Short day in Tampa because the Yankees had their annual team bonding experience in the afternoon, which was held in a comedy club. The players performed pre-written sketches while others were improvised. Apparently Freddy Garcia and Hiroki Kuroda did an Egyptian dance to Notorious B.I.G and Mark Teixeira was the MVP of the event. I dig it, nothing brings people together like forcing them into uncomfortable situations with each other. Sounds like a good time was had by all. Here’s the latest from camp…
- Chad Jennings is the man with the pitching and hitting plans. Every big league starter threw live batting practice today except for Ivan Nova, who threw a bullpen session as a tuneup for Saturday’s start against the Phillies. Everyone but Austin Romine (back) took their swings.
- Robinson Cano was back in camp after spending a few days in the Dominican Republic following his grandmother’s death. He hit in the cage with hitting coach Kevin Long and then later out on the field. [Erik Boland]
- Joba Chamberlain felt no lingering stiffness or soreness following his first full mound session on Tuesday, and the plan is to have him throw 3-5 more fastball-only sessions before mixing in some breaking balls. [George King]
- George Kontos is scheduled to throw tomorrow for the first time since tweaking his oblique last week while Manny Delcarmen will miss a few days with a lat problem. David Robertson and Rafael Soriano will throw in the bullpen tomorrow. [Jennings]
- Non-Yankees Injury News: A.J. Burnett broke the orbital bone around his right eye yesterday when that bunt hit him in the face. He’s going to have surgery tomorrow and they won’t know how long he’ll out until after the procedure. That really sucks. Why are pitchers hitting again? [Pirates]
- Adam Warren gets the start against the University of South Florida tomorrow, a game that will not be televised. Joe Girardi said all of his regulars except Cano will play, with the infielders getting two at-bats while the outfielders get one. Cano will play in Saturday’s game against the Phillies, as will the starting outfield. That game will be on MLB Network, and it looks like
future YankeeCole Hamels will be the opposing starter. [Mark Feinsand]
Here is tonight’s open thread. All three hockey locals are in action tonight, but feel free to talk about whatever you want here. Have at it.
[Photo via Marc Carig]