Phelps focused on strikes, not his role with Yanks

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 2/27/2014 7:16 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- David Phelps is coming into camp competing to win the fifth-starter vacancy in the Yankees' rotation, but the right-hander feels confident that he will help the pitching staff no matter how he is utilized.

"It's kind of the same thing I've been saying -- this is the third year now," Phelps said. "My job is to go out there and get guys out, regardless of my role. I haven't changed the way I approach the season anyway, I'm just going out there and trying to get on a roll, throw strikes. Regardless of my role, that's how I'm going to approach it."

Phelps started for the Yankees in Thursday's 8-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates, serving up a solo home run to Gregory Polanco in two innings. Phelps allowed two hits with no walks and four strikeouts, throwing 20 of 30 pitches for strikes.

"I felt really good today," Phelps said. "I was throwing strikes, and that was the biggest thing I wanted to take out of today. I didn't get behind too many guys, and the fastball command was there. For day one, I'll take it."

Phelps is competing with Michael Pineda, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno to win the final slot in the rotation. Yankees manager Joe Girardi has suggested that some of those contenders could wind up in a relief role, which is an assignment that Phelps has also filled.

"It's great just being back out there," Phelps said. "It's one thing throwing BP and throwing sim games, but when you're out there with an actual umpire, and no screen, no nets, and you're really playing the game, it definitely gets your heart pumping a little bit more."

Cervelli posts photo calling for peace in Venezuela

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli engaged with social media to show support for his troubled homeland on Thursday, posting a picture with several teammates pleading for peace in Venezuela.

It has been reported that 16 people have died as protests of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government become increasingly violent. In the photo Cervelli posted to Instagram, he is clutching a corner of Venezuela's flag among hand-written signs reading, "Paz," or peace.

"All of my friends have been doing that on the other teams," Cervelli said. "I think we're not trying to be in politics or whatever, because I don't believe in politics, I just play baseball.

"But I care about my people. My mom and dad are still there, and I'm always praying for them to be safe every day. It's a little message just for peace and no more people dead."

Four other Venezuelan members of the Yankees' roster are in the picture: catcher Francisco Arcia and infielders Jose Gil, Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte. Bullpen catcher Roman Rodriguez also took part.

In addition, Yankees stars CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki posed for the photo. Cervelli said that his teammates wanted to show support for the cause.

"Latin people have always been one," Cervelli said. "We are brothers, and everywhere we go, we make noise. We talk loud. That's the way we do things; and the music. We had other guys, [Ichiro] from Japan, [Sabathia] from here.

"I spend more time with these guys than my family, so we are a family. These are the people I have been working [with] for the last four years, so I think everybody feels the same thing."

Johnson: Teaming with Jeter is amazing

TAMPA, Fla. -- When Derek Jeter was on these same fields in the spring of 1996, convincing Yankees officials that he was a starting shortstop, Kelly Johnson was an eighth-grader at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas.

So as Jeter took the field for his final spring home opener nearly two decades later, Johnson said that it was a surreal moment to turn his head left and realize that he was playing third base with Jeter at shortstop.

"I was in high school watching these guys step out on the field for the first time. I was their biggest fan," Johnson said. "I'm watching everything they do, Derek absolutely included. To be playing next to him and being on the same team is pretty amazing."

Johnson said that he was a shortstop in high school, so he paid close attention to all of the young shortstops around the league -- Jeter, of course, as well as players like Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.

"Anybody that plays for the Yankees, you know who they are, even if you're not a fan," Johnson said. "When he was a rookie, you were definitely aware of Derek Jeter. Remember, that was also when all the other big-time shortstops, that was the big thing."

Johnson said that as an opponent, Jeter always made time to say hello to players on the other team, even rookies with only a few days of big league service under their belts. Johnson said that he has already learned that Jeter seems to be even more fun as a teammate.

"It's a long year. He keeps it light and has fun," Johnson said. "You can tell that this is where he's wanted to be his whole life. It really shows."

Bombers bits

• Dressed in his full pinstripes for Thursday's Grapefruit League game, Brian Roberts said that he got a strange look from the Pirates' Chris Dickerson, who was a teammate of Roberts' with the Orioles last season.

"Dude, you just look weird,'" Dickerson told Roberts.

Roberts acknowledged that it is an adjustment to be dressing in navy blue pinstripes instead of black and orange, but he said that staying in the American League East and knowing Yankee Stadium well should help.

"I think in some ways I just feel strange," Roberts said. "But I think if I was putting on a San Diego Padres uniform, it would be even more weird."

• Left-hander Francisco Rondon (back) is "probably down for a couple of weeks," according to Girardi. Rondon felt stiffness while warming up on Wednesday in Bradenton, Fla.

• Right-hander Jose Ramirez had MRIs performed Thursday on his oblique and back. He was sidelined last season with an oblique injury that was originally thought to be a back issue.

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.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cervelli posts photo calling for peace in Venezuela

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 2/27/2014 7:16 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli engaged with social media to show support for his troubled homeland on Thursday, posting a picture with several teammates pleading for peace in Venezuela.

It has been reported that 16 people have died as protests of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government become increasingly violent. In the photo Cervelli posted to Instagram, he is clutching a corner of Venezuela's flag among hand-written signs reading, "Paz," or peace.

"All of my friends have been doing that on the other teams," Cervelli said. "I think we're not trying to be in politics or whatever, because I don't believe in politics, I just play baseball.

"But I care about my people. My mom and dad are still there, and I'm always praying for them to be safe every day. It's a little message just for peace and no more people dead."

Four other Venezuelan members of the Yankees' roster are in the picture: catcher Francisco Arcia and infielders Jose Gil, Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte. Bullpen catcher Roman Rodriguez also took part.

In addition, Yankees stars CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki posed for the photo. Cervelli said that his teammates wanted to show support for the cause.

"Latin people have always been one," Cervelli said. "We are brothers, and everywhere we go, we make noise. We talk loud. That's the way we do things; and the music. We had other guys, [Ichiro] from Japan, [Sabathia] from here.

"I spend more time with these guys than my family, so we are a family. These are the people I have been working [with] for the last four years, so I think everybody feels the same thing."

Phelps focused on strikes, not his role with Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- David Phelps is coming into camp competing to win the fifth-starter vacancy in the Yankees' rotation, but the right-hander feels confident that he will help the pitching staff no matter how he is utilized.

"It's kind of the same thing I've been saying -- this is the third year now," Phelps said. "My job is to go out there and get guys out, regardless of my role. I haven't changed the way I approach the season anyway, I'm just going out there and trying to get on a roll, throw strikes. Regardless of my role, that's how I'm going to approach it."

Phelps started for the Yankees in Thursday's 8-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates, serving up a solo home run to Gregory Polanco in two innings. Phelps allowed two hits with no walks and four strikeouts, throwing 20 of 30 pitches for strikes.

"I felt really good today," Phelps said. "I was throwing strikes, and that was the biggest thing I wanted to take out of today. I didn't get behind too many guys, and the fastball command was there. For day one, I'll take it."

Phelps is competing with Michael Pineda, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno to win the final slot in the rotation. Yankees manager Joe Girardi has suggested that some of those contenders could wind up in a relief role, which is an assignment that Phelps has also filled.

"It's great just being back out there," Phelps said. "It's one thing throwing BP and throwing sim games, but when you're out there with an actual umpire, and no screen, no nets, and you're really playing the game, it definitely gets your heart pumping a little bit more."

Johnson: Teaming with Jeter is amazing

TAMPA, Fla. -- When Derek Jeter was on these same fields in the spring of 1996, convincing Yankees officials that he was a starting shortstop, Kelly Johnson was an eighth-grader at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas.

So as Jeter took the field for his final spring home opener nearly two decades later, Johnson said that it was a surreal moment to turn his head left and realize that he was playing third base with Jeter at shortstop.

"I was in high school watching these guys step out on the field for the first time. I was their biggest fan," Johnson said. "I'm watching everything they do, Derek absolutely included. To be playing next to him and being on the same team is pretty amazing."

Johnson said that he was a shortstop in high school, so he paid close attention to all of the young shortstops around the league -- Jeter, of course, as well as players like Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.

"Anybody that plays for the Yankees, you know who they are, even if you're not a fan," Johnson said. "When he was a rookie, you were definitely aware of Derek Jeter. Remember, that was also when all the other big-time shortstops, that was the big thing."

Johnson said that as an opponent, Jeter always made time to say hello to players on the other team, even rookies with only a few days of big league service under their belts. Johnson said that he has already learned that Jeter seems to be even more fun as a teammate.

"It's a long year. He keeps it light and has fun," Johnson said. "You can tell that this is where he's wanted to be his whole life. It really shows."

Bombers bits

• Dressed in his full pinstripes for Thursday's Grapefruit League game, Brian Roberts said that he got a strange look from the Pirates' Chris Dickerson, who was a teammate of Roberts' with the Orioles last season.

"Dude, you just look weird,'" Dickerson told Roberts.

Roberts acknowledged that it is an adjustment to be dressing in navy blue pinstripes instead of black and orange, but he said that staying in the American League East and knowing Yankee Stadium well should help.

"I think in some ways I just feel strange," Roberts said. "But I think if I was putting on a San Diego Padres uniform, it would be even more weird."

• Left-hander Francisco Rondon (back) is "probably down for a couple of weeks," according to Girardi. Rondon felt stiffness while warming up on Wednesday in Bradenton, Fla.

• Right-hander Jose Ramirez had MRIs performed Thursday on his oblique and back. He was sidelined last season with an oblique injury that was originally thought to be a back issue.

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.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Johnson: Teaming with Jeter is amazing

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 2/27/2014 7:16 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- When Derek Jeter was on these same fields in the spring of 1996, convincing Yankees officials that he was a starting shortstop, Kelly Johnson was an eighth-grader at Westwood High School in Austin, Texas.

So as Jeter took the field for his final spring home opener nearly two decades later, Johnson said that it was a surreal moment to turn his head left and realize that he was playing third base with Jeter at shortstop.

"I was in high school watching these guys step out on the field for the first time. I was their biggest fan," Johnson said. "I'm watching everything they do, Derek absolutely included. To be playing next to him and being on the same team is pretty amazing."

Johnson said that he was a shortstop in high school, so he paid close attention to all of the young shortstops around the league -- Jeter, of course, as well as players like Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.

"Anybody that plays for the Yankees, you know who they are, even if you're not a fan," Johnson said. "When he was a rookie, you were definitely aware of Derek Jeter. Remember, that was also when all the other big-time shortstops, that was the big thing."

Johnson said that as an opponent, Jeter always made time to say hello to players on the other team, even rookies with only a few days of big league service under their belts. Johnson said that he has already learned that Jeter seems to be even more fun as a teammate.

"It's a long year. He keeps it light and has fun," Johnson said. "You can tell that this is where he's wanted to be his whole life. It really shows."

Phelps focused on strikes, not his role with Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- David Phelps is coming into camp competing to win the fifth-starter vacancy in the Yankees' rotation, but the right-hander feels confident that he will help the pitching staff no matter how he is utilized.

"It's kind of the same thing I've been saying -- this is the third year now," Phelps said. "My job is to go out there and get guys out, regardless of my role. I haven't changed the way I approach the season anyway, I'm just going out there and trying to get on a roll, throw strikes. Regardless of my role, that's how I'm going to approach it."

Phelps started for the Yankees in Thursday's 8-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Pirates, serving up a solo home run to Gregory Polanco in two innings. Phelps allowed two hits with no walks and four strikeouts, throwing 20 of 30 pitches for strikes.

"I felt really good today," Phelps said. "I was throwing strikes, and that was the biggest thing I wanted to take out of today. I didn't get behind too many guys, and the fastball command was there. For day one, I'll take it."

Phelps is competing with Michael Pineda, Adam Warren and Vidal Nuno to win the final slot in the rotation. Yankees manager Joe Girardi has suggested that some of those contenders could wind up in a relief role, which is an assignment that Phelps has also filled.

"It's great just being back out there," Phelps said. "It's one thing throwing BP and throwing sim games, but when you're out there with an actual umpire, and no screen, no nets, and you're really playing the game, it definitely gets your heart pumping a little bit more."

Cervelli posts photo calling for peace in Venezuela

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli engaged with social media to show support for his troubled homeland on Thursday, posting a picture with several teammates pleading for peace in Venezuela.

It has been reported that 16 people have died as protests of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government become increasingly violent. In the photo Cervelli posted to Instagram, he is clutching a corner of Venezuela's flag among hand-written signs reading, "Paz," or peace.

"All of my friends have been doing that on the other teams," Cervelli said. "I think we're not trying to be in politics or whatever, because I don't believe in politics, I just play baseball.

"But I care about my people. My mom and dad are still there, and I'm always praying for them to be safe every day. It's a little message just for peace and no more people dead."

Four other Venezuelan members of the Yankees' roster are in the picture: catcher Francisco Arcia and infielders Jose Gil, Jose Pirela and Yangervis Solarte. Bullpen catcher Roman Rodriguez also took part.

In addition, Yankees stars CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki posed for the photo. Cervelli said that his teammates wanted to show support for the cause.

"Latin people have always been one," Cervelli said. "We are brothers, and everywhere we go, we make noise. We talk loud. That's the way we do things; and the music. We had other guys, [Ichiro] from Japan, [Sabathia] from here.

"I spend more time with these guys than my family, so we are a family. These are the people I have been working [with] for the last four years, so I think everybody feels the same thing."

Bombers bits

• Dressed in his full pinstripes for Thursday's Grapefruit League game, Brian Roberts said that he got a strange look from the Pirates' Chris Dickerson, who was a teammate of Roberts' with the Orioles last season.

"Dude, you just look weird,'" Dickerson told Roberts.

Roberts acknowledged that it is an adjustment to be dressing in navy blue pinstripes instead of black and orange, but he said that staying in the American League East and knowing Yankee Stadium well should help.

"I think in some ways I just feel strange," Roberts said. "But I think if I was putting on a San Diego Padres uniform, it would be even more weird."

• Left-hander Francisco Rondon (back) is "probably down for a couple of weeks," according to Girardi. Rondon felt stiffness while warming up on Wednesday in Bradenton, Fla.

• Right-hander Jose Ramirez had MRIs performed Thursday on his oblique and back. He was sidelined last season with an oblique injury that was originally thought to be a back issue.

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.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mo honored Yanks coming to 'my beloved Panama'

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | 2/26/2014 4:47 P.M. ET

Former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is going back home to Panama next month, and he's taking his former teammates with him for a legendary weekend.

The "Legend Series" between the Yankees and the Marlins will be played March 15-16 at Panama City's Rod Carew Stadium, marking Major League Baseball's first visit to the country since 1947. The games, a rematch of the 2003 World Series, will honor the legacy of Rivera, who retired last season as baseball's all-time saves leader.

The "Legends Series" games count as part of the teams' Spring Training schedule.

"It means a lot to me and I want to thank the teams, because it's an honor and privilege to have the Marlins and my ex-teammates in my beloved Panama," said Rivera, who is serving as an ambassador for the event. "It's been a dream to have games in Panama. It's going to be great to be able to have these games there."

The "Legends Series" will also include charitable events and a gala that will benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation. Proceeds will go to Children's Hospital in Panama City, the country's largest pediatric hospital. It's a cause close to Rivera's heart. The former closer said he has devoted much of his time to his family, charity and his church since retiring.

"I hope these games can help youth of Panama and motivate them by seeing professionals play," Rivera said. "They need to study, of course, but also do sports, and stay out of the streets. Baseball is not easy, but it's a beautiful sport and I know this is going to be something spectacular. I hope the country takes advantage of it and enjoys something we have not seen in years."

Rivera admits it would have been nice to play in Panama with the Yankees before he retired, but he does not regret walking away from the game. Yes, Rivera misses the competition and being around his teammates at times, but he's happy spending time with his wife and children.

"I'm not on the 25-man roster anymore, but my heart will always be with the Yankees," Rivera said.

The future Hall of Fame pitcher said he is especially looking forward to catching up with Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who recently announced that 2014 will be his final season. Rivera said he hasn't called his old friend yet, because he wants to congratulate him on his career in person.

"I didn't see [Jeter's retirement] coming at all," Rivera said. "For sure, I was one of the guys that thought you would have to pull uniform off of his body to take him out, but I was wrong. It was a surprise to me, but at the same time, he's happy and I'm happy. I just wish him the best. I just continue to pray for him all year so he can enjoy his retirement."

Panama will become the seventh country to host games between two Major League teams behind Mexico, Japan, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela and China. Hall of Fame manager Joe McCarthy and members of the Yankees trained in Panama in February 1946 and played against a Panamanian professional league All-Star team.

The Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers played exhibition games in Panama during a trip that also included stops in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela in 1947.

Could Major League Baseball open the season in Panama one day? Rivera sure hopes so.

"I hope we can do can do something like that eventually, start the season in Panama," Rivera said. "It would be great for us Panamanians to have that blessing of big league games in Panama."

Those thinking Rivera will pitch sometime during the Legends Series need to think again.

"No, not a chance," Rivera said. "No chance."

Jesse Sanchez is a national reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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First game out of the way for Yanks' prized newcomers

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The opening inning of the Yankees' first Grapefruit League contest featured new leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury working a seven-pitch walk, then racing home when new catcher Brian McCann ripped a sharp single to center field.

That's a formula the Yankees could get used to. Three of the team's prized winter additions made their debuts in a 6-5 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday at McKechnie Field, as Ellsbury, McCann and Carlos Beltran continue to get acclimated to their new surroundings.

"It's exciting, getting on base and having these type of hitters hit behind you," Ellsbury said. "That's one of the big reasons I signed over here, for the opportunity to hopefully compete each year in the postseason."

Ellsbury walked twice, legged out an infield single and scored two runs while playing center field. McCann caught four innings and finished the day 1-for-2, and Beltran fouled out, struck out and grounded out.

"These are proven players," manager Joe Girardi said. "You learn a little bit about their personalities when you see them, but I have a pretty good idea of what they can do. I saw Jacoby enough. I know exactly what he can do. It's good to see them and to have discussions with them as things are going on."

In Girardi's mind, the three additions should improve a lineup that produced 650 runs last season, the Yankees' lowest total since 1991. McCann was the first upgrade to arrive, as the veteran All-Star agreed to a five-year, $85 million contract in November.

McCann had plenty of notice that his days with the Braves were drawing to a close, but even so, he strapped on the shinguards on Wednesday and acknowledged feeling differently from how he typically would for the first game of the spring.

"It was awesome. I was a little nervous," McCann said. "I felt good. Any time you put another uniform and go out for the first time, you get those butterflies. To get that out of the way, to get that first step, was nice."

Ellsbury inked his seven-year, $153 million deal shortly after McCann tried on his pinstripes during a Yankee Stadium news conference, and the former Red Sox sparkplug cheered when the Yankees finished their three-year, $45 million pact with Beltran.

"Each time we signed a new guy, I got a lot of phone calls," Ellsbury said. "It was important for me to sign early, but to see what they did after I signed made it that much more enjoyable in the offseason, knowing what kind of talent we're putting out on that field."

With substitutions beginning in the fifth inning on Wednesday, Beltran, Ellsbury and McCann completed their conditioning together, chugging through the outfield grass while the game continued.

Beyond the handful of innings they played on an overcast afternoon, the newest Yankees should be able to forge a bond just by spending time in the same clubhouses across the state of Florida.

"I'm new here, but there's a lot of new faces, a lot of new guys," Beltran said. "But they're guys who have been in the league for a long time. I know them. We just have to get used to playing together."

Beltran looks at Spring Training as a chance to work on his timing, so feel free to ignore Wednesday's results. He himself won't pay any real attention to his statistics until the season begins.

"I just want to feel solid at the plate, like my lower body is working," he said. "In Spring Training, you want to do well and want to get good results, but at the same time, I try not to focus on that. I try to focus on the way I feel at the plate."

Playing his first contest since the clinching game of last year's World Series, Ellsbury said it was "exciting" to get back to facing pitching at game speed following a few sun-splashed afternoons of batting practice in Tampa.

He showed patience in his first two at-bats, facing Bucs hurlers Francisco Liriano and Edinson Volquez, then reached on an infield single off Bryan Morris in the fifth inning.

"For the most part, I like to see as many pitches as I can in Spring Training," Ellsbury said. "At the same time, I still want to be aggressive in the zone, so there's a fine line. I think it worked out great."

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.

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Learning process ramps up for McCann

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The long feeling-out process between pitcher and catcher began in earnest on Wednesday for Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova and his new catcher, Brian McCann.

It was the first time Nova threw in a game to McCann, who signed a five-year, $85 million free-agent contract this past offseason and who just turned 30. And one by one, McCann will do the same with Yankees pitchers, from the veteran CC Sabathia to the heralded Masahiro Tanaka to new closer David Robertson.

First impressions were positive.

"[McCann] is great. He gives me a nice, low target," said Nova, who threw the first 36 pitches of 2014 for his club, as the Yankees opened the Grapefruit League season with a 6-5 loss to the Pirates at McKechnie Field. "I told him, 'For the first time, you give me the sign, and I'm going to throw it to you.' The way he called the game, I really liked it."

McCann is not a novice. He came to New York after nine seasons in Atlanta, where he built an impressive resume: seven selections to the National League All-Star team -- including the MVP hardware for the 2010 game at Angel Stadium -- and five Silver Sluggers.

He is a .277 hitter with a .991 fielding percentage, and he has thrown out 24 percent of would-be basestealers.

McCann is also well liked by his peers. He has been consistently voted as an All-Star by the players, which is all anyone needs to know about how much respect he generated around the Senior Circuit.

Despite all this, he is soft-spoken. There's no braggadocio at all. When told of Nova's remarks, McCann said that he is new on a team, with a new staff, and has to earn their respect.

"I hope my background generated some [respect], but that takes time," he said. "I've got to show them what I'm about, and that all takes time. This is Day 1 of a long Spring Training, which is really good for me and the pitchers to get some work in."

McCann's new life with the Yankees started well, as he singled home Jacoby Ellsbury in the first inning. In the bottom of the frame, Nova was a little erratic, walking Martin, and when the count went to 3-0 on reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, McCann went to the mound to have a little chat with his pitcher.

"I was just trying to slow him down," McCann said. "He was pulling his four-seamer a little bit. I just wanted to get him [to pitch] down in the zone."

"I was getting a little bit too quick," Nova added. "He just wanted me to slow down, take it easy."

Nova wound up throwing a pair of strikes before McCutchen singled, but he struck out Pedro Alvarez with runners on first and second and ultimately pitched out of the inning without allowing a run.

Those are small gains, and nothing can replace experience. Asked if he understands how to handle a pitcher by looking at videos or with a touch of sensory perception, McCann said, "Just catching for quite a while now, understanding what works and what doesn't. I've caught [1,046] games. The name of this game is to stay ahead and dictate counts. When he's got that two-seamer working, he's going to get a lot of ground balls."

McCann did spend the offseason looking at videos of Yankees pitchers after the signing became official on Dec. 3. He picked up arm angles and tendencies, how a hurler pitches with runners on base or behind in the count. Since camp opened earlier this month, he's caught them in bullpen sessions and has begun to understand how each physically approaches his job.

But nothing replaces the experience of working together in a game, beginning with Nova on Wednesday.

"Nothing can simulate a game," McCann said. "Nothing can simulate when there's a guy on third base or there are bases loaded with none out and you have to get that double play. Nothing can really simulate that. Game speed, game action is the only thing that can really get you ready for what you need to do."

There's also the stature of the pitcher. Nova, at 27, is still trying to find his way. He has pitched in parts of four seasons for the Yankees. He dealt with injuries and regressed in 2013, and even had to return to the Minors before showing flashes of his former brilliance during the second half.

He's working to find himself, and even with manager Joe Girardi designating him this spring as a member of the rotation, he doesn't feel secure.

"I don't have nothing, man," Nova said. "Nothing yet."

Enter the steadying hand of McCann.

"We have eight weeks together now to figure it all out," McCann said. "To figure out what he likes to do in what situations, what makes him tick, what makes him throw strikes. We have plenty of time to get that ironed out, but for Day 1, I think, it was a good start."

Barry M. Bloom is national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball. Follow @boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Nuno fans three in Yankees' win over Seminoles

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 2/25/2014 4:57 P.M. ET

Catcher Gary Sanchez contributed an RBI; FSU's Heisman winner-turned-baseball player Jameis Winston went 0-for-2. (AP)

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees' Spring Training dress rehearsal is officially in the books. New York opened its exhibition schedule on Tuesday with an 8-3 victory over the Florida State Seminoles at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

The contest was well attended by Florida State fans, who dominated the grandstands in their colors of garnet and gold. Yankees manager Joe Girardi remarked that it was the first time he'd ever seen the Bombers' own iconic colors outnumbered in the seats.

"I think it's fun," Girardi said. "It's enjoyable to see the kids. Obviously, I think it's enjoyable for them, to play kind of a local school -- most of their kids are from Florida. You could tell who had family [in attendance], because when they came in the game, that whole section would go kind of nuts."

Kicking off his bid to make the big league roster out of camp, left-hander Vidal Nuno started for the Yankees and was credited with the victory. He threw two scoreless innings around an infield single, walking none and striking out three.

Nuno threw 17 of his 26 pitches for strikes and said he did not feel much different facing a college team instead of a big league squad for his first outing of the spring.

"Not really. It's just, don't change your approach," Nuno said. "I didn't change my approach. You just start throwing strikes and get them off balance."

Ramon Flores homered for the Yankees, who also received RBI doubles from Dean Anna and John Ryan Murphy.

The contest marked the first meeting between the Yankees and the Seminoles since 1958, when New York defeated Florida State, 7-3, in a game that was played in Tallahassee, Fla.

Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston entered the game as a defensive replacement for Florida State in the fifth inning, playing left field. He grounded out to second base facing right-hander Shane Greene in the fifth inning, breaking his bat during the plate appearance, and worked the count full before striking out looking against Bryan Mitchell in the eighth.

"My favorite part of the day was just being out here, being around a bunch of big league guys," Winston said. "They proved it; they beat us. We were looking forward to giving them a good game and seeing those guys, just getting the opportunity to be on the same field as them."

Winston said that baseball continues to be a passion for him and that he has entertained thoughts of pursuing both baseball and football professionally, following in the paths of dual-sport athletes like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.

As it was, Winston was able to fulfill one lifelong dream on Tuesday, meeting Yankees captain Derek Jeter. Jeter and Jorge Posada posed for a photograph with Winston outside the visiting clubhouse as they left the stadium.

"I was kind of star-struck," Winston said. "I just kept telling him it was an honor to meet him -- and it really was. I guess it feels like when I talk to little kids, how they feel sometimes. Sometimes they'll be speechless and that's how I was with Mr. Jeter."

New York is scheduled to play its first Grapefruit League game on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla.

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.

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New faces take center stage in Grapefruit opener

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees spent the winter months working to repopulate their clubhouse, seeking out star players with solid track records in hopes of assembling the caliber of club that could bring a 28th World Series title to the Bronx.

Those additions came with a hefty price tag, but the Yankees believe that they were worthwhile investments. Manager Joe Girardi will be able to see some of his newest players in action on Wednesday, when the Yankees open their Grapefruit League schedule against the Pirates in Bradenton, Fla., at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Catcher Brian McCann, center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and right fielder Carlos Beltran are all scheduled to make the trip, representing three highlights of the offseason spending spree and a combined $283 million in salary commitments.

"It's good to see. [We'll] get to see them in our uniform, guys that have had success other places," Girardi said. "I'm excited to see it."

Right-hander Ivan Nova is scheduled to make the start, opposed by left-hander Francisco Liriano. The Yankees opened their home slate with an 8-3 exhibition win over Florida State University on Tuesday.

New York is scheduled to host Pittsburgh on Thursday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, a contest that will be Derek Jeter's first of the year. That game can be watched on MLB.TV and YES, and heard via Gameday Audio and WFAN.

McCann was New York's first big target, landing a five-year, $85 million pact in November. Upgrading behind the plate was a priority for the Yankees, and they are counting on the fact that McCann -- who hit at least 20 homers in each of the past six seasons for the Braves -- will make a smooth transition to the American League.

"They were the first ones to call," McCann said of the Yankees. "Right away, they said they wanted to come get me. Once I came to New York and met all the guys, it was a great experience, so it just kind of went from there."

McCann was thrilled by the pace of the offseason. With money to spend, the Yankees moved on to chase Ellsbury, Beltran and right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, as well as other complementary additions, including Brian Roberts, Kelly Johnson and Matt Thornton.

"It seemed like every other week we were getting another great free agent," McCann said. "So already, with the team that they had here, with [Mark Teixeira] coming back and Jeter coming back, you look around, and it's a very exciting team."

Ellsbury agreed to a seven-year, $153 million deal in early December, coming off the free-agent board before the Winter Meetings. The speedy leadoff hitter promises to provide a dynamic presence in the order, trading his Red Sox uniform to begin a new chapter in pinstripes.

"I'm the same player from day one when I signed," Ellsbury said. "That's the mentality I'm going to take. You play the game hard, you play the game the right way, good things are going to happen."

Recognizing that his time in Boston was likely coming to an end, Ellsbury signed with the Yankees because he believes that the organization will give him a chance to add a championship ring to his collection.

"Once you get a taste of that one time -- and fortunately, I've had the chance to do it twice -- that's what you go into each year striving for," he said.

Beltran has been itching for the chance to wear a Yankees uniform for quite some time. He met with club executives, including the late Steinbrenner, back in the winter of 2004-05 to pitch his services -- a proposal that the Yankees ultimately passed on.

The eight-time All-Star finally landed his dream gig this winter, signing a three-year, $45 million pact. He made it to his first World Series last October with the Cardinals and expects to make at least one more trip.

"I look at the team, I look at our situation and the players that we have, and we have a pretty good chance," Beltran said. "Last year I experienced being in the playoffs and being in the World Series with the Cardinals, and it was a great feeling. Once you play there, you want to go there every year. Everything starts in Spring Training."

Girardi expects that McCann, Ellsbury and Beltran will each play four or five innings on Wednesday, depending on the length of the frames. Girardi is not concerned about his new stars getting acclimated.

"I don't worry so much about that right now," he said. "As we get further down the road, I'll pay attention to make sure they are comfortable and they feel like they know exactly what is expected of them. But so far, so good."

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.

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Winston 'starstruck' in exhibition vs. Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. -- When a Major League team opens its exhibition schedule against a college team, it usually doesn't attract a crowd of nearly 8,000, a marching band and an overflow press box.

Then again, these early tuneups usually don't feature the reigning Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the defending national championship football team.

So when the Florida State Seminoles showed up at George M. Steinbrenner Field to play the Yankees on Tuesday, it transformed a pleasant Spring Training diversion into a full-blown event. And when Jameis Winston appeared on the field, heads turned in unison. A dozen cameras followed his every move, clicking and whirring.

Winston entered the game as a defensive replacement in left field in the bottom of the fifth inning. He batted twice, grounding out and striking out. He didn't get a chance to pitch because his arm is a little tender. Still, it was one of the most memorable days of his young life, because he played against the team he grew up cheering. Because he met manager Joe Girardi, first baseman Mark Teixeira and former catcher Jorge Posada. And, mostly, because he met Derek Jeter, his favorite ballplayer of all time.

It was enough to turn one of the most acclaimed college football players in the nation, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound 20-year-old, into a child again.

"I was kind of starstruck. I just kept telling him it was an honor to meet him," Winston said of Jeter. "And it really was. I guess it's how little kids feel sometimes when they talk to me. They can be kind of speechless. And that's how I was with Mr. Jeter. He was my favorite, by far, just because he's such a leader to that organization. He's the face of that organization. And I used to be a shortstop back in my day. My favorite number was 2. He's been a huge influence on my life."

There's something fascinating about elite athletes trying to juggle two sports. Four previous Heisman winners -- Vic Janowicz in 1950, Bo Jackson in 1985, Ricky Williams in 1998, Chris Weinke in 2000 -- were also proficient in baseball. Two pro football Hall of Famers, John Elway and Deion Sanders, starred in college. Of that group, only Janowicz, Sanders and Jackson played both sports professionally. Only Jackson made an All-Star team. In all, fewer than 70 men have appeared in at least one MLB and NFL game, among them Jim Thorpe and Brian Jordan.

The degree of difficulty in attempting double duty has only been amped up. Winston is both aware of and unintimidated by that reality.

"Times have changed. I know it was easier back then to play both sports. Athletes have changed, a lot of things have changed, but my mentality is still the same," he said. "I love both. I have a strong passion for both. I've probably had more success in football, but baseball is a passion of mine, and I want to play as long as possible."

Seminoles football coach Jimbo Fisher, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees' 8-3 win, has no problem with his quarterback splitting his time. In fact, he encourages it.

"I think it's great," Fisher said. "I love [multiple]-sport guys. I think you learn to compete in different ways. Each sport is different. Baseball is very good, especially for a quarterback, because it's a game of failure. You're going to fail a lot, and to be able to respond right back and be able to handle a different temperament, I think it actually helps their development. Getting away from the monotony of one sport all the time, I think it helps the players. I really do."

Winston agrees.

"That's one thing that I always take from baseball is the failure part of it," he said. "Baseball is a failure sport, unless you're hot that day. Playing quarterback, if you throw an interception, you can't get down on yourself. You've just got to bounce back and lead your team down the field on a good drive. That's why I love playing both sports, the mental aspect for both. Both sports help me with each other."

Injuries would be a logical worry, but all concerned shrug that off as well.

"That's just part of the game," said Mike Martin, in his 35th year as FSU's head baseball coach. "You can't tell him not to slide. You can't tell him, 'Hey, be careful running into that padded wall.' He's wide open playing baseball, and, of course, wide open playing football. We would never do anything to overuse him. That's the key, in my opinion. And we treat him just like we do the other pitchers. We will not overuse him."

Added Fisher, philosophically: "If he's throwing in practice, a guy can fall into his knee. He can be running a drill in one of our offseason workouts. You see so many ACLs now. He can stick his foot in the ground. I mean, if you sit and worry about injuries, they occur. We'll prepare and train for his body to take those things, and then we'll adjust from there."

Winston had only one at-bat in Florida State's first six games and has given up just one hit in four relief innings, striking out three. Martin believes that pitching is where his baseball future lies.

"I really believe it's going to be easier for him playing two sports to develop as a pitcher/quarterback than he would as an outfielder/quarterback," Martin said. "But like Deion, you don't put anything past these unbelievable athletes. He liable to say, 'I want to play outfield. I want to play quarterback' and go out there and accomplish it. But from an experience standpoint, I got to say pitching/quarterback is easier, because there is so much involved in being an everyday player."

For now, Winston is doing it all and having a blast. He both fit in by picking up batting-practice balls in the cage and stood out by standing and patiently signing autographs after the game was over. Using a wood bat instead of the standard collegiate aluminum model, he was sawed off by Yankees right-hander Shane Wilson in the fifth ... and drew a loud cheer just for breaking his bat.

A year ago, Jameis Winston was a redshirt football player and a largely overlooked baseball player. This year he's a Heisman Trophy winner. A lot has changed, but one thing has remained the same -- his love for baseball.

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

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Levine sees health as Yankees' priority

NEW YORK -- With the start of Spring Training just a couple of weeks away, the Yankees are not finished with the open market, although the big spending for this year may be over, said one of the team's top executives.

"I think for major free agents, we're done," club president Randy Levine told MLB.com during Wednesday night's outdoor NHL game at Yankee Stadium, a 2-1 Rangers win over the Islanders. "But we're always trying to improve the team. That always happens."

It has been an offseason of big spending for the Yanks on major free agents: $486 million worth.

The biggest-ticket items were a seven-year, $153 million deal with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and a seven-year, $155 million contract with Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka. In addition, the Tanaka transaction cost a $20 million posting fee paid to his former club, the Rakuten Golden Eagles.

The Yankees also signed catcher Brian McCann (five years, $85 million), outfielder Carlos Beltran (three years, $45 million), as well as reliever Matt Thornton and infielders Kelly Johnson and Brian Roberts for a total of $12 million in an attempt to remake a team that missed the playoffs for only the second time since the current three-division format was implemented in 1995.

The Yanks also re-signed right-hander Hiroki Kuroda for one year at $16 million.

"I think we're going to be very competitive," Levine said. "We've got a lot of exciting new pieces. Obviously, Tanaka is going to help our pitching staff. We're excited. But between Brian McCann, Carlos Beltran and Jacoby Ellsbury, those are three outstanding players, real character people. Hopefully [Mark Teixeira] gets back, and most importantly, hopefully we don't have the bad luck of injuries we had last year.

"The fact that we were able to overcome that and stay close was really amazing. I just wish for good health this year."

Teixeira, the team's first baseman, missed almost the entire 2013 season with a right wrist injury, and shortstop Derek Jeter missed substantial time after fracturing his left ankle during the 2012 postseason. Unlike last year at this time, when Jeter's ankle was still healing, the captain has been able to undergo a more normal offseason workout program rather than rehab the injury. He has only recently begun to engage in baseball activities.

Jeter's health is one of the biggest questions facing the Yankees as they head to Spring Training in Tampa, Fla. Pitchers and catchers are slated to report on Feb. 13. Jeter will be 40 on June 26, and with 3,316 hits, he's heading into his 20th big league season, all with the Yanks.

"Everything I know about Jeter is that our people are saying he's working out every day and he's healthy," Levine said.

Barry M. Bloom is a national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball. Follow @boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Duckworth, Giese among scouting department adds

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 1/30/2014 12:29 P.M. ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees on Thursday announced five additions to their Major League and professional scouting department, a group that includes former big league pitchers Brandon Duckworth and Dan Giese.

Also joining the Yankees' scouting department are Kendall Carter, Joe Espada and Dennis Twombley.

Duckworth, 38, concluded a 16-year playing career last season. His playing career spanned eight big league seasons with the Phillies (2001-03), Astros (2004-05) and Royals (2006-08). Duckworth pitched the last two seasons for Japan's Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles as a teammate of right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, completing his career by celebrating the 2013 Japan Series title.

Giese, 36, played 12 professional seasons and made 35 big league appearances with the Giants (2007), Yanks ('08) and Athletics ('09). With New York in 2008, Giese was 1-3 with a 3.53 ERA in 17 relief appearances and three starts.

Carter, 53, has been a national cross-checker with the Yankees for the past seven seasons. Carter was the Mariners' west area scout from 1991-95, and he spent 11 years with the D-backs as a western region national supervisor (1996) and national scouting supervisor (1997-2006).

Espada, 38, spent the last eight years as a coach and coordinator in the Marlins' organization, most recently serving as Miami's third-base coach. A former second-round pick of the Athletics in 1996, Espada also served the Marlins as a Minor League hitting coach (2006-07) and Minor League infield coordinator (2008-09).

Twombley, 38, has been an amateur scout in the Yankees' organization for the last six years, and he previously served five years in the same role for the Astros. Twombley was selected by the Yanks in the 1996 First-Year Player Draft and played in 167 games for the organization as a Minor League catcher.

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.

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Around the Horn: Middle infield

With the start of Spring Training just a few weeks away, anticipation is building for the 2014 season. MLB.com will go around the horn to break down each area of the Yankees' roster, continuing with this look at the middle-infield spots.

NEW YORK -- If the best-case scenario plays out concerning the Yankees' middle infield, Derek Jeter and Brian Roberts will bounce back from injury issues and enjoy a healthy, productive year as the team's new double-play combination.

And what if they don't? That's a possibility most in the Bronx would prefer not to think about, not with Jeter trying to close the book on what he called a "nightmare" season and Roberts preparing for the unenviable task of making Yankees fans forget about Robinson Cano.

"My job is to get ready to play," Jeter said earlier this offseason. "That's what my job has always been. I don't make out lineup cards. All I can do is get ready in the offseason, come there and be ready to play. My job is to play short.

"It's always been my job since I've come up. It's still going to be my job. I understand the concerns because of everything that went down last year. I understand that. But I'll be ready to go."

Jeter, of course, was limited to just 17 games last season. He served four stints on the disabled list with complications largely stemming from the left ankle fracture he suffered in Game 1 of the 2012 American League Championship Series against the Tigers.

The 39-year-old captain rushed to be ready for Opening Day and refractured the ankle during Spring Training. He missed the first 91 games of the season, then suffered a strained quadriceps in his first game back on July 11, returning to the disabled list.

A calf strain and lingering discomfort in the ankle followed over the next two months, prompting two more DL assignments and an end to Jeter's season in early September. At the time, Jeter said that a full winter of lower-half conditioning would get him in shape to return to playing shortstop on a regular basis.

So far, all reports have been positive. Jeter has been working out at the Yanks' facility in Tampa, Fla., taking ground balls and batting practice. It's a familiar setting for Jeter, who seemed to fill most of his summer with the same activities at the complex.

"It's good to have a normal offseason and get some work in," said Jeter, who agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract in November. "Everything is normal now."

The best tests will come in game situations. Now more than a year removed from surgery, plenty of observers will be watching Jeter's durability and defensive range. He's up against history: only one player in Jeter's lifetime, Omar Vizquel, has played in 100 games as a shortstop at age 39 or older.

"Given his age and given the severity of the injury, I think we all have concerns," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "But if anybody is going to succeed, it's going to be Derek. Nobody is tougher and nobody is going to work harder to get back."

Big changes are ahead at second base, where Cano was the Yankees' most productive hitter in 2013. Unwilling to match the 10-year, $240 million contract Cano landed with the Mariners, the Yanks capped their bid to keep Cano at seven years and $175 million, money they'd later put into the pockets of Carlos Beltran, Masahiro Tanaka and others.

To fill the void left by Cano's departure, they are rolling the dice that Roberts can have a solid comeback campaign. A two-time All-Star with the Orioles, Roberts signed an incentive-laden $2 million deal with the Yankees in December, representing a low-risk investment and a good challenge for Roberts to stay on the field after he missed 445 games over the last four seasons.

"It was something that appealed to me," Roberts told the YES Network. "I made it pretty clear that my objective, if somebody wanted me to and felt that I still could, was to play second base on a daily basis for the most part. So I think that's my goal, is to be the second baseman the majority of the games, hopefully."

Roberts made the final out at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008, and following a durable start to his career, has been sidelined by abdominal, concussion, hip and hamstring issues since the beginning of the 2010 campaign. The Yankees were encouraged that Roberts finished last year healthy with Baltimore, batting .249 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 77 games.

"I felt like I really should have played a lot more games than I did last year, but I'm excited for the opportunity," Roberts said. "My goal is to come in and try and play as many games as they want me to play, and obviously help us get to where we want as an organization."

The Yankees have cushioned the duo by re-signing defensive whiz Brendan Ryan to a two-year, $5 million contract. Ryan batted .220 in 17 games for the Yanks last year after being acquired from Seattle in a September trade. He'll offer versatility to manager Joe Girardi, having played shortstop, second base and third base during his career.

New York also signed utility player Kelly Johnson to a one-year, $3 million in December. Johnson is currently being looked at as a major part of a platoon at third base, but second base is Johnson's natural position and he plans to continue working there this spring.

The Yankees are trying to hammer down a role for Eduardo Nunez, who played 75 games at shortstop last season and could also get some work at second base. Others who figure to see time in the middle infield this spring include Scott Sizemore, Dean Anna and Corban Joseph.

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.

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