Monday, February 18, 2013

Spring Training Notes 2/18/13: Jeter, Cano, Gardner, Ichiro

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Before today, the last time Joe Girardi saw Derek Jeter on a baseball diamond was in Game 1 of the ALCS, where he had to carry him off the field due to him shattering his ankle. Today was a friendlier and warmer sight for the team to see, Jeter warming up with his teammates, getting in shape for the season as if everything was normal. Well, almost normal. Derek Jeter still can't run the bases and can't run around the field like the rest of his teammates. However, that's not slowing down the Captain, as he's progressing o get back on the field.


"I already said to myself I'm good to go." Jeter said. "There's steps along the way, but there's always steps along the way in the offseason before you play. You run the bases. You go first to third. You make different plays in the field. Those are all things you have to do, so I have to progress to that, but I don't have to convince myself that I'm ready."


The good news? Derek Jeter's ankle feels great. And it should feel great: his ankle has bolts and screws inside to prevent it from breaking again.


--Robinson Cano spoke to the media today after working out with his teammates, and the questions that were mostly asked was about the Biogenesis report. Cano's name isn't in the reports, but two of his closest friends Alex Rodriguez & Melky Cabrera's were, the latter being suspended 50 games last season after testing positive for PED's.


"They are still my friends." Cano said to the media. "You have to be with your friends through the good times and bad. I have to stay with my friends. I don't have any reaction. I would say that's a personal matter and to let them handle that."


-- And the award for the most clever yet innocent remark of the day goes to...Ichiro! As we all know, Derek Jeter made the back cover of the New York Post over the winter where it infamously showed him "out of shape." Ichiro said what was the most clever, funny and innocent comment I've heard all Spring.


"Jeter was not the eater the media portrayed him to be." Ichiro said. "That was good to see."


-- And the last tidbit of the day goes to none other than Brett Gardner. Gardner didn't speak to a crowd of reporters like the others, bu he did disclose that he would prefer to play his natural position (center field). However, he'll help anyway he can help the team, even if that means him playing in left field while Curtis Granderson patrols center.

4 comments:

  1. Kevin aka RobbinsDynastyFebruary 18, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    Some thoughts from my 2 days at Yankees Camp.
    *IT"S WAS CHILLY but Mother Nature did give us plenty of sunshine and a nice calm breeze.
    *Youk seems to be sitting just fine with the majority of fans in attendance.
    *Ichiro's English is better than I thought.
    *Player's do not stop for fans waiting for autographs when exiting stadium grounds. (only handful of us willing to stay and watch cars drive by to no avail)
    *Hank Steinbrenner is not untouchable
    *Andy Pettitte says he feels good.
    *Tex warns Youk balls will be flying every which way.
    *CC has slimmed down.
    *Mo's knee looks good.
    *Saved my wife from a slicing foul ball that managed to hop an 8 foot fence in mid conversation.
    *Really nice mix of vets and young guys.
    *Boomer Wells supprised me being in camp.
    *Dealers that are trying to make a buck of players need to make arrangements else where so fan can enjoy the players and players can enjoy the fans.

    See the boys again this weekend.

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  2. Kevin aka RobbinsDynastyFebruary 18, 2013 at 4:45 PM

    follow up.....
    Minor League players are just as important as the roster players..THAT IS ALL

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  3. Nice review Kevin. Thanks for that.

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  4. Let me add my thanks also Kevin, very informative! Your follow-up was the best line and very true!
    Keep them coming! :)

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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)