Who's going?
Derek Jeter: USA
Jeter is going to be representing the United States next week along with many other US natives from around the league. Derek did not play four years ago when this event first was developed. He wanted to stay with the Yankees and he believe that leaving his team in probably the most important time of camp was not necessary and his main concern is his teammates in NY. Do I blame Jeter for changing his mind? Not at all. This is a way that Derek can represent the red, white and blue and give his talents toward a new team besides the Bronx Bombers. Since he came up in 1995 he has never dawned another uniform except for during All-Star weekends. As team captain I can see questioning his decision to leave the team for this period of time, but the Yankees will continue to work and he will continue to build his game even away from Tampa.
Alex Rodriguez & Robinson Cano: Dominican Republic
I won't get on a soap box about Alex and the off season that he has had in store for him. I will make one simple comment and that is all you will here out of me because I feel that it is waste of media coverage and a topic that has been gone about in the wrong and very unprofessional way. Alex and Robinson have looked good in the first two games of the Yankees spring schedule. Cano has looked very well out at second base not committing an error. Alex took a pitch yard in the first game yesterday and today was a little more quiet. The Dominican team is definitely better off having these two guys as half of their infield and the Yankees will give some younger guys a look across the diamond in their absence.
Who's staying?
Mark Teixeira 1B
Mark was one of NY's top pickups this season signing him to a huge contract over 8 years for 180 million dollars. He has selected not to participate in this years World Baseball Classic. He just got to a new team. The Yankees advised him not to go and that his duties with the team in camp should be taken into deeper consideration. First base has been a position that has haunted the Yankees since Donny baseball left and finally a guy who someday probably will surpass the stature of such a great ball player. Joe Girardi decided that the #3 spot in the lineup was Mark's and is the best fit for a player of his ability. A switch hitter and really a dominant hitter from both sides of the plate. He is my pick as the most valuable addition to New York's roster in 2009. Yes, even over CC.
Jorge Posada C/1B/DH
I list his positions like that because right now, I don't think that Girardi and the Yankees know what he is going to be doing come April. He was in the DH spot today and took the first pitch he saw to the grass beyond the wall in right center. His next at-bat, a ground-rule double to straight away center. He is seeing the ball well and with that surgically repaired shoulder, he definitely looks to be feeling better but still not ready to gear up and get behind the plate. I doubt you will see him at first after Texeira came to town. Hey-Hey Jorge will still be chanted from the bleacher creatures this season, just not sure how many days a week he will be in the lineup. He is slated to get behind the plate March 15th for the first time since his surgery.
The Yankees pitching staff is obviously much improved this year. Phil Hughes looked great today in 2 innings of work not allowing a hit or a run. He walked one and hit two batters but worked out of trouble in both innings. The starting rotation looks something like this as announced by Joe Girardi...
CC Sabathia
Chien-Mng Wang
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Joba Chamberlin
Things seem to be in place for the Yankees. Time will certainly tell and the loss of a few big names could play a factor in team chemistry come time for Opening Day.
