Getting Ready For First Game

Spring training is already in full swing and the Yankees are getting themselves in shape for the season. On Sunday at 1:00 PM the Yankees will play their first spring training game against the Phillies in George M. Steinbrenner field. It will be the first opportunity to see the Yankees in live action and they will wear their home pinstriped jerseys in the annual spring training opener. On February 29th, the Yankees will play USF and the pitchers that will likely pitch in that game are:
Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy , Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez, Scott Strickland,Kei Igawa.

A-Rod: "Jeter is going to have an MVP season"

In an interview today, Alex Rodriguez said that Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu are going to have monster season for the Yankees. The Yankee slugger entered his second day of work with the Yankees today and he looks like he is in great shape. The whole team is still whining about the amount of running they have had to do this spring. In my opinion it is very important to get a baseball team in shape for the season. Most managers do not do much to get the players in shape and I compliment Girardi for starting out the season by getting the players in shape. The only spot up for grabs so far is the first base slot but the bullpen is also a very big question mark for the Yankees going into the season. It was photo day today at spring training and the players took pictures wearing their uniforms. Here are a few pictures taken today at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

New Episode In the A-Rod Soap Opera

Yes, A-Rod is once again in the news for a comment he made to the media. When arriving yesterday at Yankees Camp, Alex Rodriguez sat to talk with the media and he answered several questions concerning performance enhancing drugs. He said that he was tested nine or ten times for PEDs trying to compliment the MLB's drug testing system. If taken literally this could mean that A-Rod was tested many times because he tested positive for something. Usually a player gets tested once in spring training and one during the season. A-Rod and the Yankees issued a statement that said A-Rod exaggerated when complimenting the MLB's drug testing system.

Damon Considered Retierment

At the start of the 2007 season as Johnny Damon was struggling and did not get as much playing time, Damon said he considered retirement. Damon said that he was not having fun playing the game and he considered retiring early. Damon said that in the second half of the season he regained his love for baseball and that he is ready for this season. Damon arrived to camp in great shape and Girardi said he wants to make him the everyday left fielder.

Old Yankee Fan Favorites Sign

Shawn Chacon and Bubba Crosby both signed deals today. Chacon got a $2 million dollar deal eith the Astros while Bubba signen a minor league deal with the Mariners.

A-Rod Showing Up to Camp in Great Shape

Looks like Alex Rodriguez has maintained his fitness for the upcoming season and he is ready to finnaly wear that World Series Ring. The full squad showed up today in Tampa and it looks like they are ready to get the season started. Girardi has handeled the media very well these last few days and it looks like he kept all the players in shape.
Here are a few pictures of A-Rod and the rest of the squad from today in Tampa:

New Yankee Stadium Construction

The new stadium is looking very good. The outside of the stadium is pretty much complete and you can already see a preview of the new stadium. It will be sad seeing the old stadium being torn down but it is time for New Yorkers to finally enjoy watching baseball games from a modern facility. Here are some photos of the new stadium:

Yankees Spring Training Report #1

The Yankees are looking good and are in great shape. Alex Rodriguez arrived for the first time and he met with the media. Alex said that he has not spoken with Boras since he signed his big contract with the Yankees in the off season. Everyone is in good shape and so far Girardi's policies are being followed by most players. The team has only one big roster battle at first base. Right now the race is between Jason Giambi and Shelly Duncan. Although Shelly Duncan is a good power hitter, he struggled against righties last season but he was very affective against lefties. If i was in Girardi's position I would just have a platoon where Giambi starts against righties and Duncan against lefties. The big hole in this team looks to be the bullpen where the only sure thing is Mariano Rivera. If Joba starts in the bullpen, then the Yankees will have a reliable set-up man and closer but will still need middle relief help. If the Yankees can pick up an affective lefty it will put them in a good position going into the season. A-Rod and Pettitte stretching out today.