The latest from Spring Training…
- Mariano Rivera threw his first bullpen session of the year, about 25 pitches. Pretty much all he did was work on his location. (Bryan Hoch)
- Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Andrew Brackman, and David Phelps threw live batting practice this morning. Dellin Betances did as well, and was impressive with Derek Jeter in the box. Brian Cashman, Mark Newman, and Gene Michael were among those that watched Manny Banuelos during his session. (Yankees PR Dept., Ben Shpigel, Erik Boland & Boland)
- Curtis Granderson, Greg Golson, Kevin Russo, and Ramiro Pena did extra bunting drills, something Brett Gardner did yesterday and has been doing for a while. Joe Girardi said Gardner should make bunting more a part of his game, and although I have no trouble with him working on it, I don’t want a guy that had a .380+ OBP last year sac bunting. You know Girardi will do it during the season, it’s inevitable. (Chad Jennings & Marc Carig)
- Russell Martin’s knee is about 90%, so he’s unlikely to catch in Saturday’s Grapefruit League opener. “It’s just a matter of a conservative approach,” said Girardi. His hip is a non-issue. Both Eduardo Nunez and Austin Romine were both sent home sick. (Sweeny Murti, Carig, Carig, Carig & Carig)
- Jorge Posada might not catch in a game all spring according to Girardi, but he will catch bullpens. The team knows he can play behind the plate during the regular season after a career this long. Not sure if I buy that logic, but whatever. (Murti & Carig)
- Girardi said the biggest revelation of the spring was seeing “just how good some of our young pitchers are. We have guys that can help us this year.” Brandon Laird is slated for Triple-A, but could push Ronnie Belliard and Eric Chavez for the final bench spot. (Jack Curry & Carig)
- Mike Mussina has an open invitation to be a guest instructor in Spring Training, but he told the Yankees he wants to spend one more year at home. It’s possible Bernie Williams may show up to camp and instruct at some point this year. (Joel Sherman)
Here’s the nightly open thread. Carmelo Anthony is making his Knicks debut tonight (I think), when they face the Bucks at the Garden at 7:30 ET. That one will be on MSG. Chat about whatever, go bananas.
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