hander Corey Black, taken in the fourth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, as well as right-handers Bryan Mitchell, 21, and Jose Ramirez, 23. More than anything, Girardi seemed pleased, as he said, "There's more than like one or two."

"There's some power arms that we're seeing," Girardi added. "There are a number of guys that you're going to see throw, probably in Spring Training, 93-95 [mph], and if they're here a long time, you're going to see higher than that.

"We haven't had that, and we have it right now. I know they're young, but it's kind of exciting."

• Girardi said it was "just the way it worked out" that Chamberlain didn't throw to Kevin Youkilis' batting practice group Wednesday. The manager also said there was nothing to look into regarding Brett Gardner's placement in left field and Curtis Granderson in center during outfield drills.

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cashman declines to talk about Cano's contract

TAMPA, Fla. -- General manager Brian Cashman declined to comment Wednesday morning when asked if he was optimistic about signing Robinson Cano to a long-term extension.

On Tuesday, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner told The Associated Press that there were no new developments in contract talks with Cano, who will become a free agent after this season.

"We expressed to [agent] Scott [Boras] how much we like Robbie and what a great Yankee he's been, and we hope he continues his career here for a long time to come," Steinbrenner told the AP. "We just indicated to him on a very preliminary basis that we were willing to consider a significant long-term contract and left it at that. There's really nothing to report since then.

"The main purpose of the conversation was to just let him know we want Robbie to continue to be a Yankee."

Cano discussed his impending free agency with the media Monday, mostly saying that he wasn't worried about it or focused on it and he'll leave any negotiations to Boras.

The second baseman's $15 million option was picked up by the Yankees in October. The 30-year-old batted .313 with a career-high 33 homers and 94 RBIs last season, but he went 3-for-40 in a disappointing postseason performance. For his career, Cano owns a .308/.351/.503 batting line with 177 home runs and 715 RBIs.

Cano would figure to be the most sought-after player on the open market next winter, and most reports project that he's in line for a massive payday, something in the range of an eight- to 10-year deal with an annual salary around $25 million.

Cano said Monday that he didn't know if he'd be open to discussing a contract extension once the season begins. The Yankees have generally avoided doing so with cornerstone players like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

"I don't feel anything about nervousness," Cano said Monday. "To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."

Joba nearly plunks Nunez during batting practice

TAMPA, Fla. -- Batting practice turned into an eventful, albeit somewhat dangerous, happening on Wednesday.

On a back field at the Yankees' Spring Training complex, Curtis Granderson lined a pitch that hit non-roster right-hander Kelvin Perez in the left elbow. Perez finished his throwing session, but he walked around the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon with a compression bandage wrapped around his left arm.

On the main field, right-hander Joba Chamberlain's second pitch to infielder Eduardo Nunez buzzed just behind his head. Nunez dropped to the dirt and stayed down several seconds, but he bounced up fine. After swinging at Chamberlain's first pitch, Nunez watched the rest pound the catcher's mitt.

"I was so scared," Nunez laughed afterward. "The first day, behind my head, I was so scared. I don't want to hit anymore. ... [Chamberlain] said, 'I'm sorry, my bad, Nuney.'"

Aside from Chamberlain's way-up-and-in offering to Nunez, he appeared to be throwing the ball with the kind of power one would expect out of the big right-hander. Manager Joe Girardi agreed that Chamberlain seems to have regained his strength after sitting out most of last year with a severe ankle injury.

Chamberlain returned to the mound Aug. 1 last season and pitched 20 2/3 innings in 22 games, recording a 4.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

"As we get closer to the end [of Spring Training], I expect to see the power that he has. I think you'll see it from him," Girardi said, "but sometimes, arm strength takes some time to develop in Spring Training for these power guys. Big thing is, you're getting outs. That's the bottom line."

Pineda pleads no contest to DUI charge

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda on Wednesday pleaded no contest to driving under the influence, according to The Associated Press.

Pineda, 24, was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol on Aug. 20. He was arrested without incident and released on $500 bond. The arresting officer wrote at the time that Pineda "had a fixed gaze and his eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy," that his breath smelled of alcohol and that his speech was slurred.

According to the AP, Pineda entered the plea Wednesday in a Tampa courtroom, and the judge ordered that he serve 50 hours of community service and up to one year of probation, attend DUI school and pay a $500 fine.

Pineda, who was traded from Seattle to New York last winter, sat out the entire 2012 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent surgery last April and isn't expected to pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring as he works his way back from the injury. General manager Brian Cashman has said June is a realistic return date for Pineda.

Bombers bits

• Girardi couldn't offer a timeline for shortstop Derek Jeter to start running the bases, but he said Jeter looked "OK" during pop-up drills Wednesday.

"I didn't want him running all over the place," Girardi said. "I said, 'Be careful,' when he's out there."

• Girardi spoke highly of the Yankees' young pitchers taking the mound in camp. He singled out 21-year-old right-hander Corey Black, taken in the fourth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, as well as right-handers Bryan Mitchell, 21, and Jose Ramirez, 23. More than anything, Girardi seemed pleased, as he said, "There's more than like one or two."

"There's some power arms that we're seeing," Girardi added. "There are a number of guys that you're going to see throw, probably in Spring Training, 93-95 [mph], and if they're here a long time, you're going to see higher than that.

"We haven't had that, and we have it right now. I know they're young, but it's kind of exciting."

• Girardi said it was "just the way it worked out" that Chamberlain didn't throw to Kevin Youkilis' batting practice group Wednesday. The manager also said there was nothing to look into regarding Brett Gardner's placement in left field and Curtis Granderson in center during outfield drills.

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pineda pleads no contest to DUI charge

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees right-hander Michael Pineda on Wednesday pleaded no contest to driving under the influence, according to The Associated Press.

Pineda, 24, was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol on Aug. 20. He was arrested without incident and released on $500 bond. The arresting officer wrote at the time that Pineda "had a fixed gaze and his eyes were bloodshot, watery and glassy," that his breath smelled of alcohol and that his speech was slurred.

According to the AP, Pineda entered the plea Wednesday in a Tampa courtroom, and the judge ordered that he serve 50 hours of community service and up to one year of probation, attend DUI school and pay a $500 fine.

Pineda, who was traded from Seattle to New York last winter, sat out the entire 2012 season with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He underwent surgery last April and isn't expected to pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring as he works his way back from the injury. General manager Brian Cashman has said June is a realistic return date for Pineda.

Cashman declines to talk about Cano's contract

TAMPA, Fla. -- General manager Brian Cashman declined to comment Wednesday morning when asked if he was optimistic about signing Robinson Cano to a long-term extension.

On Tuesday, Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner told The Associated Press that there were no new developments in contract talks with Cano, who will become a free agent after this season.

"We expressed to [agent] Scott [Boras] how much we like Robbie and what a great Yankee he's been, and we hope he continues his career here for a long time to come," Steinbrenner told the AP. "We just indicated to him on a very preliminary basis that we were willing to consider a significant long-term contract and left it at that. There's really nothing to report since then.

"The main purpose of the conversation was to just let him know we want Robbie to continue to be a Yankee."

Cano discussed his impending free agency with the media Monday, mostly saying that he wasn't worried about it or focused on it and he'll leave any negotiations to Boras.

The second baseman's $15 million option was picked up by the Yankees in October. The 30-year-old batted .313 with a career-high 33 homers and 94 RBIs last season, but he went 3-for-40 in a disappointing postseason performance. For his career, Cano owns a .308/.351/.503 batting line with 177 home runs and 715 RBIs.

Cano would figure to be the most sought-after player on the open market next winter, and most reports project that he's in line for a massive payday, something in the range of an eight- to 10-year deal with an annual salary around $25 million.

Cano said Monday that he didn't know if he'd be open to discussing a contract extension once the season begins. The Yankees have generally avoided doing so with cornerstone players like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

"I don't feel anything about nervousness," Cano said Monday. "To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."

Joba nearly plunks Nunez during batting practice

TAMPA, Fla. -- Batting practice turned into an eventful, albeit somewhat dangerous, happening on Wednesday.

On a back field at the Yankees' Spring Training complex, Curtis Granderson lined a pitch that hit non-roster right-hander Kelvin Perez in the left elbow. Perez finished his throwing session, but he walked around the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon with a compression bandage wrapped around his left arm.

On the main field, right-hander Joba Chamberlain's second pitch to infielder Eduardo Nunez buzzed just behind his head. Nunez dropped to the dirt and stayed down several seconds, but he bounced up fine. After swinging at Chamberlain's first pitch, Nunez watched the rest pound the catcher's mitt.

"I was so scared," Nunez laughed afterward. "The first day, behind my head, I was so scared. I don't want to hit anymore. ... [Chamberlain] said, 'I'm sorry, my bad, Nuney.'"

Aside from Chamberlain's way-up-and-in offering to Nunez, he appeared to be throwing the ball with the kind of power one would expect out of the big right-hander. Manager Joe Girardi agreed that Chamberlain seems to have regained his strength after sitting out most of last year with a severe ankle injury.

Chamberlain returned to the mound Aug. 1 last season and pitched 20 2/3 innings in 22 games, recording a 4.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

"As we get closer to the end [of Spring Training], I expect to see the power that he has. I think you'll see it from him," Girardi said, "but sometimes, arm strength takes some time to develop in Spring Training for these power guys. Big thing is, you're getting outs. That's the bottom line."

Bombers bits

• Girardi couldn't offer a timeline for shortstop Derek Jeter to start running the bases, but he said Jeter looked "OK" during pop-up drills Wednesday.

"I didn't want him running all over the place," Girardi said. "I said, 'Be careful,' when he's out there."

• Girardi spoke highly of the Yankees' young pitchers taking the mound in camp. He singled out 21-year-old right-hander Corey Black, taken in the fourth round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, as well as right-handers Bryan Mitchell, 21, and Jose Ramirez, 23. More than anything, Girardi seemed pleased, as he said, "There's more than like one or two."

"There's some power arms that we're seeing," Girardi added. "There are a number of guys that you're going to see throw, probably in Spring Training, 93-95 [mph], and if they're here a long time, you're going to see higher than that.

"We haven't had that, and we have it right now. I know they're young, but it's kind of exciting."

• Girardi said it was "just the way it worked out" that Chamberlain didn't throw to Kevin Youkilis' batting practice group Wednesday. The manager also said there was nothing to look into regarding Brett Gardner's placement in left field and Curtis Granderson in center during outfield drills.

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hughes sidelined with upper back discomfort

TAMPA, Fla. -- Right-hander Phil Hughes will be sidelined at Yankees camp after experiencing upper back discomfort during a defensive drill.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Hughes complained of stiffness behind his right shoulder after covering first base while the club's pitchers were taking fielding practice on Monday.

Hughes was sent to be examined by a doctor on Tuesday, and Girardi said that he expects Hughes to miss "a few days."

"There's always a little bit of concern," Girardi said. "It's [his] upper back, so we'll see how he is in a couple of days. The good thing is, he was ahead of where he'd probably normally be at this time, so it helps."

Hughes, 26, was 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season. This promises to be an important year for the hurler, who can be eligible for free agency after the 2013 campaign.

Phelps to start first Grapefruit League game

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have decided on their starters for the first two games of the Grapefruit League schedule, sending right-handers David Phelps and Adam Warren to the mound.

Phelps will be on the hill for the Yanks' first game on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., while Warren will pitch New York's home opener on Sunday against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

As preparation, both pitchers threw two-inning simulated games on Tuesday morning, shedding the protective L-screen as they pitched to Minor League hitters Cito Culver, Addison Maruszak, Corban Joseph and Ronnier Mustelier.

Phelps narrowly escaped a scary moment when Mustelier laced a hot liner back up the middle, forcing Phelps to twist out of the way as the ball slammed into a net placed behind the mound.

"I heard it. I didn't see it," Phelps said. "Robbie [Cano] probably would have had it."

Phelps added a positive scouting report on Mustelier, who hit a combined .314 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs in 114 games for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year.

"He's a good hitter," Phelps said. "He can swing it."

Girardi mulling over Grandy, Gardner swap

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees still have not talked to Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson about switching positions in the outfield this season, but a move is still on the table for manager Joe Girardi.

"I wouldn't read too much into what we've done yet, because we haven't played any games," Girardi said. "We still have time to discuss what we want to do, and I want to make sure our outfielders are versatile."

Girardi said that the Yankees are fortunate to have the flexible Ichiro Suzuki, who can play left, center and right. That could free them to use the exhibition schedule to try Granderson in left field and have Gardner patrol center field.

"It's something that, if we do start toying with it, we would do it very quickly," Girardi said.

Girardi said that the Yankees have still not reached a final decision on moving Granderson to left field. Granderson has said that he would be on board with a position switch if the club decides that is the course it wants to take.

"I think Curtis has done a good job for us," Girardi said. "The question for us to sit here and stew over is, 'If you flip-flop them, does it make you better defensively?' That's what we have to figure out."

Bombers bits

• Right-hander Mark Montgomery resumed playing catch on Tuesday. The touted prospect had been sidelined by back spasms.

• Eduardo Nunez figures to see a substantial amount of playing time at shortstop while Derek Jeter gets into baseball shape coming off left ankle surgery, but Girardi said that Nunez is still fighting for a roster spot.

"He has to earn it. That's the bottom line," Girardi said. "He has to earn it. We've got to toy with some different options, but we liked what he did at the end of last year. We know he provides a lot of excitement."

• Ichiro wowed the crowd at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a flashy behind-the-back catch during batting practice on Tuesday.

"I've seen him do it before," said Girardi, who'd prefer not to see it executed in a game. "Don't try that at home."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girardi mulling over Grandy, Gardner swap

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees still have not talked to Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson about switching positions in the outfield this season, but a move is still on the table for manager Joe Girardi.

"I wouldn't read too much into what we've done yet, because we haven't played any games," Girardi said. "We still have time to discuss what we want to do, and I want to make sure our outfielders are versatile."

Girardi said that the Yankees are fortunate to have the flexible Ichiro Suzuki, who can play left, center and right. That could free them to use the exhibition schedule to try Granderson in left field and have Gardner patrol center field.

"It's something that, if we do start toying with it, we would do it very quickly," Girardi said.

Girardi said that the Yankees have still not reached a final decision on moving Granderson to left field. Granderson has said that he would be on board with a position switch if the club decides that is the course it wants to take.

"I think Curtis has done a good job for us," Girardi said. "The question for us to sit here and stew over is, 'If you flip-flop them, does it make you better defensively?' That's what we have to figure out."

Hughes sidelined with upper back discomfort

TAMPA, Fla. -- Right-hander Phil Hughes will be sidelined at Yankees camp after experiencing upper back discomfort during a defensive drill.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Hughes complained of stiffness behind his right shoulder after covering first base while the club's pitchers were taking fielding practice on Monday.

Hughes was sent to be examined by a doctor on Tuesday, and Girardi said that he expects Hughes to miss "a few days."

"There's always a little bit of concern," Girardi said. "It's [his] upper back, so we'll see how he is in a couple of days. The good thing is, he was ahead of where he'd probably normally be at this time, so it helps."

Hughes, 26, was 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season. This promises to be an important year for the hurler, who can be eligible for free agency after the 2013 campaign.

Phelps to start first Grapefruit League game

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have decided on their starters for the first two games of the Grapefruit League schedule, sending right-handers David Phelps and Adam Warren to the mound.

Phelps will be on the hill for the Yanks' first game on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., while Warren will pitch New York's home opener on Sunday against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

As preparation, both pitchers threw two-inning simulated games on Tuesday morning, shedding the protective L-screen as they pitched to Minor League hitters Cito Culver, Addison Maruszak, Corban Joseph and Ronnier Mustelier.

Phelps narrowly escaped a scary moment when Mustelier laced a hot liner back up the middle, forcing Phelps to twist out of the way as the ball slammed into a net placed behind the mound.

"I heard it. I didn't see it," Phelps said. "Robbie [Cano] probably would have had it."

Phelps added a positive scouting report on Mustelier, who hit a combined .314 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs in 114 games for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year.

"He's a good hitter," Phelps said. "He can swing it."

Bombers bits

• Right-hander Mark Montgomery resumed playing catch on Tuesday. The touted prospect had been sidelined by back spasms.

• Eduardo Nunez figures to see a substantial amount of playing time at shortstop while Derek Jeter gets into baseball shape coming off left ankle surgery, but Girardi said that Nunez is still fighting for a roster spot.

"He has to earn it. That's the bottom line," Girardi said. "He has to earn it. We've got to toy with some different options, but we liked what he did at the end of last year. We know he provides a lot of excitement."

• Ichiro wowed the crowd at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a flashy behind-the-back catch during batting practice on Tuesday.

"I've seen him do it before," said Girardi, who'd prefer not to see it executed in a game. "Don't try that at home."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Phelps to start first Grapefruit League game

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees have decided on their starters for the first two games of the Grapefruit League schedule, sending right-handers David Phelps and Adam Warren to the mound.

Phelps will be on the hill for the Yanks' first game on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., while Warren will pitch New York's home opener on Sunday against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

As preparation, both pitchers threw two-inning simulated games on Tuesday morning, shedding the protective L-screen as they pitched to Minor League hitters Cito Culver, Addison Maruszak, Corban Joseph and Ronnier Mustelier.

Phelps narrowly escaped a scary moment when Mustelier laced a hot liner back up the middle, forcing Phelps to twist out of the way as the ball slammed into a net placed behind the mound.

"I heard it. I didn't see it," Phelps said. "Robbie [Cano] probably would have had it."

Phelps added a positive scouting report on Mustelier, who hit a combined .314 with 15 homers and 69 RBIs in 114 games for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year.

"He's a good hitter," Phelps said. "He can swing it."

Hughes sidelined with upper back discomfort

TAMPA, Fla. -- Right-hander Phil Hughes will be sidelined at Yankees camp after experiencing upper back discomfort during a defensive drill.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Hughes complained of stiffness behind his right shoulder after covering first base while the club's pitchers were taking fielding practice on Monday.

Hughes was sent to be examined by a doctor on Tuesday, and Girardi said that he expects Hughes to miss "a few days."

"There's always a little bit of concern," Girardi said. "It's [his] upper back, so we'll see how he is in a couple of days. The good thing is, he was ahead of where he'd probably normally be at this time, so it helps."

Hughes, 26, was 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season. This promises to be an important year for the hurler, who can be eligible for free agency after the 2013 campaign.

Girardi mulling over Grandy, Gardner swap

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees still have not talked to Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson about switching positions in the outfield this season, but a move is still on the table for manager Joe Girardi.

"I wouldn't read too much into what we've done yet, because we haven't played any games," Girardi said. "We still have time to discuss what we want to do, and I want to make sure our outfielders are versatile."

Girardi said that the Yankees are fortunate to have the flexible Ichiro Suzuki, who can play left, center and right. That could free them to use the exhibition schedule to try Granderson in left field and have Gardner patrol center field.

"It's something that, if we do start toying with it, we would do it very quickly," Girardi said.

Girardi said that the Yankees have still not reached a final decision on moving Granderson to left field. Granderson has said that he would be on board with a position switch if the club decides that is the course it wants to take.

"I think Curtis has done a good job for us," Girardi said. "The question for us to sit here and stew over is, 'If you flip-flop them, does it make you better defensively?' That's what we have to figure out."

Bombers bits

• Right-hander Mark Montgomery resumed playing catch on Tuesday. The touted prospect had been sidelined by back spasms.

• Eduardo Nunez figures to see a substantial amount of playing time at shortstop while Derek Jeter gets into baseball shape coming off left ankle surgery, but Girardi said that Nunez is still fighting for a roster spot.

"He has to earn it. That's the bottom line," Girardi said. "He has to earn it. We've got to toy with some different options, but we liked what he did at the end of last year. We know he provides a lot of excitement."

• Ichiro wowed the crowd at George M. Steinbrenner Field with a flashy behind-the-back catch during batting practice on Tuesday.

"I've seen him do it before," said Girardi, who'd prefer not to see it executed in a game. "Don't try that at home."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jeter gets back into the swing of things

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 02/18/2013 4:22 PM ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- The last time Derek Jeter was spraying batting practice liners around a field, it was before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, a contest that the Yankees shortstop would not be able to leave under his own power.

Jeter was back in the swing on Monday as the Yankees held their first full-squad workout of the spring. The captain showed off his cuts and went through defensive drills at shortstop, showing no grimaces or limping on his surgically repaired left ankle.

"I felt fine. I felt good," Jeter said. "[It was the] first time I was doing everything on the field in terms of hitting on the field and ground balls on the dirt. Everything went good."

Jeter had been taking grounders on grass only and hitting in the batting cages recently at the Yankees' Minor League complex in Tampa.

He did not run the bases on Monday and said that he has been told to take his progress slowly; Yankees head athletic trainer Steve Donohue has excused him from running drills and stretching on the field with the team for now.

"I thought he looked OK," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "From everything I've heard and everything I've seen, I thought he took his ground balls, he moved, he turned some double plays, and it's kind of what I expected to see right now.

"There's a plan that we'll increase a little bit each day and get stronger each day, and we'll get him in a game when we can."

Jeter said that he is "a couple of weeks behind" where he usually would be at this point of the spring, but is convinced his ankle will not be a problem. He did say that "everything else feels a little rough" as he knocks the winter rust off.

"Everything [is sore]. Where do you want to start?" Jeter said. "Neck. My shoulder. My back. My calf. My foot. I'm just talking about getting in shape in general. You talk to guys who worked out all offseason, the first week of Spring Training, they're sore -- so don't make a big deal out of this."

Cano ready to provide Dominican big boost

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Dominican Republic's chances in the World Baseball Classic will lean heavily on Robinson Cano's potent bat, and the Yankees second baseman said he can't wait to play in the tournament.

"It's always good when you can go represent your team, when you're one of the main guys that can play for the team," Cano said.

Cano said that the Dominican squad will miss the contributions from sluggers like Albert Pujols and Jose Bautista, but he is hoping to contribute a few big hits to the attack for manager Tony Pena.

"You don't have Pujols, you don't have Bautista," Cano said. "Those type of guys you don't have on your team, but it's more about your country. For me, I love the Dominican, grew up in the Dominican. Why not go now and have a chance to represent my country? I have a chance to represent my country and do my best."

Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is playing for Team USA, is the Bombers' only other Classic participant this spring.

Bombers bits

• Derek Jeter playfully tried to convince reporters that if all went well at camp on Tuesday, he would be cleared to play in the World Baseball Classic. That won't happen, but Jeter will be rooting for manager Joe Torre and Team USA when the Classic begins.

"I enjoyed my experience in the WBC. I had fun doing it," said Jeter, who mentioned coaches Willie Randolph and Larry Bowa, plus trainer Gene Monahan, among those on Team USA he'd like to see. "There's a lot of guys, so I would have loved to have done it, but unfortunately I can't."

• Yankees pitching prospect Mark Montgomery has been sidelined due to back spasms. Montgomery was scheduled to pitch a live batting practice session on Sunday, but had to be scratched, and manager Joe Girardi said he expects Montgomery to be back in action in a few days.

• Travis Hafner hit the Yankees' first batting practice home run of the spring, lining a solid shot into the right-field seats at George M. Steinbrenner Field and hearing cheers from the fans in attendance. Hafner was in the first group of Yankees hitters, along with Jeter, Cano and Eduardo Nunez.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Comfortable in pinstripes, Ichiro settles into camp

By Adam Berry / MLB.com | 2/18/2013 4:02 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Monday marked the beginning of Ichiro Suzuki's first Spring Training with any team other than the Mariners, but he said it hasn't been a particularly difficult adjustment for him.

In fact, the 39-year-old right fielder was quick to joke that only one thing at the Yankees' first full-squad workout took him by surprise.

"Derek Jeter was not the eater that the media portrayed him to be," Ichiro said through an interpreter, poking fun of a New York Post photo of Jeter taken during the offseason. "It was good to see him that way."

Initially acquired in a trade with the Mariners last July, Ichiro said he spoke to "a few" other teams as a free agent this offseason. But when he heard New York wanted him back, he had no doubts about signing a two-year, $13 million contract and putting on the pinstripes again.

How close Ichiro was to signing elsewhere is another issue, one that he wasn't interested in discussing Monday afternoon.

"Right now, I'm wearing this Yankees uniform, so there's really no need to go there and talk about that," he said.

Ichiro spoke often last season about how much he enjoyed being a part of the Yankees' more experienced roster, and he had to be equally happy with his improvement on the field. After posting a .261/.288/.353 batting line with four homers in 95 games with Seattle, Ichiro batted .322/.340/.454 with five homers in 67 games with the Yankees.

Asked if he believes he can maintain that kind of production over a full season in New York, Ichiro responded, "Of course." And he'll get a chance to do so, as he should open the season alongside fellow left-handed hitters Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson in the Yankees' outfield. But neither he nor manager Joe Girardi had an answer regarding exactly where in New York's lineup he'll be attempting to replicate his second-half success.

Ichiro strongly implied Monday that he would prefer to remain at the top of the lineup, but added that he'd like to be thought of as a versatile player who can be used at any spot in any order. Girardi said he has "some ideas" for his lineup, but he's not set on any of them and hasn't spoken to his players about them.

"That's another piece that we're going to have to see exactly where it fits with the other guys and how we're going to do it," Girardi said. "There's question marks that have to be answered. We assume that Derek is going to be healthy, but what if he isn't? That could change the lineup and how we do it. So, you got to see where we are about March 25, March 26 before you really put this all together."

A .322 hitter with 452 stolen bases in his 12-year career, Ichiro has spent the majority of his time in the Majors at the top of the order. Girardi used him toward the bottom of the Yankees' lineup, including 27 games as the eight-hole hitter.

By the time the postseason rolled around, however, Ichiro had returned to batting either first or second. But that was a different lineup than what the Yankees will trot out this season, as power hitters like Nick Swisher, Russell Martin and Raul Ibanez are gone, and third baseman Alex Rodriguez is sidelined due to injury.

So while Ichiro has had little trouble fitting in during his first spring camp with the Yankees, he'll have to wait to see exactly how he fits into their lineup.

"Right now, it's not like I've been given the starting position," Ichiro said. "I'm just trying now to make sure that the team needs me. And wherever the team wants me, I'm just working hard to get to that point."

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cano's focus on season, not pending free agency

TAMPA, Fla. -- Robinson Cano has developed into one of the game's top talents and should be poised to collect a huge payday when he hits free agency, but the Yankees second baseman doesn't want to look that far ahead.

Cano said on Monday that he wants to keep his attention firmly set on the field for the upcoming season, a campaign that promises to see him leaned upon as a major force in the heart of the Bombers' lineup.

"I don't feel anything about nervousness," Cano said. "To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."

Cano, 30, had a $15 million option picked up by the Yankees in October, coming off a regular season in which he batted .313 with a career-high 33 home runs and 94 RBIs before disappearing into a 3-for-40 skid during the postseason.

This season will conclude Cano's current deal with the Yanks. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said that the club has had "a conversation or two" with Cano's representative, Scott Boras, about keeping Cano in pinstripes beyond this season.

"I'm not thinking about anything," Cano said. "Those kinds of things? I'll just let my agent, Scott, handle it."

The Yankees are certainly thinking about it, though. With the team aiming to reduce payroll below $189 million for the 2014 season, there is concern that Cano could be tempted to see what the open market will offer.

It has been suggested that Cano could seek a commitment of eight to 10 years in the ballpark of $25 million per season, and players typically do not leave their agents to sign with Boras if they are not looking to cash in.

"I don't feel anything about nervousness. To be honest, I'm not focused on free agency. My focus right now is on the 2013 season. I still have one more year under contract and my mind right now is just on helping the team win another championship."

-- Robinson Cano

"It's not about the money, but I don't want to go into details right now," Cano said. "I'm just focused on playing the game and helping the team win another championship."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he thinks Cano will be able to handle any distractions that his uncertain future provides, but suggested the allure of a massive deal could impact Cano's year in a variety of ways.

"I think you always worry a little bit about guys during contract years," Girardi said. "Sometimes it really works out to your advantage, too. That's one of those things, but you don't want guys to put too much pressure on themselves.

"If they have bad weeks, you've had bad weeks before, and you fought out of that. Don't let it snowball. Robbie's a pretty even-keeled guy who brings a smile every day, and I think you'll still see that."

Cano said that he did not know if he would be open to discussing a contract extension during the season, something that the Yankees have typically avoided in the cases of stars like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

"That's a good question. I haven't really thought about it," Cano said. "Right now, I'm just focused on playing the game, getting ready for Spring Training, now that we're not going to have Alex [Rodriguez]."

Cano said that he feels no greater responsibility to the Yankees because of Rodriguez's absence; Rodriguez is expected to be sidelined until at least after the All-Star break while he recovers from left hip surgery.

"I always feel like that, because with the Yankees, you always have to produce if you want to stay here and play for this team," Cano said. "This team is all about championships, so you have to produce and be able to help the team win championships."

As a four-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger and two-time Gold Glover, Cano has certainly done his share of helping the Yankees win games over the years.

Steinbrenner recently called Cano "a great Yankee" and expressed hope that Cano will remain in pinstripes for his entire career, but it seems that those discussions will have to wait for another day.

"I still have one year and just got to go out there and just perform," Cano said. "I've got another year and my focus now is to help the team, be with my teammates and have fun, and at the end of the season, just end it up with the [World Series] trophy."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

A-Rod's absence in camp to be a weird feeling

TAMPA, Fla. -- With 84 players invited to camp, space is at a premium in the Yankees' clubhouse, but there is no problem finding a little extra breathing room around Alex Rodriguez's vacant locker.

A-Rod is expected to be the only absent player as the Yankees hold their first full-squad workout on Monday, because Rodriguez has been instructed to stay in New York all spring to complete his rehab from hip surgery.

"It's going to be odd that he's not here," Yankees captain Derek Jeter said. "It's going to be weird not having him here. He's been a part of this team since 2004, so it's going to be awkward."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that he has been keeping in touch with Rodriguez, who could rejoin the big league roster after the All-Star break.

"I keep in touch with him to see how he's doing and make sure he's rehabbing," Girardi said. "Everything's going good."

Yanks counting on Hafner's bat to be a force

TAMPA, Fla. -- Every spring, Travis Hafner receives a shipment that packs in a couple of first basemen's gloves, sent to his team just in case. He hasn't needed to break one in lately.

"Usually people that need first-base mitts will call me, because they know," Hafner said.

An arthritic right elbow has kept Hafner out of the field since 2007, and the 35-year-old said that he has not done much throwing over the past five seasons.

While Hafner said that he felt "great" physically as he reported for his first day as a Yankee, manager Joe Girardi made it clear that the only equipment required of the left-handed slugger will be his bats.

"He's a DH," said Girardi, who then twice spelled out emphatically, "D ... H."

Hafner has been limited to an average of 86 games over the past five seasons due to injuries. The Yankees will try to keep Hafner healthy by using him as a DH against right-handed pitching, with hopes of having his lefty stroke do serious damage in Yankee Stadium.

"I think that's a really good fit," Hafner said. "I think it was the best spot for me."

Hafner played the last 10 seasons with the Indians, for whom he hit 200 big league homers, and he said that the chance of playing for a championship in New York was very appealing.

"I've only been to the playoffs once in the last 10 years," Hafner said. "I know here we have a great chance, and I'm very excited about that and looking forward to the opportunity. That was probably No. 1 on the list, just having a great chance to win."

Teixeira hopes early spring start means fast open

TAMPA, Fla. -- Mark Teixeira hopes that revving up earlier to play in the World Baseball Classic will help him avoid a sluggish start to his season.

Teixeira is one of two Yankees participating in the tournament, joining second baseman Robinson Cano. He said that once he committed to the Classic, Teixeira reached out to hitting coach Kevin Long and wanted to speed up his preparation for the season.

"When I found out I was going to play in the WBC, I called K-Long and said, 'Let's not build up to Opening Day; let's build up to the WBC and the first of March,'" Teixeira said. "I think that will be good. There's never really a sense of urgency because Spring Training is six weeks long.

"Now I kind of have two weeks to get ready, so I'm in great shape. I have no problem kind of ramping up the baseball activities, making sure my swing is right and my timing is right. Hopefully, it's going to be great for the WBC."

Teixeira also said that the quick start "absolutely" could ward off the April struggles that have marked his career; last year, it was slowed by a nagging cough, Teixeira hit just .244 with a .290 on-base percentage in the season's first month.

"I spend almost all offseason and all Spring Training lifting weights very hard, getting my body in shape for 162," Teixeira said. "Because of that, I think [in] April I'm a little tight, maybe a little sore. This year, I've cut back on that.

"I'm not really going to get any stronger as I get older. I just want to keep that strength, keep that flexibility, so I've cut back a little bit on the weightlifting already to make sure I'm not tight for the beginning of the season."

Kelley wants to show Yanks what he can do

TAMPA, Fla. -- One of the first orders of business for new Yankees pitcher Shawn Kelley was picking a new uniform number. No. 23, which he wore for the Mariners, has been off-limits here since Don Mattingly's days.

Kelley settled into Yanks camp with No. 27 on his back, and now the right-hander is hoping to get a chance to show it off in New York when the season begins.

"I'm excited. You don't always get a chance to put on the pinstripes and play for an organization like this," Kelley said. "Seattle was a great organization, great people, but I'm excited for a new start and the challenges that come with pitching for the Yankees."

Kelley was acquired from the Mariners last week for Minor League outfielder Abraham Almonte and said that the trade developed quickly.

He had already reported to camp with the Mariners in Phoenix, but he didn't mind having to fly to Florida. After two Tommy John surgeries, Kelley said he is happy just to be healthy and pitching.

"As far as I know, I'm just one of the guys here competing for a spot," Kelley said. "I'll just show them what I'm about in the spring and see what happens. Hopefully, I get to pitch in Yankee Stadium."

Bomber bits

• Infield prospect David Adams will be sidelined for "a couple of weeks" of big league camp while he rehabs a back injury, according to manager Joe Girardi. The 25-year-old Adams played last year at Double-A Trenton, batting .306 in 86 games.

In July 2010, Adams was nearly traded to the Mariners in a package for left-hander Cliff Lee, but Seattle called the deal off because Adams was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain. The injury was later revealed to have been an ankle fracture.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

23.49 | 0 komentar | Read More