The first full squad workout was held today, after position players officially reported on Friday. Here’s a recap of the day in Tampa…
- As always, Chad Jennings has today’s bullpen and hitting groups. All the projected big league pitchers threw in the bullpen today except Ivan Nova, who threw live batting practice. Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, David Phelps, D.J. Mitchell, and Kevin Whelan did the same.
- Pretty much everyone took batting practice today, and apparently Eric Chavez was launching bombs. Austin Romine was the one guy who didn’t hit, sitting out due to a sore back both today and yesterday. [Jennings & Bryan Hoch]
- “I’m still mad about ’09 World Series,” joked new DH and former Phillie Raul Ibanez, who also said the Yankees have “[all the] criteria you’d want” in choosing a new team as a free agent. He spent some time in minor league camp talking to young players yesterday, which is pretty neat. [Erik Boland & Ken Davidoff]
- “I take enormous pride in hitting fourth,” said Alex Rodriguez after today’s workout. “I’m going to make it as difficult as possible to take me out of that position.” A-Rod also said that his knee feels healthy, and that he plans on playing way more than 99 games this season. You know, just in case you thought he was planning to play less. [Dan Barbarisi, Mark Feinsand & Boland]
Here is tonight’s open thread. The Rangers are the only local team in action, though the NBA Skills Competition is on as well, if that’s your thing (8pm ET on TNT). Talk about whatever you like here, go nuts.