Below are articles about the Yankees' Spring Training
Giambi makes instant impact
Slugger homers twice in first game
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Yankees signed Jason Giambi to add some punch to a lineup that scored just 14 runs in seven World Series games last season. Giambi made his presence felt immediately, hitting two home runs in his Grapefruit League debut for the Yankees, including one in his first at-bat.
"I think I set my expectations a little high today," Giambi said with a smile. "It was fun to get out there, get a chance to play, move around the bag and swing the bat a little bit."
After Toronto right-hander Brandon Lyon had already given up back-to-back doubles to Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, Giambi walked to the plate to the sound of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" blaring from the Legends Field speakers. He worked the count full before his high fly ball rode a strong wind to clear the 318-foot sign in left field. The opposite-field shot capped a three-run first inning for New York against the Toronto Blue Jays.
"That was smart hitting -- it was using the elements," Giambi joked. "I had the wind, and nestled it inside the line. That was smart hitting."
The second blast was into the wind in right-center field, a solo shot off righty Corey Thurman. Giambi ended the day 2-for-3 with three RBIs as the Yankees defeated Toronto 6-3. He popped out to the shortstop in his second-inning at-bat.
"We made fun of that first home run, but that second one was pretty impressive," said Yankees Manager Joe Torre. "We know what kind of player he is, we know what he's done over the last few years, and it was nice for him to get off to that kind of start."
"I just wanted to put the ball in play today, get my feet wet," Giambi said. "I guess I jumped in head-first. It was fun, I had a good time today."
Giambi also made a nice play at first base in the opening frame, scooping a low throw by shortstop Derek Jeter on Homer Bush's ground ball. Giambi, considered a downgrade defensively from former Yankee first baseman Tino Martinez, said he has been working on his defense all Spring, aided by nine-time Gold Glove winner Don Mattingly.
"Getting out there and having a chance to pick up Derek's first ball, it felt good," Giambi said. "I have worked hard on my defense, I have Donnie helping me out. One part of my game that's always been good has been picking up my infielders -- I helped get (A's third baseman Eric) Chavez a gold glove last year. I've always taken pride in trying to pick up my infielders."
Giambi, who started his career as a left fielder before moving to third base, moved to first base four years ago when Mark McGwire was traded from Oakland to St. Louis in the middle of the 1997 season.
"I'm just starting to get comfortable over there," Giambi said. "I've only been playing there for the last few years. It's nice to have Donnie helping me out, since he was one of the best in the game."
Giambi was sidelined from the Yankees' two intrasquad games, as well as their first two exhibition games, with tightness in his left hamstring. He did not have to test it on Saturday, as he simply had to trot around the bases instead of running hard.
"Right from the press conference, I sensed that he was happy to be here and anxious to get going," said Torre, referring to Giambi's December Yankee introduction. "He was probably a little more anxious by the fact that he didn't play in the first two games. He was certainly ready today."
Yankees starter Roger Clemens was happy to see Giambi begin his Yankee career in such a grand fashion.
"Throwing room service to him in batting practice paid off, I guess," Clemens said. "He had to be pretty excited about the opportunity to get out there and get it underway in the pinstripes. There aren't many guys that can hide those emotions. It's pretty exciting."
When asked if he was ready to take aim at Barry Bonds' record of 73 home runs, Giambi was quick to shut down any talk of hitting 74 this season. At least for now.
"We're not going to start already," Giambi said. "Are we?"
Yankees win Grapefruit League opener
Henson, Hitchcock lead Yankees past Reds
By Mark Feinsand
MLB.com
SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Yankees had a successful Grapefruit League opener, using a three-run first inning and a three-run ninth to defeat the Cincinnati Reds, 8-3 at Ed Smith Stadium. Drew Henson's two-run single off Cincinnati starter Lance Davis opened the scoring for New York, and Kevin Elster doubled Henson home for the team's third run.
Sterling Hitchcock threw two innings, allowing two hits -- including Brady Clark's leadoff home run in the first inning. The Yankees' lefty, competing for a spot in the starting rotation, struck out four and threw 29 pitches.
WP - STERLING HITCHCOCK (1-0)
LP - LANCE DAVIS (0-1)
HOME RUNS: CIN - BRADY CLARK (1) OFF STERLING HITCHCOCK IN THE 1ST
TIME: 2:54 Yankees watch: Mike Mussina, diagnosed with a slight middle ear infection, was scratched as New York's starting pitcher.
Yankees notes: Mike Mussina was scratched from his scheduled start Thursday because of a slight middle ear infection. Mussina, who was supposed to get one more start than the rest of New York's starters due to scheduling, will go Tuesday in one of New York's split-squad games.
"We're just going to skip this turn for him and he'll pitch Tuesday," said Yankees manager Joe Torre. "He was a little out-of-whack with his equilibrium today."
Mussina did not make the trip with the team to Sarasota, as he remained in Tampa to be examined. A team spokesman said that his condition was "improving."
Torre also confirmed that first baseman Jason Giambi's left hamstring has improved, and that the new Bronx Bomber would make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday in Tampa against the Toronto Blue Jays.
FROM THE TRAINER'S ROOM
Rondell White will miss the next 10 days or so as he recovers from a rib cage injury suffered earlier in the week. Torre had no new information on White's condition -- and he's planning on keeping it that way.
"I'm not going to ask him on a day-to-day basis how he feels," Torre said. "I told him yesterday, 'Take all the time you need to take, and until you're ready to play, don't worry about it. Nobody is going to ask you all the time how you're doing, because it puts pressure on you.'"
Reds watch: Ken Griffey Jr. did not play, and is expected to miss a couple of days because of a stomach viral infection.
Reds Notes: RHP Chris Booker will have arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Team medical Dr. Timothy Kremchek will perform the procedure in Cincinnati, after which he will estimate Booker's recovery time. ... RHP Jose Silva left the game in the ninth inning after being hit in the left shin with a line drive. Precautionary X-rays were taken, though the injury is not believed to be serious. Silva broke his left tibia last June 3 after being hit by an Andruw Jones line drive, and did not play again in 2001. ... Pitching for Cincinnati on Friday against Texas will be right-handers Chris Reitsma, Joey Hamilton and left-hander Ty Howington. Texas will counter with right-handers Ismael Baldes, Jeff Zimmerman, Jay Powell and Todd Van Poppel.
Posada shouldering the load for '02
Yankee catcher feeling great after shoulder surgery
By Mark Feinsand
MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- Every time Jorge Posada threw a baseball last season, he was given a not-so-subtle reminder that something was not right in his shoulder. Despite the constant pain, the Yankees' catcher battled through the season, making his second American League All-Star team and coming within a couple of outs from celebrating another World Series title.
Now, almost three months removed from surgery on that shoulder, Posada is throwing again and ready for the 2002 campaign -- the first since 1998 that the Yankees have not begun the season as defending champions.
"It feels really good. There is no pain, I'm throwing nice and easy," said Posada of his shoulder. "It's nice to throw the ball without any pain. I'm looking forward to getting back there."
Posada hit .277 with 22 home runs and 95 RBIs last season, and was rewarded in the offseason with a five-year contract worth $55 million, making him the second-highest paid catcher in the big leagues. Only Mike Piazza earns more per season than Posada, who was thrilled to get a long-term deal done before the 2002 season.
"It's better that it's behind me. Now I have to concentrate on playing ball," Posada said. "It puts a little more pressure on me, but it's a good pressure. I'm just trying to do good, go out there and play well."
The shoulder injury, which turned out to be a partially-torn right labrum, did not affect Posada's hitting in 2001. But anyone in the Yankee clubhouse could see that he was bothered all year, evidenced by the extensive pre- and post-game treatment he received on the arm.
"I just wanted to finish the year, get through the season and deal with the pain," said Posada, who never considered having surgery during the season. "Some of the time it felt better than others, but it was there the whole year."
Three weeks after the Yankees lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7 of the World Series, Posada went under the knife to correct the problem. He has been rehabbing in Tampa with Yankees team trainer Gene Monahan ever since, and says he feels great as the Yankees prepare to open their Grapefruit League schedule on Thursday.
"Geno's been on my butt every day, but thanks to him, it feels the way it does right now," Posada said. "Hopefully I can do what I do, keep improving on my game. Mentally, this year should be a lot better. I'm just hoping that I can stay healthy and have a good year."
This Spring Training has had a similar feel for the 30-year-old backstop, even if some of the faces in the clubhouse have changed since last season. Gone are leaders such as Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius, while free agents Jason Giambi, Rondell White and David Wells lead the pack of newcomers.
"I think it's pretty much the same. I don't think the atmosphere has changed, because these guys have been around," Posada said. "I think the leadership has changed a little, but we have some guys here that can provide a lot of leadership. We're looking forward to getting started.
"The first couple of weeks, it's going to be very quiet in the clubhouse, but after we get going, we have some good, quality guys. I know Giambi's going to step up, as is Rondell White."
The bottom line, for Posada and the Yankees, is regaining the crown that they lost to Arizona last November. As long as every man on the roster has the same goal in mind, the Yankees will continue to be the Yankees -- no matter who the players are.
"They have the right state-of-mind," said Posada of his new teammates. "As long as they want to contribute, stay hungry and want to get us back to the World Series, that's all we care about."
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The Yankees will open their 2002 Grapefruit League exhibition schedule on Thursday in Sarasota against the Cincinnati Reds.
Among the regulars that will make the trip are Bernie Williams, Alfonso Soriano, Nick Johnson and Shane Spencer. Also traveling with the team will be John Vander Wal, Ron Coomer, Gerald Williams, Drew Henson, Juan Rivera, Ruben Rivera and Kevin Elster.
Mike Mussina will start the game, followed by Sterling Hitchcock, Mike Thurman, Steve Karsay and Randy Choate.
Orlando Hernandez will pitch on Friday, followed by Roger Clemes on Saturday, Andy Pettitte on Sunday and David Wells on Monday.
Yankees' White strains rib cage
Giambi's hamstring getting better
By Paul C. Smith
MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- Just as manager Joe Torre was getting good news about one new Yankee on Tuesday, he was getting bad news about another.
Jason Giambi, who has a sore left hamstring, sat out a second intrasquad game but both Giambi and Torre said the slugging first baseman should play in Spring Training games by this weekend.
Meanwhile, new left fielder Rondell White suffered a rib cage strain while swinging in the batting cage Tuesday morning and may miss 10 days or more.
"We'll know more tomorrow,'' Torre said. "But it looks like he'll miss a little time. If it's the classic rib cage injury, it could be 10 days or so.''
Torre said he was glad that White, who has had an injury-filled career, will probably only miss a few spring games.
"If it's going to happen, this is a good time of year,'' Torre said. "With all the games we have scheduled, I'm not worried. It's just unfair because with (White) the first reaction is, 'Here we go again,' and it's really not that way to us because it's the first time here. I can understand why people think that (White is injury prone) but, if you look back, each of his injuries has been due to his aggressive style.''
Torre said he told White at the start of camp not to overdo it.
"He's not here to make this team, he's a regular,'' Torre said. "He just needs to get healthy and do the things he needs to do to stay healthy.''
White got only 323 at-bats in 95 games last season with the Cubs and has reached 500 at-bats only twice in his eight full years in the Majors. He has been on the disabled list eight times.
Giambi, who suffered with a left hamstring strain all last season, said he could play as early as Friday, when the Yankees travel to Dunedin to play the Blue Jays.
"It's just tight but there is definite improvement since yesterday,'' Giambi said. "I can hit and do everything else. If this were the regular season, I'd definitely be out there playing. But right now, there is no reason to push it. I don't want to deal with this the rest of spring.''
Giambi has had the leg heated and wrapped. Tuesday morning he exercised on the third-base side of the diamond at Legends Field and then left before the intrasquad game.
"Giambi is fine, he did a fair amount of work this morning,'' Torre said. "He can play, maybe Friday or Saturday (in Tampa vs. Toronto). I'm not sure this is related to the other injury he had. I think this is just a little bit of cramping after the first few days of spring.
"I'm just over the edge when it comes to being cautious about injuries.''
Torre said it was his decision to rest Giambi during the intrasquad games Monday and Tuesday. Giambi said that was OK with him.
"Joe and I already have that kind of relationship,'' Giambi said. "He's such a great communicator. I just need to do my part to let the team know what's going on. That way if I do play, (third base coach) Willie (Randolph) will know whether to send me home or not.''
Giambi said he had a hamstring strain early in the season last year but never even considered going on the disabled list.
"(The A's) were 8-18 at the time and I didn't think it was a good idea not to play,'' Giambi said.
Posada feeling good
The news is much better regarding catcher Jorge Posada, who is coming off shoulder surgery. He threw to second and third base Monday, and said he felt good one day later.
"No doubt about it,'' said Posada, when asked about being ready for Opening Day. "I think I'm doing better than I thought. I'm feeling real good. Hopefully, there are no setbacks.''
Posada, who will only DH in early Spring Training games, signed a $51 million, five-year contract during the offseason.
The Gator (Ron Guidry) team beat the Goose (Rich Gossage) team 2-0 in six innings as outfielder Ruben Rivera hit a solo home run and starter Adrian "El Duquecito'' Hernandez looked sharp for two innings. ... Special instructor Don Mattingly was back in camp after hurting his back during a hitting drill last Thursday and spending three nights in a hospital. "It feels like a disk slipped out and is sitting on a nerve,'' said Mattingly, who was wearing a brace and walking gingerly. "But I'll be OK.'' ... Torre said he has talked with former pitcher Dwight Gooden but declined to provide details of the conversation. Gooden was arrested for DUI a week ago in his hometown of Tampa and spent the night in jail. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said he has not talked to Gooden, who had been working with the Yankees since retiring last spring. Gooden's name was removed from his parking space at Legends Field but Gooden was expected to rejoin the team after he cleared up his legal matters. ... Starting pitchers Mike Mussina and Sterling Hitchcock and hitters Bernie Williams and Nick Johnson are scheduled to make the trip to Sarasota for the Yankees' first spring game, Thursday against the Reds.
Johnson understands big picture
No room at first base, but Johnson ready for 2002
By The Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Nick Johnson understands the big picture.
The promising prospect had been touted as the heir apparent to former Yankees' first baseman Tino Martinez before Jason Giambi signed with New York.
"Everybody wants him on their team," Johnson said Monday of Giambi.
During the offseason, the Yankees let Martinez leave for St. Louis, and signed Giambi to a $120 million, seven-year contract.
Johnson, 23, now finds himself the frontrunner to DH. He will also play in the outfield during spring training. During Monday's intrasquad game, Johnson made a sliding catch down the left field line.
"We're not looking for anything more than to give us another option," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
Johnson hit .256 with 18 homers and 49 RBIs at Triple-A Columbus last season. He entered the 2001 season with career minor-league average of .308.
"We need to see the offensive part at this point in time," Torre said. "He's got to concentrate on quality at-bats and staying healthy. I think he's going to be a good hitter."
Johnson missed all of the 2000 season with a hand injury. He sat out part of spring training last year with the chicken pox.
Johnson learned a big lesson last season during a 23-game stint with the Yankees. The nephew of Philadelphia manager Larry Bowa hit just .194 with two homers and eight RBIs.
"It was a big adjustment," Johnson said. "You can't fall behind 0-2. You can't hit that way. That was big (to learn). I need to be more aggressive."
Torre said the Yankees will closely monitor how Johnson handles the mental aspect of DH, which is normally a position filled by a veteran.
Johnson expects to learn with on-the-job training.
"I've never done it before," Johnson said. "I have to try and find something that works. I just have to get used to it."
Notes: Guest spring training instructor Don Mattingly visited Legends Field Monday. He hurt his back during a drill Thursday, and was released from a local hospital on Sunday. ... The Yankees will play the second of two intrasquad games Tuesday. Scheduled pitchers include RHP Adrian "El Duquecito" Hernandez.
Johnson understands big picture
No room at first base, but Johnson ready for 2002
By The Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Nick Johnson understands the big picture.
The promising prospect had been touted as the heir apparent to former Yankees' first baseman Tino Martinez before Jason Giambi signed with New York.
"Everybody wants him on their team," Johnson said Monday of Giambi.
During the offseason, the Yankees let Martinez leave for St. Louis, and signed Giambi to a $120 million, seven-year contract.
Johnson, 23, now finds himself the frontrunner to DH. He will also play in the outfield during spring training. During Monday's intrasquad game, Johnson made a sliding catch down the left field line.
"We're not looking for anything more than to give us another option," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
Johnson hit .256 with 18 homers and 49 RBIs at Triple-A Columbus last season. He entered the 2001 season with career minor-league average of .308.
"We need to see the offensive part at this point in time," Torre said. "He's got to concentrate on quality at-bats and staying healthy. I think he's going to be a good hitter."
Johnson missed all of the 2000 season with a hand injury. He sat out part of spring training last year with the chicken pox.
Johnson learned a big lesson last season during a 23-game stint with the Yankees. The nephew of Philadelphia manager Larry Bowa hit just .194 with two homers and eight RBIs.
"It was a big adjustment," Johnson said. "You can't fall behind 0-2. You can't hit that way. That was big (to learn). I need to be more aggressive."
Torre said the Yankees will closely monitor how Johnson handles the mental aspect of DH, which is normally a position filled by a veteran.
Johnson expects to learn with on-the-job training.
"I've never done it before," Johnson said. "I have to try and find something that works. I just have to get used to it."
Notes: Guest spring training instructor Don Mattingly visited Legends Field Monday. He hurt his back during a drill Thursday, and was released from a local hospital on Sunday. ... The Yankees will play the second of two intrasquad games Tuesday. Scheduled pitchers include RHP Adrian "El Duquecito" Hernandez.
Clemens on target to pitch opener
Cy Young winner on pace for Opening Day
By The Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens is to make his spring debut Saturday against Toronto, and remains on target to start the New York Yankees' regular season opener at Baltimore on April 1.
Clemens went 20-3 with a 3.51 ERA last season in winning his sixth Cy Young Award. He is 20 wins away from 300 for his career.
Mike Mussina is to open the exhibition season Thursday against Cincinnati. Sterling Hitchcock is to follow Mussina.
Orlando Hernandez (Toronto) and Andy Pettitte (Houston) are to pitch in road games on Friday and Sunday.
David Wells is scheduled for his first game appearance since back surgery last July in Monday's game against Minnesota in Tampa.
YES Network reaches first cable deal
RCN to show new Yankees' network in NY and NJ
By Mark Feinsand
Yankees.com
NEW YORK -- The YES Network reached an agreement with RCN to carry the new network in its New York and New Jersey service areas beginning March 19. The deal marks the first with a cable company in the New York metropolitan area.
"We are thrilled to be carried on RCN, and to be bringing the World Champion New York Yankees and other regional sports programming to RCN's customers," said YES Chairman & CEO Leo Hindery, Jr.
The YES Network will be carried on channel 26 in RCN's Manhattan and Queens cable systems, and on channel 61 in its Carmel, New York system. In central New Jersey, YES will appear on channel 61 as part of RCN's Full Basic service. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"With the addition of the YES Network to our cable TV channel lineups, our New York and New Jersey customers are assured of getting complete coverage of the vibrant New York sports scene, including up to 130 Yankees games of the 2002 season," said Sam Magliaro, Senior Vice President for RCN's Eastern Region. "RCN will continue to provide these types of innovative and popular programming in our effort to be the cable TV provider of choice in the areas of the New York metropolitan area that we serve."
"I'm very pleased to add RCN as a distributor of the YES Network," said Madison Bond, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Relations for the YES Network. "We look forward to RCN's partnership in building this dynamic new regional sports network." Last week, YES announced its first distribution agreement with DIRECTV.
YES reached a distribution deal with DIRECTV earlier this month.
Yankees bring back Jim Leyritz
1996 World Series hero signs minor-league contract
By Mark Feinsand
MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- World Series heroes always have a special place in the hearts of the Yankees. Jim Leyritz, who hit a huge home run for the Bronx Bombers in the 1996 Fall Classic, was signed by New York on Tuesday to a minor-league contract.
Leyritz, who has been working out at the Yankees' Tampa complex, has been invited to the team's Major League Spring Training camp.
Last season, the 38-year-old batted .296 (21-for-71) with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 19 games for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. On June 1, he had his contract purchased by the San Diego Padres and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the Portland Beavers, where he batted .261 (12-for-46) with five home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games.
Leyritz will compete for a utility spot with the Yankees, and may also have a shot at the backup catcher's role.
"No promise ... no nothing," Leyritz said. "It's an opportunity. I want to come here and get a foot in the door. We'll see what happens."
Leyritz's biggest Yankee moment came in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series, when his three-run home run in the eighth inning off Mark Wohlers tied the game 6-6, turning around the momentum of the series. The Yankees won that game to even the series, and took the next two games for their first championship since 1978.
In all or parts of nine seasons with the Yankees, he has batted .263 with 58 homers and 252 RBIs in 577 games. For his big-league career, he is batting .264 with 90 home runs and 387 RBIs in 903 games with the Yankees, Anaheim Angels (1997), Texas Rangers (1997), Boston Red Sox (1998), San Diego Padres (1998-99) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2000). Leyritz originally signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on Aug. 24, 1985.
Giambi begins life in his new world
By Paul C. Smith
MLB.com
TAMPA -- Jason Giambi bounded into the New York Yankees clubhouse on Monday like a big puppy looking to get a rise out of the older, more comfortable dogs.
That is the way is it going to be for the Yankees now that their injection of energy has hit the heart. And just in time.
David Wells appears to have mellowed a tad. And new Yankees Robin Ventura, Rondell White and Steve Karsay figure to be closer to business-like Yankees such as Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens and Derek Jeter.
But Giambi, always wide-eyed and bubbly, is going to be a different force on this team, and not just with the bat. Appropriately, he arrived in Tampa a little early to get the lay of the land. Appropriate, because this is a guy who is going to test the boundaries of Yankee tradition.
As per team rules, he no longer has unruly facial hair. But he does still have a neatly trimmed tuft of hair beneath his lower lip. The hair on his head was slicked back nicely but he wore baggy pants and a black T-shirt that featured a couple of skulls on the front.
"I heard jokes from Mr. [George] Steinbrenner that I needed a shave and a haircut," Giambi said while addressing a pack of media types. "I hope the way I am is OK. Is it OK?"
Chances are, Giambi will be just fine if he continues to hit the ball as hard as anyone in baseball. But Jason Giambi may be more like Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle than anyone really knows. He still has that "I just want to be loved" innocence that could be straight out of a Baltimore orphanage or Commerce, Okla. And everyone knows that kind of trait only works well in New York if you can hit the ball the way Giambi does.
"I feel like I'm a rookie again," Giambi said. "It's a new world. It's hard to go to dinner now or walk down the mall without somebody stopping me and thanking me. People just come up and hug me.
"I had established myself fairly well with the years I had in Oakland. But this is a whole new level."
Giambi said when he first checked into the Yankees clubhouse it reminded him of when he first started with the A's.
"I looked around [with Oakland] and there were a lot of established stars: Rickey Henderson, Dennis Eckersley, Dave Stewart, Mark McGwire, Terry Steinbach," Giambi said. "I was seen and not heard in those days. In fact, I had a locker next to Goose [Gossage] back then and I didn't speak to him for three weeks. I was scared of him.
"Here, it's almost the same. There are stars and future Hall of Famers everywhere: Rocket, [Derek] Jeter, Bernie Williams, Wells, [Jorge] Posada. To walk in and see those guys was exciting for me. I've known them from being around the league, but to be their teammate is something special."
Giambi said he wasn't surprised that few of the other players matched his enthusiasm when he arrived.
"It was the reception I expected because they are all professionals," Giambi said.
Likewise, Giambi said he doesn't expect his leadership role on the Yankees to be the same as it was on the A's.
"The role I had in the A's clubhouse was different because we were a young team and they needed someone to step up," Giambi said. "Here, they already know how to win. It's a different situation. I'm here to fit in."
And one of the places he fits comfortably is in front of the media.
"I've got a job to do and so do you," Giambi said. "I kind of like filling in the quotes for you guys. I've always been accountable for whatever happens."
Manager Joe Torre has mentioned several times this spring that he cautioned Giambi not to make too many promises to the media or fans. Giambi said that would not be a problem.
"I don't think I'm that type of guy, anyway," Giambi said. "I don't put any emphasis on how many homers I am going to hit. I'll have the same role as I did in Oakland -- to get on base, drive in a few runs and do what I can to help us win."
Giambi said leaving Oakland as a free agent after six-plus years was not that tough.
"After the season ended, the A's basically stood pat on their offer; they never made another move," Giambi said. "Then the Yankees knocked down the door. It was easy after that."
He added that he will miss his friends on the A's and his brother, Jeremy, but won't miss hearing how Jeremy failed to slide on Jeter's behind-the-back flip to Posada that helped win Game 3 of the ALDS for the Yankees in Oakland.
"That non-slide is a crock," Giambi said. "He was out, no matter what. It was just one of those plays where [Jeremy] thought he had to run Posada over."
Word filtered down to Giambi that the Yankees had practiced that play.
"I'll be looking for it in Spring Training," Giambi joked.
Giambi said he had not picked up a bat all winter but was dreaming about hitting again after meeting Ted Williams at Williams' home about 90 miles north of Tampa on Sunday. Giambi was honored by Williams as the "Most Productive Hitter" in the league for the second year in a row at the Ninth Annual Ted Williams Hitter Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
"Any day you get a chance to meet Ted Williams, that's a pretty good day," Giambi said. "It was almost like seeing Elvis. You don't really want to think of Elvis at the end, but it's the kind of thing that will stay with you forever."
Paul C. Smith is a reporter for MLB.com based in Tampa. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs
Six starters no concern for Torre, yet
Pitching depth not a problem for Bombers
By Paul C. Smith
MLB.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- When is having six good starters too many?
Certainly not early in Spring Training when there are seven mounds in the practice area where all the starters can get their work in. There also is plenty of room on the roster, on the bench, in the locker room and in the showers. The chow line usually moves a little slower this time of year but there is always an extra seat on the bus to Winter Haven.
And the New York Yankees traditionally have a Hall of Fame wing full of legends around each spring to help with personal instruction.
So, what's the problem with having six starters?
Yankees Manager Joe Torre does not see one.
"At this point, it's terrific for me,'' Torre said.
But Torre has been around baseball long enough to know that the presumptuous members of the New York media would make what seems like an excess into a story that simply must be told. Right now. To them, there has to be an odd man out and, after all their investigating, they have projected it will be Orlando "El Duque'' Hernandez.
It may be more than a month before we know if any of them are in the running to replace Miss Cleo but Torre certainly won't be paying to find out what they think.
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"Who knows what's going to happen in the next six weeks?'' Torre said. "One of the starters could get hurt. One may not be ready. There could be a trade. You never know.''
Torre warned again about assuming that Hernandez would be the one sent to the bullpen or traded while Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, David Wells and Sterling Hitchcock get the starts during the regular season. Torre said his first day in camp that Clemens, Mussina and Pettitte would be the top three and that Wells, Hitchcock and Hernandez would fight it out for the other two spots.
Age may be a factor in the final outcome. Clemens is 39 and appears to be in the best spring shape of his career. But Wells is 38 and coming off major back surgery that limited his starts to 16 with the White Sox last season. He has been throwing a baseball and has gone through drills the last two mornings, and threw off a mound on Saturday for the first time since July.
"He is coming off major back surgery,'' Torre said. "He seems to be in much better shape but that's not the most important thing. It's going to the mound. I've cut lots of pitchers who were in great shape.''
Mussina is 33 and Pettitte does not turn 30 until June, while Hitchcock will turn 31 at the end of April. Mussina and Pettitte both threw more than 200 innings again last year and Hitchcock had major arm surgery just two years ago.
"You can never have too much pitching,'' Torre said, searching for a Yogi-ism.
The main reason the Big Apple scribes have focused on Hernandez is because of the way he pitched last season (4-7, 4.85 ERA) and the fact that he was signed only for this season, while Wells and Hitchcock were signed for two years apiece.
Hernandez, who is listed as 32, had toe surgery last season and never really figured out what the problem was with his elbow that bothered him all season. He checked into camp at Legends Field this week saying he was healthy, happy to still be a Yankee and not sure what the six starters meant.
"It is not a problem,'' Hernandez said. "What is needed is for me to work. Nothing else. My (role) is something I don't know right now. No one has spoken to me about what it means. It is not important what I say or think. I can't talk about what I don't know yet.''
Half a dozen lockers away from Hernandez, Clemens was dishing out advice.
"If I were (Hernandez), I would take the position that someone has to take the job away from me,'' Clemens said. "That's the way I'd approach it.
"He's a sensitive guy. You all know that. But when his mind is right, he's nails.''
Clemens then thought for a moment about the other 18 Spring Trainings he has attended and how much changed during each one.
"You can't be sure something's not going to happen,'' Clemens said. "So we just don't know.''
One thing Clemens does know is he would like to see a dogfight.
"I personally hope it's a tough decision on (pitching coach) Mel (Stottlemyre) and Joe because that would mean everybody has done well,'' Clemens said. "By mid-spring, it's going to get interesting."
Wells throws off mound
No problems for Boomer after throwing session
Associated Press
TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees pitcher David Wells reported no problems Saturday after throwing off a mound for the first time since July.
Wells underwent back surgery last summer, and wasn't expected to take the hill for at least another week. The left-hander threw all of his pitches during the 10-minute session on an indoor mound.
"There was no aches and pains ... it's a good sign," Wells said. "It's exciting. I was shocked. It was a huge step."
New York pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre said Wells threw at 75-80 percent.
"Outstanding,'' Stottlemyre said. "At first, I said, 'No.' '' He was very good (throwing long toss), and he thought it was a good opportunity. Very surprising. A very good day.''
Wells signed a $7 million, two-year contract during the offseason. He went 5-7 with a 4.47 ERA in 16 starts with the Chicago White Sox last season.
"We have left it up to him,'' Yankees Manager Joe Torre said. "It's his body, and he knows how he feels. It was a very good step."
Barring any problems, Wells will throw off the mound again on Monday.
"I just had a wild hair. I just wanted to try something, and it felt good,'' Wells said. "I'm going to go very slow and gradually ease into it."
Wells in Good Shape
David Wells was not sure what was more of a relief, the load that was lifted off his mind or the 30 pounds he shed from his body.
In retrospect, though, losing all that weight was probably a little easier for Wells to deal with than not knowing why he was dealt from the New York Yankees just before the 1999 season.
"(Being traded) was disappointing because it was something I didn't expect to happen,'' Wells said as he quietly checked into Yankees Spring Training camp on Thursday. "I didn't know what to think.''
Wells had just gone 18-4 with a 3.49 for a World Series championship team many people believe was one of the greatest in Major League history. He threw a perfect game against Minnesota in 1998 and had established himself as a fan favorite if not a clubhouse favorite.
Then, in February of 1999, he was traded to Toronto with second baseman Homer Bush and reliever Graeme Lloyd for Roger Clemens.
Wells was devastated.
He didn't know if the reason was because of his weight, his outspoken personality, his run-in with manager Joe Torre or a combination of all three. All he knew was that he felt at home in New York with the fans, his teammates and the Yankee legends he so admires.
"I think there were people there who just didn't want me around,'' Wells said.
Asked Thursday if he ever thought he'd be back with the Yankees, Wells quietly said, "No.''
Then he perked up and added, "But George moves in mysterious ways.''
But even before Steinbrenner, the Yankees managing general partner, signed on the dotted line with Wells, Torre and Wells had a talk and cleared the air a bit.
"Joe heard I was mad,'' Wells said. "We hashed it out and we're fine.''
Torre agreed, saying they had had a falling out at one game in Texas when Wells perceived that he was pulled from the game too early.
"We talked. I gave a little. He gave a little. We're fine,'' Torre said.
But Wells wholly denied any reports of a rift with Clemens.
"I don't know where everybody's getting this Roger stuff,'' Wells said. "I've never said anything bad about Roger.''
Wells had been quoted just after the Jays-Yankees deal as saying that trading him was a mistake. He went on to post 17-10 and 20-8 seasons for Toronto and was traded to the White Sox last offseason in the infamous Mike Sirotka deal. He got in only 16 starts with Chicago (going 5-7) before needing season-ending back surgery to repair two disks.
Wells said he considered retiring but it just didn't feel right.
"I think if I had had a healthy season last year, I probably would have retired,'' said Wells, 38. "I don't care about stats. I just want to go out on a healthy note on my own terms. And this is the only team I would have come back for. I guarantee I would have retired.''
But well into the winter, the Yankees did not call. Except his lunching pal, Steinbrenner, who Wells introduced to several new Tampa-area restaurants. But Steinbrenner didn't mention a return to pinstripes for Wells. The Yankees already had four very good starters and then re-signed lefty Sterling Hitchcock.
So Wells went ahead and shook hands on a one-year, incentive-laden deal with Arizona owner Jerry Colangelo. The contract would have been finalized at that time but there was no doctor around for Wells to take a physical.
So, back at his home in the Tampa area for the holidays, Wells had lunch with Steinrenner again and informed "The Boss'' of his plans to pitch for the team that beat the Yankees in seven games in the World Series. It was then, on Christmas Eve, that Steinbrenner convinced Wells to return to the Yankees.
"I'm the happiest man in the world right now,'' said Wells, who signed a two-year, $7 million contract. ""I didn't expect two years. George surprised me with that.''
All the while, Wells was rehabilitating his back through regular exercises with a personal trainer. And Thursday, there were very few signs of any problems.
"I feel pretty good,'' Wells said. "My back is not yet 100 percent but it feels good. There is still stiffness sometimes but I can work through it. There will be good days and bad days. I expect that. The next six weeks will be a good test of all that.''
While he was exercising regularly, the most amazing thing happened. Wells started to lose weight. So, he decided to do even more by limiting the amount of carbohydrates he took in, including his beloved beer. That was tough, Wells said, especially when he was out and about with friends. But it was well worth the result.
"I've lost 28-30 pounds,'' Wells said. "I'm about 244 (lbs.) right now. I did exercise every day and paid attention to my diet. There were a lot of back exercises. If I didn't rehab it, I'd probably be retired right now.''
He also started throwing a baseball, just a little long toss, which he usually doesn't do during the offseason.
"I have not been throwing off a mound and I don't expect to for awhile,'' Wells said. "Hopefully, they don't want me to start the first game of spring. But I have been throwing. It only takes me 10-12 days to get ready.
"There's not going to be any problem with pitching. These guys know what I'm capable of doing. Spring Training is worthless to me. I've had some terrible Spring Trainings and then had good seasons.''
Even though the Yankees have six quality starters for five spots, they certainly would be happy if Wells returns to his 1997-2000 form when he compiled an 82-46 record.
"He's a great talent,'' said reliever Mike Stanton. "If we can keep him healthy, he should be able to help quite a bit.''
And even one of the quietest Yankees is looking forward to seeing what "Boomer'' can bring.
"He gives us more experience and a quality pitcher,'' said starter Mike Mussina. "And he's always fun to be with in the clubhouse.''
Apparently Wells' Yankee clubhouse reputation reached last year's rookie sensation, Alfonso Soriano, because the second baseman willingly gave up his number (33) so Wells could once again honor Wells' favorite Yankee, Babe Ruth, by wearing it.
"Soriano gave up No. 33 pretty easy,'' Wells said. "He didn't bargain for it or I'm sure he would have gotten some money for it. But I'll take him out to dinner or something.''
Even though he is slimmer, healthier and maybe a little bit wiser, there is no doubt: Boomer is back.
Paul C. Smith is a reporter for MLB.com based in Tampa. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Ruben Rivera back with Yankees
Bombers ink outfielder to contract for 2002
By Mark Feinsand
MLB.com
NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees brought Ruben Rivera back to the Bronx, five years after they traded him in a deal for Hideki Irabu. Rivera signed a one-year deal with New York, with a club option for 2003. To make room for Rivera on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Brian Rogers was designated for assignment.
Rivera, 29, batted .255 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 117 games for the Cincinnati Reds in 2001. For his career he is a .218 hitter with 58 homers and 185 RBIs in 562 games with the Reds, San Diego Padres and Yankees.
Originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on November 21, 1990, Rivera spent six years in the Yankees' system (1991-1996) and appeared in 51 games at the Major League level. Considered one of the organization's top prospects, Rivera was sent to San Diego on May 30, 1997, along with right-handed pitcher Rafael Medina and cash considerations in exchange for the rights to Irabu, as well as infielder Homer Bush and outfielders Gordon Amerson and Vernon Maxwell.
Rogers, 25, was 10-9 with a 3.96 ERA in 29 games for the Double-A Norwich Navigators in 2001. He has spent four seasons in the Yankees' minor league system, going 33-28 with a 3.80 ERA in 93 games. Rogers was originally selected in the fifth round of the 1998 free-agent draft.
Clemens ready for another Spring Training
Coming off sixth Cy Young season, Clemens set for 2002
By Paul C. Smith
MLB.com
TAMPA -- Looking fit, trim and tan, Roger Clemens settled in Wednesday for what may be one of the last Spring Trainings of his very impressive career.
"I'm not done yet," Clemens said after finishing his physical at the Yankees' Legends Field. "I see playing, obviously, this year and maybe one more. That might change if (Andy Pettitte) says something about me being around here as long as he is or (Derek Jeter) says, 'You gotta hang on.'
"But you always ponder (retirement), especially this year with the way the season ended for us and the short offseason (because of November games)."
Clemens, who is entering his 19th professional season and fourth with the Yankees, made it clear that he will not be changing uniforms again.
"I definitely want this to be my last stop," said Clemens, who won a record sixth Cy Young after his 20-3 season in 2001. "New York has been great for me and my family. It's been exciting and rewarding. If not, I probably would have shut it down by now."
Clemens did add that he has at least one personal goal that may make a difference in how much longer he plays.
"Three hundred (wins) is within reach," said Clemens, who is 280-145 in what surely will be a Hall of Fame career. "Getting to 300 wins could change the way I look at it. Whether or not we win (the World Series) may be important, too. Losing the way we did, in the seventh game of the World Series, makes you appreciate the world championships more. I know there's a hunger to win another championship in guys right now who had gotten a little spoiled with all the winning in the last few years."
No matter when the day comes for Clemens to stop intimidating hitters, he said he expects a smooth transition.
"It would not be tough at all," Clemens said. "I could walk away today and be fulfilled by everything that's happened.''
He quickly added, however, that he's still not bored by the routine of getting ready to pitch and the physical toll it takes on his body. He has developed strict workout regimens for both the season and the offseason, and admitted that they become more difficult as he gets older. But he enjoys that other players, such as Pettitte, have adopted his preparation strategy and made it work for them.
"Most (pitchers) don't like to do anything the day before they work other than eat and stretch,'' Clemens said. "But I have found the last few years that if you throw a little bit and run a mile in a certain time on the day before you work it can help your endurance and velocity.
"Pettitte started out his career throwing 89-90 mph on his out pitch at 3-and-1 but now he can bring it at 94.''
Pettitte will be back but Clemens was sad to see some of his other friends from last year's team leave. That took a while to get past during the offseason.
"The reason I didn't hang around the clubhouse after the World Series was because of how we lost and the fact that we knew there were going to be a lot of changes,'' Clemens said. "We sensed that (owner) George (Steinbrenner) was upset about not scoring runs and that he was looking to add a bomber. So, we knew that (signing Jason) Giambi might happen.
"We're going to miss (retired right fielder) Paul (O'Neill). I kid him about being able to drink from the water fountain in the dugout now, instead of from the sides after he has taken a bat to it. We're going to miss his intensity.
"And (retired third baseman) Scott (Brosius), too. My image of him will always be of his bare hand getting ready to grab the ball off the grass and fire it over to first. That and him with his hands raised after his home run (against Arizona in Game 5 of the World Series)."
Clemens said that former Yankee Tino Martinez (now with St. Louis) also never got the credit he deserved for being a good defensive first baseman.
"The pitchers all knew,'' Clemens said.
So, it is with mixed emotions that Clemens starts another spring among several new teammates. But he doesn't plan to change his approach.
"I will just continue to be myself, with the same goals as every year,'' Clemens said. "I know how to lead by example. And if other guys want to follow what I'm doing, that's great.
"I am a big fan of the other guys. I like to see how they do in adversity. They see the way I am when things don't go well and they need to be able to let their personalities come through.''
Clemens acknowledged that should not be a problem for new teammate David Wells, the lefty starter for whom Clemens was traded in early 1999.
"Well, the personality of the team starts with skip (Yankees manager Joe Torre),'' Clemens said. "Bringing Boomer (Wells) back, you can't help but look at him and get a chuckle. He's gonna bring some life to the situation.''
Clemens was asked about his relationship with Wells, who was quoted in a story a few years ago as saying that Clemens, was, well, not exactly his favorite player.
"I don't have any problems with him,'' Clemens said. "I've gotten to know him through Coney (former teammate David Cone). I know he left here in a tough situation. But from the looks and sounds of things, he's getting himself in shape to play. He's working real hard and that's all you can ask. I've got no problems with Boomer.''
And he certainly has no problems with Giambi.
"It'll be nice to watch him every day instead of just every time we played Oakland,'' Clemens said.
Giambi and all the other hitters are expected to join the team Sunday and the first full workout is Tuesday at the Legends Field complex.
"Down here, it's just six weeks of getting ready for that first start of the season,'' said Clemens, who appeared to be in shape to go nine immediately.
"Roger is not your typical 39-year-old," Torre said. "He's an exceptional athlete. Who's know how long he can go on like this?''
Notes: Clemens brought with him a nameplate from the locker of fellow pitcher Allen Watson inscribed with the words, "Rocket man - Cy 6. $1,000.'' Clemens said Watson gave it to him after Watson got hurt and was leaving the team early last season. "He was feeling down and headed out but he stopped by and predicted what would happen (Clemens' sixth Cy Young Award). I guess this makes him Nostradamus. And I'm sure he's expecting some (money).'' ... Starter Orlando "El Duque'' Hernandez checked in and said he is prepared to begin Spring Training in good health. "I'm happy that the Yankees kept me here and that all the (trade) rumors were just rumors.'' Hernandez then was asked nine different ways (in English and Spanish) if he felt like the odd man out because the team has six starters for five spots. "It is not a problem,'' Hernandez said. "What is needed is for me to work. Nothing else. My (role) is something I don't know right now. No one has spoken to me about what it means. It is not important what I say or think. I can't talk about what I don't know yet.'' Hernandez did say he would be happy to move on from his injury-marred 2001 season. "It wasn't the best year because often I was injured,'' said Hernandez, who suffered arm and toe injuries. "But I returned strong, so overall it wasn't a bad year.'' ... Wells and the rest of the pitchers and catchers are expected to join their teammates for their first workout Thursday morning at 9:30. ... The Yankees will have 65 players in camp.
New-look Yanks eye another title After 2001 shocker, Yankees ready to regain crown
By Mark Feinsand
MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Spring Training is typically a time for teammates to catch up on the past few months, get back into game shape and prepare for the 162-game campaign ahead. For the New York Yankees, Spring Training 2002 will be a time to learn everyone's names.
The Yankees enter the 2002 season with a brand-new look, having brought in a half-dozen new players of note via trades and free agency. Manager Joe Torre said that the fresh crop of talent in the clubhouse shouldn't affect the team's chemistry, as the organization was careful to examine the personalities of the players as well as their abilities.
How different will Spring Training be for Torre, who will have to rely on veterans like Derek Jeter and Roger Clemens to help welcome in the new troops?
"Well, for starters, people will actually listen to some of my speeches, because they haven't heard them before," said Torre. "Not that there are any great revelations coming out of my mouth, it's just about the way we do things and what I expect. It's going to be fun. I think our clubhouse will be a nice place to be."
Unlike last season, the Yankees will not have much competition for starting jobs this spring. The biggest battle will be between Shane Spencer and John Vander Wal for the right field job, though a platoon is a possibility as well. Torre said he is eager to see how Spencer performs, given the opportunity to win a starting spot. Spencer missed all of last Spring Training with a knee injury, costing him a shot at the left field job.
"This will be a good time for him to try to settle into a spot," said Torre, indicating that it may be Spencer's job to lose.
"Shane needs to show that he can hit right-handers more, and John is a veteran left-handed bat," said Yankees GM Brian Cashman. "It could be a platoon situation, or one where someone earns the job on a daily basis. It's going to be a good, healthy competition. Joe is going to see how it plays out."
There will be some roster decisions for Torre to make. The final two spots in the bullpen are not settled, and there are numerous candidates for a few bench jobs, but figuring out how to utilize his new starters will be the most important thing for the Yankee skipper.
"I've been asked about a lineup, and I'll do a lot more experimenting than I have in the past," Torre said. "We have a lot more new players here."
Those players include Jason Giambi, Steve Karsay, Rondell White, Vander Wal, Robin Ventura and David Wells -- not to mention 25-plus non-roster invitees. One of them is Ron Coomer, who Torre feels may play a big part for the team this season.
"Right now we have 67 players coming to Spring Training, and normally that's reserved for teams that didn't finish first," Torre said. "We've done that every year, having 60-plus players. It makes it a little crowded, but it's one of those things."
But baseball is baseball, right? Ventura, who spent the last three years with the Mets, said that walking into a clubhouse for the first time can be awkward, but as long as you put in the work, things have a way of working out.
"Every year is exciting. When you go to a new team, there's some anxiety that goes along with it," Ventura said. "It's the same as when I signed with the Mets. You sit there and observe, try to mix into what's going on. This is a great team, and I'll try to mix in the best I can. You don't go in there making a loud statement -- you just get to work."
Those words are music to Torre's ears. He knows that repeating as American League champions will be tough, as teams like Seattle, Oakland and Boston will be targeting the Yankees all season. As long as his new players come into camp with the same energy and desire that his players have always shown, he will be satisfied.
"When you win, people are out to shoot you down. Just because you won the year before, it doesn't guarantee you anything, you don't get a free ticket anywhere," Torre said. "If anything, it makes you work harder to stay the same. We're going to do it with different people, but with the same resolve. That's the important thing.
"I think enough people that haven't been here before will know what is expected from them," added Torre. "I have never demanded anything other than an effort and preparation. In Spring Training games, winning isn't important, but playing to win is important. The record isn't as important as getting into the habit of playing hard."
Spring Cleaning
2001 Finish:
TEAM RECORD GB
Yankees 95-65 --
Red Sox 82-79 13.5
Blue Jays 80-82 16
Orioles 63-98 32.5
Devil Rays 62-100 34
2001 Pitching Leaders:
(min. 30 IP)
IP - Mike Mussina, 228 1/3
W - Roger Clemens, 20
L - Mike Mussina, 11
W% - Roger Clemens, .870
S - Mariano Rivera, 50
ERA - Mariano Rivera, 2.34
K - Mike Mussina, 214
K/9 - Jay Witasick, 11.83; Mariano Rivera, 9.26; Mike Stanton, 8.74
WHIP - Mariano Rivera, 0.90
Projected Lineup:
SS - Derek Jeter
2B - Alfonso Soriano
CF - Bernie Williams
1B - Jason Giambi
LF - Rondell White
C - Jorge Posada
3B - Robin Ventura
RF - Shane Spencer
DH - Nick Johnson
Projected Rotation:
1 - Roger Clemens
2 - Mike Mussina
3 - Andy Pettitte
4 - David Wells
5 - Sterling Hitchcock
Bullpen:
LH setup: Mike Stanton, Ted Lilly
RH setup: Steve Karsay, Ramiro Mendoza, Orlando Hernandez
Closer: Mariano Rivera
MLB.com takes an in-depth look at some issues facing the Yankees as they enter Spring Training 2002.
1. Will Alfonso Soriano become an All-Star? The sophomore second baseman put up numbers in 2001 (.268, 18 HR, 73 RBI, 43 SB) that would have made him the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award in most seasons. Unfortunately for Soriano, he debuted in the same campaign as Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki, who also captured the league MVP award. This season, Soriano will have a good chance to make the American League All-Star team, as 11-time AL star Roberto Alomar has moved to the National League, joining the crosstown Mets. His primary competition includes Seattle's Bret Boone and Chicago's Ray Durham.
2. Will Shane Spencer finally get his chance to start every day? Spencer, who turns 30 this month, will finally have a chance to win the starting job in right field after the retirement of Paul O'Neill., Not that the Yankees have him penciled in to the position - they brought in veteran left-hander John Vander Wal to challenge him, citing Spencer's inability to hit right-handed pitching consistently.
3. Will Derek Jeter succeed in the leadoff spot? Jeter, who has excelled in the No. 2 spot in New York's lineup, steps into the leadoff spot after the departure of free agent Chuck Knoblauch. Jeter is speedy enough to bat first, and his career OBP of .392 is a major improvement over the .339 Knoblauch posted in 2001. Jeter has swiped 49 bases in the past two seasons, getting caught just seven times. Look for a 40-steal season from the Yankees' shortstop in 2002.
4. Can Roger Clemens stay young forever? The Rocket will celebrate his 40th birthday this season, but coming off his sixth Cy Young season, why should another birthday stop him now? After going 20-3 in 2001, Clemens is just 20 victories shy of reaching 300. That should be incentive enough for Clemens to continue his rigid workout regimen, and give the Yankees another stellar year from their aging ace.
5. How will Jason Giambi fit into the Yankees' clubhouse? The Yankees' clubhouse has always been considered the most professional in sports. There is no loud music, few practical jokes and most players keep to themselves. Giambi comes to the Bronx from Oakland, where the A's clubhouse has been commonly confused with the Delta House. But Giambi knew what he was signing up for when he put his name on the dotted line, and should have no problem fitting in. One thing that helps him is the return of David Wells, who may be even more outgoing than Giambi.
NEW FACES
1B Jason Giambi -- Though Tino Martinez hit 34 home runs and drove in 113 runs, Giambi will give the Yankees so much more offensively as their starting first baseman. His .477 OBP led the AL last season - by 54 points. While he hit just four more homers and drove in just seven more runs than Martinez, Giambi led the league in slugging percentage at .660 and finished second in batting average at .342 - 62 points higher than Martinez. His glove may not be as good, but his bat will more than make up for it.
3B Robin Ventura -- Acquired by the Yankees in their first trade with the Mets since 1993, Ventura steps in for what appears to be a one-year stint in pinstripes. With phenom Drew Henson not quite ready to make the jump to the Majors, the Yankees needed to find someone to replace the retired Scott Brosius until Henson can take his place at the hot corner. Ventura, who has one year left on his contract, came to the Yankees for David Justice and could put up good power numbers at Yankee Stadium, aided by the short porch in right field.
OF Rondell White -- No one questions White's talent. It's his ability to stay on the field that people question. After playing just 189 games over the past two seasons, White has worked with Sacramento Kings strength coach Al Biancani throughout the entire offseason, and says he's ready to play an injury-free season for the first time since 1997. If he does, he should give the Yankees a solid bat in left field, a position that was shaky at best in 2001.
OF John Vander Wal -- The 35-year-old outfielder, acquired by New York from the San Francisco Giants for Jay Witasick, will compete with Shane Spencer for the starting right field job. Vander Wal played in 146 games for San Francisco and Pittsburgh in 2001, and gives the Yankees a fourth outfielder capable of starting in left or right field. Given the injury history to White, Vander Wal my play an important role for the Yankees this season.
RHP Steve Karsay -- When the Yankees let Jeff Nelson leave via free agency after the 2000 season, it left a huge hole in the bullpen. Neither Jay Witasick nor Mark Wohlers could fill that spot in 2001, so New York went out and gave Karsay low-end closer money to become the team's right-handed bridge to Mariano Rivera. Karsay, who had a 1.25 ERA for Cleveland last season, returns to the AL after spending the second half of the season in Atlanta.
LHP David Wells -- A fan favorite in New York, "Boomer" returns to the Big Apple after an injury-riddled 2001 season with the Chicago White Sox. With back surgery out of the way and 25 pounds off his 250-lb frame, Wells is out to prove that he can still dominate hitters the way he did from 1997-2000, when he won 71 games for the Yankees and Blue Jays.
IF Ron Coomer -- With left-handers at first (Giambi), third (Ventura) and DH (Nick Johnson), Coomer's right-handed bat could come in handy off the bench, or against a tough southpaw. Can play first or third base.
C Alberto Castillo -- Former Blue Jays backstop will compete with Todd Greene and Bobby Estalella for backup catching gig.
LONG GONE
Tino Martinez -- While the signing of Jason Giambi was cause for celebration for the Yankees' lineup, the loss of Martinez may be felt most by the rest of New York's infield. Martinez, a leader in the clubhouse during the Joe Torre era, filled the shoes of Don Mattingly when he joined New York. Now, he moves to St. Louis to take over for Mark McGwire.
Chuck Knoblauch -- After moving from second base to left field last season, Knoblauch went through an up-and-down season. By the end of 2001, Knoblauch was sharing time with Shane Spencer, so his departure from New York was no surprise. By signing with the Kansas City Royals, Knoblauch will have the chance to play in an environment with considerably less pressure than the media circus he faced in the Big Apple.
Scott Brosius -- Not many people thought that Brosius would return to the Yankees when his contract expired, but few thought he would hang up his spikes for good. That's precisely what Brosius did, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and his church in Oregon. Brosius leaves the Yankees having appeared in four World Series, capturing three rings in his four years in New York.
Paul O'Neill -- The Yankees' "Warrior" called it a career following the World Series, closing out a 15-year career that brought O'Neill five World Series rings. For the first time since 1992, the Yankees will have someone other than No. 21 in right field, but O'Neill will still be part of the Yankee family, working as a broadcaster for the new YES Network.
David Justice -- After carrying the Yankees in the second half of the 2000 season and into the playoffs, Justice spent a considerable amount of time on the DL in 2001. Hernia surgery and a nagging groin injury forced Justice to miss 51 games, and his .241 average, 18 home runs and 51 RBIs were the weakest outputs of his career for a season in which he played more than 100 games. After being traded to the Mets, he was then shipped to the Oakland A's, where he will be counted on to make up for some of the offense lost by Giambi's departure.
Jay Witasick/Mark Wohlers -- The two relievers, acquired in mid-season trades, were unable to fill the void left by Jeff Nelson, leaving the Yankees without a tested set-up man. The signing of Steve Karsay spelled the end of these two short-lived Yankee careers. Witasick was traded to the Giants for John Vander Wal, while Wohlers signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians.
Clay Bellinger -- This utility man was a roster casualty this offseason, released to make room for David Wells on the roster. Bellinger's ability to play every position on the diamond helped land him with the Anaheim Angels.
Randy Velarde -- The Yankees brought Velarde back to the organization last season as insurance for Scott Brosius' fractured hand. Now, with Robin Ventura at third and Alfonso Soriano at second, Velarde has no position to play. With cheaper utility infielders available, the Yankees weren't going to pay Velarde what he wanted, so he signed with the Oakland A's.
RETURNING FROM INJURY
C Jorge Posada -- Posada underwent shoulder surgery in December to repair partially torn labrum. Posada resides in Tampa in the offseason, and has been rehabbing with team trainer Gene Monahan this winter. He should be ready by Opening Day.
LHP David Wells -- Wells, who had back surgery last season, said he has felt no pain since the surgery. Throw in a new diet and workout regimen, which has resulted in a 25-pound weight loss, and Wells should be in shape for a spot in the rotation.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
1B/DH Nick Johnson -- Though many felt that Johnson was the Yankees' future first baseman, the signing of Jason Giambi left Johnson without a position to play. New York loves his bat, and his patience at the plate fits into Joe Torre's hitting philosophy. Look for Johnson to spell Giambi at first from time to time, while getting the bulk of the at-bats as the team's designated hitter.
ON THE REBOUND
Robin Ventura -- Ventura's first season as a Met was an overwhelming success, as he hit 32 home runs, drove in 120 runs and hit .301. That was 1999. In the last two seasons, Ventura has hit .232 and .237, hitting 24 and 21 home runs with 84 and 61 RBIs. Playing in Yankee Stadium should help Ventura, as the left-hander will surely benefit from the short porch in right field. What could also help Ventura is his contract status -- he's a free agent after this season.
Orlando Hernandez -- After an injury-filled 2001, "El Duque" enters Spring Training without a spot in the rotation for the first time since joining the Yankees. After going 41-26 in his first 2 1/2 years in New York, Hernandez went 4-7 last season with a 4.85 ERA. There is a chance that Hernandez could be traded if the Yankees are presented with the right offer, but he could also beat out Sterling Hitchcock or David Wells for a spot in the rotation if he has a stellar spring. If not, look for Hernandez to be the long-relief out of the bullpen.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Last season, the Yankees entered Spring Training without a solid fifth starter, a mess in the bullpen and a second baseman that couldn't throw the ball to first base. This year, Joe Torre will have to decide between Shane Spencer and John Vander Wal in right field, figure out what to do with Orlando Hernandez, and fill out the final spot or two in the bullpen and on the bench. Look for Randy Choate, Ted Lilly and Adrian Hernandez to get good looks in the bullpen. Overall, the Yankees will use Spring Training to get to know one another, as nearly one-third of the roster has been turned over since Game 7 of the World Series.
Yanks Sign Zeile
