This Spring Especially Important for Sabathia, Tanaka and Beltran

Pitchers and catchers report to Yankees spring training camp on February 20^th, exactly one month away, and this year should be especially interesting with all the Yankees returning from injuries. While the official report date is February 20^th I believe we will see, and should see, a few notable players showing up early to camp including, but not limited to, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia and Carlos Beltran.

We have all seen the Alex Rodriguez workout and batting cage pictures and should fully expect to see #13 showing up to camp early while Brett Gardner is already said to be taking early swings. Mark Teixeira’s wrist and long injury list will always be a concern so he may show up early but I am not sure anyone would blame him if he didn’t. Sabathia, Tanaka and Beltran almost have to though as they have the most to prove. Is CC’s knee healed and was it the reason for his decrease in velocity and decrease in effectiveness? Will Tanaka be able to avoid the knife and Tommy John surgery, at least in a Yankees uniform? Is Beltran’s elbow fully healed and was it the reason for his down season in 2014?

Only way we’re going to find out is if these guys show up early and put in the work. I guess that makes this post to be continued…