Wells' impact for Yankees difficult to define

TAMPA, Fla. -- Vernon Wells might make the Yankees better, and after waves of bad news, it's at least a step in the right direction. He's a consummate professional and one of the most likable guys in baseball. In a different place and time, he might be a nice addition.

He's exactly the type of player who could find a comfort zone on a contending team. In similar situations, others have been invigorated by the environment and reborn by the lineup. That could be exactly what happened to Ichiro Suzuki after the Yankees acquired him last summer.

At this place and time, though, Wells is a puzzling move for the Yankees because even at a discounted price -- estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million each of the next two seasons -- he's no bargain.

At 34, he has struggled mightily during two years with the Angels, hitting a combined .222 with a .667 OPS. Last season, he batted .232 against right-handed pitching, .227 against lefties.

He might not even be an upgrade over Brennan Boesch, who has been penciled in to play left field for the Yankees. Boesch is seven years younger than Wells and has significantly better numbers the past two seasons: a .261 batting average and .726 OPS.

However, Boesch's decline has been dramatic. He was very solid in 2011 (.799 OPS) and not very good in 2012 (.659 OPS). The Tigers let him go this spring because they hadn't seen enough improvement.

The Yankees took a chance on him, and just when he seemed likely to be in the Opening Day lineup, he pulled a muscle in his side and may not even be available. His absence would put Ben Francisco in left. He, too, had better numbers than Wells the past two seasons.

Francisco has been with five organizations the last nine months, and given Wells' ability to play all three outfield spots well, he's a gamble worth taking unless the financial commitment keeps the Yankees from making a more significant move.

In the end, the Yankees probably are going to get better only if Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and maybe even Alex Rodriguez get healthy and contribute this season.

At the moment, the Yankees believe Granderson will be back sometime in May. As for the other three, there's no way to know when they'll be back or how they'll play.

And now for a defense of the organization. The Yankees are going to be torched over the next few days for spending money now when they declined to spend it this offseason.

That's not fair. Had they known that A-Rod, Jeter, Granderson and Teixeira would all be on the disabled list on Opening Day, the Yankees' offseason might have been different.

Otherwise, they did everything they said they would do. They declined to get into bidding wars for Nick Swisher and Russell Martin and decided not to match the deals Raul Ibanez and Eric Chavez got with the Mariners and D-backs, respectively.

Their blueprint was sound until players started going down. Now they're in a nearly desperate situation, which has led them to acquiring Wells.

Things can still change quickly. Inside the organization, there's optimism that some of their best young talent -- including highly rated prospects Mason Williams and Tyler Austin -- will take big steps toward the Major Leagues this season.

They could end up being trade assets or part of a larger roster overhaul. Relying on them is a different way of doing business, but it's also the plan general manager Brian Cashman laid out more than a year ago because ownership wants him to have the payroll under $189 million by Opening Day 2014.

Given all the franchise's resources to spend on scouting and the Draft and on player development, there's no reason the Yankees can't still compete at the highest levels.

If $189 million doesn't buy a winner, then the organization has problems that have nothing to do with spending. For now, though, almost everything bad that can happen to a franchise has happened to the Yankees. Wells may not save this season, but he's not going to make things worse. All things considered, that's progress.

Richard Justice is a columnist for MLB.com. Read his blog, Justice4U. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Nuno has good chance to break camp with Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Vidal Nuno "has opened everyone's eyes" and is making a run at breaking camp with the Yankees, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

A 25-year-old left-hander who was originally property of the Indians and signed with the Yankees after pitching in independent ball, Nuno has compiled an 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 Grapefruit League innings and may wind up being rewarded with a spot in New York's bullpen.

"I just go day by day, wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, look in the mirror and say, 'You've got to work hard,'" Nuno said. "I don't play the GM, I don't think like that. It's just having another day on the baseball field and putting on the uniform."

Nuno's statistics do not include what he has also done against the Yankees this spring; with the Dominican Republic short on pitching for a March 6 exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Nuno was borrowed by manager Tony Pena's club and spun four hitless innings in a spot start.

For his participation, Nuno -- who grew up near San Diego and is of Mexican descent -- was rewarded with a souvenir Dominican Republic T-shirt and cap. It was a neat footnote in what has been a breakout spring for the hurler, who pitched last year at Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton.

"I don't think or overthrow, and I hit my spots," Nuno said. "That's one key I preach to myself, just hit location and make the ball dance, and you'll get people out."

A 48th-round pick of the Indians in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft who received a non-roster invitation to camp this spring, Nuno could make the club because left-hander Clay Rapada will start the year on the disabled list while he builds back up from a bout with left shoulder bursitis. Nuno said that he has expanded his repertoire to include two fastballs, a curveball, slider, changeup and cutter.

"I don't throw hard, so I need to make the ball dance a little bit," Nuno said.

After being cut loose by Cleveland after two seasons in its farm system, Nuno made six starts for the Washington Wild Things in 2011 before having his contract purchased by the Yankees.

He was a combined 10-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 31 games (21 starts) last year between Tampa and Trenton, and said that his decision to play independent ball ultimately came down to not being ready to give up on his dreams.

"It was just another step of looking in the mirror, telling me I had to play baseball," Nuno said. "Do I want to play baseball, or [would] I have to find a job?

"It was another shot, so I had to see if I pursued it and see if anybody picked me up, and sure enough, God blessed me that the Yankees picked me up and gave me a shot."

Boesch visits doctor, should return soon

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brennan Boesch was seen by a Yankees team doctor and checked out fine, according to manager Joe Girardi.

The outfielder asked for a heat pack for his left rib cage after a two-hour bus ride to Fort Myers on Friday, raising a red flag for the Yankees' training staff.

Boesch was scratched from Friday's game against the Twins as a precaution and is not expected to play until Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Girardi.

Girardi pondering how to split catching duties

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart appear locked in as the Yankees' catching tandem to start the season, but manager Joe Girardi still has not ironed out exactly how he wants to split the duties.

Girardi is entertaining the idea of having one player catch three games and the other catch two, but he is "not necessarily" married to that arrangement.

"I would say we're a little bit clearer," Girardi said. "We still have this last week to evaluate it. I still don't have an exact plan of how I want to do it. I think during the season you have to see how these guys are doing, basically, and how it's working out on a daily basis before we really jump into it."

Girardi met with his catchers earlier this spring and emphasized that defense must be their first priority, with any offensive contributions essentially considered a bonus. Thus far, the message seems to have been received.

"I'm pleased with the progress Cervy has made on his defense," Girardi said. "We always knew Stewy was a good defensive catcher. We'll sit down and talk about it next week."

Bombers bits

• The Yankees may need until their March 30 exhibition against Army to hammer out their first-base situation, Girardi said. Juan Rivera appears to be a front-runner for the position, but Dan Johnson is also still in camp and Kevin Youkilis won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2007.

• Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner exited Saturday's game against the Tigers after five innings. Girardi told reporters that Gardner was fighting a stomach bug from something he ate on Friday and that the Yankees did not want him to get dehydrated. Gardner is expected to play on Sunday.

• Ben Francisco, who signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees this month after requesting to be released by the Indians, is making a strong bid for a roster spot. Francisco homered twice on Saturday against the Tigers and, including his stats with Cleveland, is batting .350 (14-for-40) this spring.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Boesch visits doctor, should return soon

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brennan Boesch was seen by a Yankees team doctor and checked out fine, according to manager Joe Girardi.

The outfielder asked for a heat pack for his left rib cage after a two-hour bus ride to Fort Myers on Friday, raising a red flag for the Yankees' training staff.

Boesch was scratched from Friday's game against the Twins as a precaution and is not expected to play until Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Girardi.

Nuno has good chance to break camp with Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Vidal Nuno "has opened everyone's eyes" and is making a run at breaking camp with the Yankees, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

A 25-year-old left-hander who was originally property of the Indians and signed with the Yankees after pitching in independent ball, Nuno has compiled an 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 Grapefruit League innings and may wind up being rewarded with a spot in New York's bullpen.

"I just go day by day, wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, look in the mirror and say, 'You've got to work hard,'" Nuno said. "I don't play the GM, I don't think like that. It's just having another day on the baseball field and putting on the uniform."

Nuno's statistics do not include what he has also done against the Yankees this spring; with the Dominican Republic short on pitching for a March 6 exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Nuno was borrowed by manager Tony Pena's club and spun four hitless innings in a spot start.

For his participation, Nuno -- who grew up near San Diego and is of Mexican descent -- was rewarded with a souvenir Dominican Republic T-shirt and cap. It was a neat footnote in what has been a breakout spring for the hurler, who pitched last year at Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton.

"I don't think or overthrow, and I hit my spots," Nuno said. "That's one key I preach to myself, just hit location and make the ball dance, and you'll get people out."

A 48th-round pick of the Indians in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft who received a non-roster invitation to camp this spring, Nuno could make the club because left-hander Clay Rapada will start the year on the disabled list while he builds back up from a bout with left shoulder bursitis. Nuno said that he has expanded his repertoire to include two fastballs, a curveball, slider, changeup and cutter.

"I don't throw hard, so I need to make the ball dance a little bit," Nuno said.

After being cut loose by Cleveland after two seasons in its farm system, Nuno made six starts for the Washington Wild Things in 2011 before having his contract purchased by the Yankees.

He was a combined 10-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 31 games (21 starts) last year between Tampa and Trenton, and said that his decision to play independent ball ultimately came down to not being ready to give up on his dreams.

"It was just another step of looking in the mirror, telling me I had to play baseball," Nuno said. "Do I want to play baseball, or [would] I have to find a job?

"It was another shot, so I had to see if I pursued it and see if anybody picked me up, and sure enough, God blessed me that the Yankees picked me up and gave me a shot."

Girardi pondering how to split catching duties

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart appear locked in as the Yankees' catching tandem to start the season, but manager Joe Girardi still has not ironed out exactly how he wants to split the duties.

Girardi is entertaining the idea of having one player catch three games and the other catch two, but he is "not necessarily" married to that arrangement.

"I would say we're a little bit clearer," Girardi said. "We still have this last week to evaluate it. I still don't have an exact plan of how I want to do it. I think during the season you have to see how these guys are doing, basically, and how it's working out on a daily basis before we really jump into it."

Girardi met with his catchers earlier this spring and emphasized that defense must be their first priority, with any offensive contributions essentially considered a bonus. Thus far, the message seems to have been received.

"I'm pleased with the progress Cervy has made on his defense," Girardi said. "We always knew Stewy was a good defensive catcher. We'll sit down and talk about it next week."

Bombers bits

• The Yankees may need until their March 30 exhibition against Army to hammer out their first-base situation, Girardi said. Juan Rivera appears to be a front-runner for the position, but Dan Johnson is also still in camp and Kevin Youkilis won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2007.

• Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner exited Saturday's game against the Tigers after five innings. Girardi told reporters that Gardner was fighting a stomach bug from something he ate on Friday and that the Yankees did not want him to get dehydrated. Gardner is expected to play on Sunday.

• Ben Francisco, who signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees this month after requesting to be released by the Indians, is making a strong bid for a roster spot. Francisco homered twice on Saturday against the Tigers and, including his stats with Cleveland, is batting .350 (14-for-40) this spring.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Girardi pondering how to split catching duties

TAMPA, Fla. -- Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart appear locked in as the Yankees' catching tandem to start the season, but manager Joe Girardi still has not ironed out exactly how he wants to split the duties.

Girardi is entertaining the idea of having one player catch three games and the other catch two, but he is "not necessarily" married to that arrangement.

"I would say we're a little bit clearer," Girardi said. "We still have this last week to evaluate it. I still don't have an exact plan of how I want to do it. I think during the season you have to see how these guys are doing, basically, and how it's working out on a daily basis before we really jump into it."

Girardi met with his catchers earlier this spring and emphasized that defense must be their first priority, with any offensive contributions essentially considered a bonus. Thus far, the message seems to have been received.

"I'm pleased with the progress Cervy has made on his defense," Girardi said. "We always knew Stewy was a good defensive catcher. We'll sit down and talk about it next week."

Nuno has good chance to break camp with Yanks

TAMPA, Fla. -- Vidal Nuno "has opened everyone's eyes" and is making a run at breaking camp with the Yankees, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

A 25-year-old left-hander who was originally property of the Indians and signed with the Yankees after pitching in independent ball, Nuno has compiled an 0.68 ERA in 13 1/3 Grapefruit League innings and may wind up being rewarded with a spot in New York's bullpen.

"I just go day by day, wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, look in the mirror and say, 'You've got to work hard,'" Nuno said. "I don't play the GM, I don't think like that. It's just having another day on the baseball field and putting on the uniform."

Nuno's statistics do not include what he has also done against the Yankees this spring; with the Dominican Republic short on pitching for a March 6 exhibition at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Nuno was borrowed by manager Tony Pena's club and spun four hitless innings in a spot start.

For his participation, Nuno -- who grew up near San Diego and is of Mexican descent -- was rewarded with a souvenir Dominican Republic T-shirt and cap. It was a neat footnote in what has been a breakout spring for the hurler, who pitched last year at Class A Tampa and Double-A Trenton.

"I don't think or overthrow, and I hit my spots," Nuno said. "That's one key I preach to myself, just hit location and make the ball dance, and you'll get people out."

A 48th-round pick of the Indians in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft who received a non-roster invitation to camp this spring, Nuno could make the club because left-hander Clay Rapada will start the year on the disabled list while he builds back up from a bout with left shoulder bursitis. Nuno said that he has expanded his repertoire to include two fastballs, a curveball, slider, changeup and cutter.

"I don't throw hard, so I need to make the ball dance a little bit," Nuno said.

After being cut loose by Cleveland after two seasons in its farm system, Nuno made six starts for the Washington Wild Things in 2011 before having his contract purchased by the Yankees.

He was a combined 10-6 with a 2.54 ERA in 31 games (21 starts) last year between Tampa and Trenton, and said that his decision to play independent ball ultimately came down to not being ready to give up on his dreams.

"It was just another step of looking in the mirror, telling me I had to play baseball," Nuno said. "Do I want to play baseball, or [would] I have to find a job?

"It was another shot, so I had to see if I pursued it and see if anybody picked me up, and sure enough, God blessed me that the Yankees picked me up and gave me a shot."

Boesch visits doctor, should return soon

TAMPA, Fla. -- Brennan Boesch was seen by a Yankees team doctor and checked out fine, according to manager Joe Girardi.

The outfielder asked for a heat pack for his left rib cage after a two-hour bus ride to Fort Myers on Friday, raising a red flag for the Yankees' training staff.

Boesch was scratched from Friday's game against the Twins as a precaution and is not expected to play until Tuesday or Wednesday, according to Girardi.

Bombers bits

• The Yankees may need until their March 30 exhibition against Army to hammer out their first-base situation, Girardi said. Juan Rivera appears to be a front-runner for the position, but Dan Johnson is also still in camp and Kevin Youkilis won a Gold Glove Award at first base in 2007.

• Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner exited Saturday's game against the Tigers after five innings. Girardi told reporters that Gardner was fighting a stomach bug from something he ate on Friday and that the Yankees did not want him to get dehydrated. Gardner is expected to play on Sunday.

• Ben Francisco, who signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees this month after requesting to be released by the Indians, is making a strong bid for a roster spot. Francisco homered twice on Saturday against the Tigers and, including his stats with Cleveland, is batting .350 (14-for-40) this spring.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rapada likely to begin season on disabled list

By Bryan Hoch and Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 03/22/2013 6:01 PM ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees reliever Clay Rapada is expected to begin the season on the disabled list as he returns from left shoulder bursitis.

Rapada threw 15 fastballs from the mound on Friday, but said that he needs to be able to pitch effectively three or four days in a row to help the big league club. Rapada believes he can be ready in April.

"I can be a small piece to the winning puzzle, but if I'm not fully recovered, I don't want to set back the team more," Rapada said. "If I can't go back-to-back days, I feel like I'd put a lot more strain. I don't feel like I'm very far off, but I don't expect it to be long."

Rapada, 32, was 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA in 70 appearances for New York last season, spanning 38 1/3 innings.

"He'll start the season on the DL. He's not on the DL officially yet," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "In terms of time frame, he's going to need a little bit of April, so he won't be ready. But he'll be ready, I think, pretty quickly."

Rapada's injury could improve the chances of right-handers Cody Eppley or Shawn Kelley making the Opening Day roster, and manager Joe Girardi also said that left-hander Vidal Nuno could be a possibility. Boone Logan is the only lefty locked into the Yankees' bullpen at the moment.

"We're still talking about it," Cashman said. "Obviously, Nuno has opened everybody's eyes and is taking a run at it, trying to force his way on. We'll go with one lefty or we'll go with two."

Hughes throws 57 pitches vs. Pirates' Class A club

TAMPA, Fla. -- Phil Hughes didn't turn in the sharpest pitching line from his outing against the Pirates' Class A West Virginia lineup, but the Yankees right-hander is just pleased to be back on the mound.

Hughes is working toward rejoining the Yankees' rotation after being sidelined with a bulging disk in his upper back earlier in camp. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over three innings to the Bucs' farm club.

"I feel great, which is goal No. 1," Hughes said. "I got up to [57] pitches, so I was happy with that. I would have liked to go more than three innings, but it is what it is and hopefully the next one I'm a little bit better, a little bit cleaner out there."

Hughes struck out three and walked none while permitting a home run, tossing 34 pitches for strikes. It seems probable that Hughes will begin the year on the disabled list and miss the first turn through the rotation, rejoining the club on April 6 at the earliest, but general manager Brian Cashman said that decision has not been made yet.

"It's possible. He'll be a close call in the end," Cashman said. "I think he's certainly going in the right direction, but I think it's just a time issue for him. If it's better to start him and backdate him on the DL and have him ready for the next turn of the rotation, we could do that."

Hughes came into the spring with great expectations as the 26-year-old enters his final season under contract with the Yankees before being eligible for free agency. He had been working out at the Yankees' complex in Tampa well before the official report date for pitchers and catchers.

"I was really excited about my prospects for this year, because even in my bullpens I was feeling really, really good," Hughes said. "Then I had to take two weeks off and not do anything, which was tough. Conditioning is part of it, but mentally, I'm just trying to get back and not rush myself."

Boesch scratched from lineup with stiff rib cage

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Seven days after the Yankees signed him, outfielder Brennan Boesch found himself like so many of his teammates: sidelined.

Boesch made the two-hour trip from Tampa, Fla., to Fort Myers on Friday morning for an afternoon game with the Twins, but he was scratched before the 9-7 win because of a sore left rib cage. Boesch said he "wouldn't classify this as an injury." Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Boesch will be off until Tuesday.

The long ride wasn't the culprit, but Girardi would have preferred Boesch not traveled. Boesch felt discomfort beforehand, something he and Girardi said should have come up.

"Just a little soreness from probably taking a lot of swings the last couple days," Boesch said. "I felt it before [the ride], but I figured with a little heat and moving around that I'd be fine, and I didn't get that chance to do that. Wasn't my call, but I understand. In hindsight, probably should've spoke up before I got on the bus, but I wanted to play."

Said Girardi after the game: "He wouldn't have made a two-hour and 15-minute trip. Not very smart on his part. Now he's got [two hours and 15 minutes] back."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in Tampa that Boesch had asked the training staff for a heat pack when he got off the bus, which raised a red flag. Cashman said that Boesch would not be scheduled to have an MRI on Friday, but did not rule it out for Saturday.

"I don't think he described it as significant, but we banged him just as a precaution," Cashman said. "He won't play today or tomorrow."

Friday was a day game after a night game for Boesch and the Yankees. He went 0-for-3 on Thursday in a 5-1 loss to the Twins in Tampa.

The Yanks signed Boesch after he was released by the Tigers, hoping he could fill an outfield vacancy with Curtis Granderson expected to be sidelined until early May due to injury.

"He's in the mix for one of the outfield positions. We want to get him back in there as soon as possible," Girardi said. "But we don't want to hurt him."

Boesch also tweaked his right oblique in February while he was in Detroit's camp, which negatively impacted his chances of making the club. Cashman and Boesch said the injuries were not related.

"I'm not in a position to be worried," Cashman said. "We'll just deal with it. Whatever it is, you've just got to deal with it, whether it's small or large. We'll know more tomorrow."

Nova not pleased with his outing against Twins

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Back-to-back home runs and poor fastball control did not further Ivan Nova's rotation candidacy Friday in a 9-7 Yankees win over the Twins.

"I'm not happy," said Nova, who allowed five runs -- four earned -- in 5 1/3 innings. "I don't like the way I threw the ball today. I was behind on the hitters almost every time."

Nova's allowed a combined eight earned runs in 11 innings over his last two outings, after he allowed just one run in his first three Grapefruit League appearances. Friday's outing was worse than Sunday's against Pittsburgh, he felt, because he had better control against the Pirates. He gave up four runs in six innings in the Pittsburgh game.

The big blows on Friday came from Justin Morneau and Ryan Doumit, who went deep in succession in the second inning at Hammond Stadium.

"[He] made some mistakes with his fastballs, just got too much of the plate today," Yanks manager Joe Girardi said. "[I] didn't think his curveball was quite as sharp as it's been [earlier] in Spring Training. But the trouble he got in was with his fastball."

Nova said his new shortened delivery felt good. He and David Phelps are up for the fifth-starter's job, but Nova said knowing he has a job on the line doesn't add to his frustration.

"I want to pitch good, even if I'm not in the competition," Nova said. "All I want to do is get ready for the season and do my best. When you don't do your best, you don't feel good. I don't feel good especially. I'm not worried about any competition or anything -- my competition's with myself."

Bombers bits

• Hiroki Kuroda pitched in a Minor League game on Friday for Class A Tampa, tossing seven scoreless innings and scattering seven hits against the Pirates' Class A Bradenton lineup. Kuroda walked none and struck out five, tossing 65 of 88 pitches for strikes.

• Francisco Cervelli caught Kuroda in the game for Class A Tampa and went 1-for-4 with a single and a walk. Travis Hafner had at-bats in two Minor League games on Friday, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and two walks.

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

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hughes throws 57 pitches vs. Pirates' Class A club

By Bryan Hoch and Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 03/22/2013 6:01 PM ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Phil Hughes didn't turn in the sharpest pitching line from his outing against the Pirates' Class A West Virginia lineup, but the Yankees right-hander is just pleased to be back on the mound.

Hughes is working toward rejoining the Yankees' rotation after being sidelined with a bulging disk in his upper back earlier in camp. He allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits over three innings to the Bucs' farm club.

"I feel great, which is goal No. 1," Hughes said. "I got up to [57] pitches, so I was happy with that. I would have liked to go more than three innings, but it is what it is and hopefully the next one I'm a little bit better, a little bit cleaner out there."

Hughes struck out three and walked none while permitting a home run, tossing 34 pitches for strikes. It seems probable that Hughes will begin the year on the disabled list and miss the first turn through the rotation, rejoining the club on April 6 at the earliest, but general manager Brian Cashman said that decision has not been made yet.

"It's possible. He'll be a close call in the end," Cashman said. "I think he's certainly going in the right direction, but I think it's just a time issue for him. If it's better to start him and backdate him on the DL and have him ready for the next turn of the rotation, we could do that."

Hughes came into the spring with great expectations as the 26-year-old enters his final season under contract with the Yankees before being eligible for free agency. He had been working out at the Yankees' complex in Tampa well before the official report date for pitchers and catchers.

"I was really excited about my prospects for this year, because even in my bullpens I was feeling really, really good," Hughes said. "Then I had to take two weeks off and not do anything, which was tough. Conditioning is part of it, but mentally, I'm just trying to get back and not rush myself."

Rapada likely to begin season on disabled list

TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees reliever Clay Rapada is expected to begin the season on the disabled list as he returns from left shoulder bursitis.

Rapada threw 15 fastballs from the mound on Friday, but said that he needs to be able to pitch effectively three or four days in a row to help the big league club. Rapada believes he can be ready in April.

"I can be a small piece to the winning puzzle, but if I'm not fully recovered, I don't want to set back the team more," Rapada said. "If I can't go back-to-back days, I feel like I'd put a lot more strain. I don't feel like I'm very far off, but I don't expect it to be long."

Rapada, 32, was 3-0 with a 2.82 ERA in 70 appearances for New York last season, spanning 38 1/3 innings.

"He'll start the season on the DL. He's not on the DL officially yet," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "In terms of time frame, he's going to need a little bit of April, so he won't be ready. But he'll be ready, I think, pretty quickly."

Rapada's injury could improve the chances of right-handers Cody Eppley or Shawn Kelley making the Opening Day roster, and manager Joe Girardi also said that left-hander Vidal Nuno could be a possibility. Boone Logan is the only lefty locked into the Yankees' bullpen at the moment.

"We're still talking about it," Cashman said. "Obviously, Nuno has opened everybody's eyes and is taking a run at it, trying to force his way on. We'll go with one lefty or we'll go with two."

Boesch scratched from lineup with stiff rib cage

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Seven days after the Yankees signed him, outfielder Brennan Boesch found himself like so many of his teammates: sidelined.

Boesch made the two-hour trip from Tampa, Fla., to Fort Myers on Friday morning for an afternoon game with the Twins, but he was scratched before the 9-7 win because of a sore left rib cage. Boesch said he "wouldn't classify this as an injury." Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Boesch will be off until Tuesday.

The long ride wasn't the culprit, but Girardi would have preferred Boesch not traveled. Boesch felt discomfort beforehand, something he and Girardi said should have come up.

"Just a little soreness from probably taking a lot of swings the last couple days," Boesch said. "I felt it before [the ride], but I figured with a little heat and moving around that I'd be fine, and I didn't get that chance to do that. Wasn't my call, but I understand. In hindsight, probably should've spoke up before I got on the bus, but I wanted to play."

Said Girardi after the game: "He wouldn't have made a two-hour and 15-minute trip. Not very smart on his part. Now he's got [two hours and 15 minutes] back."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in Tampa that Boesch had asked the training staff for a heat pack when he got off the bus, which raised a red flag. Cashman said that Boesch would not be scheduled to have an MRI on Friday, but did not rule it out for Saturday.

"I don't think he described it as significant, but we banged him just as a precaution," Cashman said. "He won't play today or tomorrow."

Friday was a day game after a night game for Boesch and the Yankees. He went 0-for-3 on Thursday in a 5-1 loss to the Twins in Tampa.

The Yanks signed Boesch after he was released by the Tigers, hoping he could fill an outfield vacancy with Curtis Granderson expected to be sidelined until early May due to injury.

"He's in the mix for one of the outfield positions. We want to get him back in there as soon as possible," Girardi said. "But we don't want to hurt him."

Boesch also tweaked his right oblique in February while he was in Detroit's camp, which negatively impacted his chances of making the club. Cashman and Boesch said the injuries were not related.

"I'm not in a position to be worried," Cashman said. "We'll just deal with it. Whatever it is, you've just got to deal with it, whether it's small or large. We'll know more tomorrow."

Nova not pleased with his outing against Twins

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Back-to-back home runs and poor fastball control did not further Ivan Nova's rotation candidacy Friday in a 9-7 Yankees win over the Twins.

"I'm not happy," said Nova, who allowed five runs -- four earned -- in 5 1/3 innings. "I don't like the way I threw the ball today. I was behind on the hitters almost every time."

Nova's allowed a combined eight earned runs in 11 innings over his last two outings, after he allowed just one run in his first three Grapefruit League appearances. Friday's outing was worse than Sunday's against Pittsburgh, he felt, because he had better control against the Pirates. He gave up four runs in six innings in the Pittsburgh game.

The big blows on Friday came from Justin Morneau and Ryan Doumit, who went deep in succession in the second inning at Hammond Stadium.

"[He] made some mistakes with his fastballs, just got too much of the plate today," Yanks manager Joe Girardi said. "[I] didn't think his curveball was quite as sharp as it's been [earlier] in Spring Training. But the trouble he got in was with his fastball."

Nova said his new shortened delivery felt good. He and David Phelps are up for the fifth-starter's job, but Nova said knowing he has a job on the line doesn't add to his frustration.

"I want to pitch good, even if I'm not in the competition," Nova said. "All I want to do is get ready for the season and do my best. When you don't do your best, you don't feel good. I don't feel good especially. I'm not worried about any competition or anything -- my competition's with myself."

Bombers bits

• Hiroki Kuroda pitched in a Minor League game on Friday for Class A Tampa, tossing seven scoreless innings and scattering seven hits against the Pirates' Class A Bradenton lineup. Kuroda walked none and struck out five, tossing 65 of 88 pitches for strikes.

• Francisco Cervelli caught Kuroda in the game for Class A Tampa and went 1-for-4 with a single and a walk. Travis Hafner had at-bats in two Minor League games on Friday, going 2-for-5 with a double, a home run and two walks.

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

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wang reportedly heading back to the Bronx

By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com | 3/22/2013 9:45 P.M. ET

The Yankees may be getting ready to welcome a familiar face back to the organization.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported Friday night that New York has agreed to terms on a Minor League deal with Chien-Ming Wang, who won 55 games for the Yankees in a four-year span from 2005-'08. The Yankees have not announced the signing, which could potentially complete the team's pitching staff.

Wang, 32, won 19 games in '06 and '07 for the Yankees, but his career has dissolved in a hail of injuries. Wang's last two seasons with New York -- '08 and '09 -- were marred by foot, hip and shoulder woes that limited him to 27 appearances and a 9-8 record with a 5.78 ERA.

Wang, a right-hander, missed the entire 2010 season while recovering from shoulder surgery, but he pitched in brief stints for the Nationals in each of the past two seasons. Wang went 6-6 with a 4.94 ERA in 21 games for Washington, but he's 61-32 with a 4.26 career mark, overall.

For two seasons -- '06-'07 -- Wang was the rock in the Yankees' rotation. He tied for the team lead in starts (33) and the league lead in wins (19) for a team that won 97 games. The next year, at age 27, Wang went 19-7 with a 3.70 ERA and led the Yankees in innings pitched (215.1).

Wang showcased his skills at the World Baseball Classic, where he threw six shutout innings to lead Team Chinese Taipei past Australia in an opening-round game. Wang threw another six shutout innings against Team Japan in a second-round game, but his team lost by a 4-3 score.

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

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

A-Rod likely to cheer on teammates at opener

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/21/2013 10:59 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez is not going to return to the Yankees' lineup until at least after the All-Star break, but the team does expect him to be present when the team takes the field on Opening Day.

It has been a while since Rodriguez has been around the club, as he is continuing his rehab from left hip surgery in New York and has not appeared at George M. Steinbrenner Field at any point this spring.

"I text him about once a week," manager Joe Girardi said. "He says his rehab is going well. He feels pretty good. He's doing more and more every week I talk to him."

Girardi said that Rodriguez is now performing exercises in a pool, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that the organization is keeping close tabs on Rodriguez's progress.

"I keep in touch through our trainers with how he's doing," Cashman said. "He's doing everything he needs to be doing."

Cashman said that Rodriguez will probably not be ready to begin on-field activity by the time the Yankees return to New York, making it likely that Rodriguez will be in attendance for the April 1 opener.

"He's just doing his physical activity," Cashman said. "Once he does baseball activity, we'll get him obviously down here [to Tampa]. Right now he's just in a physical therapy program."

Girardi said that it must feel "odd" for Rodriguez not to be around his teammates, and said that it would be good to see Rodriguez around the club more.

"It's kind of like when Jorgie [Posada] retired, not having him," Girardi said. "Even though Alex is still a player, we haven't had him all spring, so it is kind of strange."

Classic MVP Cano set to help Yanks right off bat

TAMPA, Fla. -- The pinstripes were waiting for Robinson Cano as he reported back to his locker at George M. Steinbrenner Field, his service with the victorious Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic club now complete.

While Cano will always have the memories of this year's Classic to cherish, along with the Most Valuable Player trophy that he earned by hitting at a feverish pace for the Dominicans, the Yankees second baseman said that he is ready to get back to business with his usual club.

"It's what you want," Cano said. "You want to go there and just win it all. Thank God we ended up winning, and I would say one job is already done, so now just focus in here and get ready for the season."

After traveling to Florida from San Francisco on Wednesday, Cano said that he did not need any more of a break following the Classic. Manager Joe Girardi put his name in Thursday's lineup, batting third and playing second base against the Twins.

Girardi said that he also expects Cano to play on Friday against Minnesota in Fort Myers, Fla., then take Saturday off. Girardi believes that Cano's time in the Classic could prove to be beneficial.

"The WBC, I'm going to guess, probably helped him because the intensity was there and he's physically in a pretty good position right now," Girardi said. "We don't have to necessarily play him every day the last week of Spring Training to get him in shape. He's played a bunch of nine-inning games, so it could help."

Playing for Yankees bench coach and Dominican manager Tony Pena in the Classic, Cano finished the tournament batting .469 (15-for-32) with four doubles, two home runs, six RBIs and six runs scored, leading all Classic players with 15 hits -- a single-Classic record.

"It means a lot, but it's not only about the MVP, it's about winning it all," Cano said. "The way we ended up winning, that's all that matters. You don't want to go out there thinking about yourself, it's all about winning."

Pena said that the Classic helped Cano to begin "starting to see himself like a leader," and Yankees chief international officer Felix Lopez said on Thursday that he believes the victory further proves the importance that the Yankees continue to search for talent in the Dominican Republic.

"Cano was a great leader," Lopez said. "I hope that winning attitude they showed in the Classic could rub a little bit on us and maybe he can be the leader that he was of that team and take us to great things."

Cano is returning to a club that badly needs him to continue swinging a hot bat, considering the Yankees' lineup figures to be without both Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira until at least early May.

"Hopefully I'll continue doing the same things I've been doing every year -- just go out there, play hard and help the team to win games," Cano said. "Hopefully the guys that we have help us to just stay in the race until you get Granderson and Teixeira back."

Yankees honor 'Missions Made Possible' founder

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees kicked off the announcement of this year's upcoming HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on Thursday, honoring 73-year-old Ken Guill for his work in founding the non-profit humanitarian organization "Missions Made Possible."

Missions Made Possible (www.missionsmp.com), an Orlando, Fla.-based agency, was recognized on the field prior to Thursday's game against the Twins. The organization provides lifeguard and emergency relief flights for those in need of sudden transportation due to unfortunate health problems.

"What does it mean to be recognized by the Yankees? It's beyond expression and words, the thankfulness that has occurred, for my whole crew and all the other people that make it happen," Guill said. "It's not just us, but there's mechanics behind the scenes and other people that would have loved to been here too."

Guill was joined by vice president, co-pilot and co-founder Joe Kemmer, co-pilot Chris Meyer and flight nurse Vicky Smith, all of whom were invited guests of the Yankees.

HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) will return for the fifth consecutive season from July 8-12, a community program that brings to light five stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Bombers bits

• Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes is scheduled to throw 45 to 50 pitches in a Minor League game on Thursday at the club's Himes Avenue complex. The Yankees have not yet decided if Hughes, who is coming back from a bulging disk, will be in the first turn through the rotation to begin the season.

"As I told him, worst-case scenario is maybe you miss one start," manager Joe Girardi said.

• Travis Hafner was spotted wearing an ice pack on his right wrist during Thursday's game, but the Yankees designated hitter said it was just for routine maintenance and that he does it "a couple times a week."

Hafner was scratched from Friday's road trip to play against the Twins in Fort Myers, but Girardi said the move was made so Hafner could get more at-bats playing in a Minor League game in Tampa.

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

Classic MVP Cano set to help Yanks right off bat

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/21/2013 10:59 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- The pinstripes were waiting for Robinson Cano as he reported back to his locker at George M. Steinbrenner Field, his service with the victorious Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic club now complete.

While Cano will always have the memories of this year's Classic to cherish, along with the Most Valuable Player trophy that he earned by hitting at a feverish pace for the Dominicans, the Yankees second baseman said that he is ready to get back to business with his usual club.

"It's what you want," Cano said. "You want to go there and just win it all. Thank God we ended up winning, and I would say one job is already done, so now just focus in here and get ready for the season."

After traveling to Florida from San Francisco on Wednesday, Cano said that he did not need any more of a break following the Classic. Manager Joe Girardi put his name in Thursday's lineup, batting third and playing second base against the Twins.

Girardi said that he also expects Cano to play on Friday against Minnesota in Fort Myers, Fla., then take Saturday off. Girardi believes that Cano's time in the Classic could prove to be beneficial.

"The WBC, I'm going to guess, probably helped him because the intensity was there and he's physically in a pretty good position right now," Girardi said. "We don't have to necessarily play him every day the last week of Spring Training to get him in shape. He's played a bunch of nine-inning games, so it could help."

Playing for Yankees bench coach and Dominican manager Tony Pena in the Classic, Cano finished the tournament batting .469 (15-for-32) with four doubles, two home runs, six RBIs and six runs scored, leading all Classic players with 15 hits -- a single-Classic record.

"It means a lot, but it's not only about the MVP, it's about winning it all," Cano said. "The way we ended up winning, that's all that matters. You don't want to go out there thinking about yourself, it's all about winning."

Pena said that the Classic helped Cano to begin "starting to see himself like a leader," and Yankees chief international officer Felix Lopez said on Thursday that he believes the victory further proves the importance that the Yankees continue to search for talent in the Dominican Republic.

"Cano was a great leader," Lopez said. "I hope that winning attitude they showed in the Classic could rub a little bit on us and maybe he can be the leader that he was of that team and take us to great things."

Cano is returning to a club that badly needs him to continue swinging a hot bat, considering the Yankees' lineup figures to be without both Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira until at least early May.

"Hopefully I'll continue doing the same things I've been doing every year -- just go out there, play hard and help the team to win games," Cano said. "Hopefully the guys that we have help us to just stay in the race until you get Granderson and Teixeira back."

A-Rod likely to cheer on teammates at opener

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez is not going to return to the Yankees' lineup until at least after the All-Star break, but the team does expect him to be present when the team takes the field on Opening Day.

It has been a while since Rodriguez has been around the club, as he is continuing his rehab from left hip surgery in New York and has not appeared at George M. Steinbrenner Field at any point this spring.

"I text him about once a week," manager Joe Girardi said. "He says his rehab is going well. He feels pretty good. He's doing more and more every week I talk to him."

Girardi said that Rodriguez is now performing exercises in a pool, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that the organization is keeping close tabs on Rodriguez's progress.

"I keep in touch through our trainers with how he's doing," Cashman said. "He's doing everything he needs to be doing."

Cashman said that Rodriguez will probably not be ready to begin on-field activity by the time the Yankees return to New York, making it likely that Rodriguez will be in attendance for the April 1 opener.

"He's just doing his physical activity," Cashman said. "Once he does baseball activity, we'll get him obviously down here [to Tampa]. Right now he's just in a physical therapy program."

Girardi said that it must feel "odd" for Rodriguez not to be around his teammates, and said that it would be good to see Rodriguez around the club more.

"It's kind of like when Jorgie [Posada] retired, not having him," Girardi said. "Even though Alex is still a player, we haven't had him all spring, so it is kind of strange."

Yankees honor 'Missions Made Possible' founder

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees kicked off the announcement of this year's upcoming HOPE Week with a pregame ceremony on Thursday, honoring 73-year-old Ken Guill for his work in founding the non-profit humanitarian organization "Missions Made Possible."

Missions Made Possible (www.missionsmp.com), an Orlando, Fla.-based agency, was recognized on the field prior to Thursday's game against the Twins. The organization provides lifeguard and emergency relief flights for those in need of sudden transportation due to unfortunate health problems.

"What does it mean to be recognized by the Yankees? It's beyond expression and words, the thankfulness that has occurred, for my whole crew and all the other people that make it happen," Guill said. "It's not just us, but there's mechanics behind the scenes and other people that would have loved to been here too."

Guill was joined by vice president, co-pilot and co-founder Joe Kemmer, co-pilot Chris Meyer and flight nurse Vicky Smith, all of whom were invited guests of the Yankees.

HOPE Week (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) will return for the fifth consecutive season from July 8-12, a community program that brings to light five stories intended to inspire individuals into action in their own communities.

Bombers bits

• Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes is scheduled to throw 45 to 50 pitches in a Minor League game on Thursday at the club's Himes Avenue complex. The Yankees have not yet decided if Hughes, who is coming back from a bulging disk, will be in the first turn through the rotation to begin the season.

"As I told him, worst-case scenario is maybe you miss one start," manager Joe Girardi said.

• Travis Hafner was spotted wearing an ice pack on his right wrist during Thursday's game, but the Yankees designated hitter said it was just for routine maintenance and that he does it "a couple times a week."

Hafner was scratched from Friday's road trip to play against the Twins in Fort Myers, but Girardi said the move was made so Hafner could get more at-bats playing in a Minor League game in Tampa.

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.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks hits in short supply, while bad frame sinks Phelps

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 3/21/2013 10:01 P.M. ET

TAMPA, Fla. -- Drew Butera's bases-clearing double highlighted a five-run fourth inning off David Phelps as the Twins defeated the Yankees, 5-1, on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Phelps had enjoyed a breezy spring in competition for a rotation slot until the rocky inning, in which Butera blasted a deep drive over Ichiro Suzuki's head in left field to score Miguel Sano, Darin Mastroianni and Joe Benson.

"I'm really not worried about the competition -- if it even is a competition," Phelps said. "I'm just worried about going out and doing my job. I'll let that take care of itself."

Aaron Hicks connected for a sacrifice fly and Chris Parmelee added a run-scoring single off reliever Juan Cedeno in the inning.

Phelps surrendered six hits in 3 2/3 innings, tossing 46 of 81 pitches for strikes as he walked three and struck out six. Phelps entered the game having allowed five earned runs in 19 innings over his first five starts of the spring.

"I thought he struggled with his command today," manager Joe Girardi said of Phelps. "He got in some longer counts. I just didn't think he was as sharp with his command tonight."

Twins right-hander Liam Hendriks turned in a solid outing as he battles for a rotation spot, limiting the Yankees to an unearned run and one hit over four innings. Hendriks walked two and struck out two in his sixth start of the spring.

Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano returned to the lineup after winning honors as the World Baseball Classic MVP with the Dominican Republic squad, going 1-for-2 with a fourth-inning single.

New York closer Mariano Rivera pitched around a leadoff single to turn in a scoreless fifth inning, striking out three in a 20-pitch outing.

Up next: Cano will look to continue anchoring the Yankees' lineup on Friday as the club takes the bus to Fort Myers, Fla., for a 1:05 p.m. ET contest. Ivan Nova will be on the mound for New York, looking to continue fine-tuning the adjustments he has made to his delivery in hopes of winning a rotation spot. The Twins will give the ball to Vance Worley, their possible Opening Day starter.

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.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More