- There have been a lot of weighty issues at Yankees’ camp in just the first few days. The latest revolves around Joba Chamberlain’s expanded waist line, which has many wondering if it could lead to him having a diminished role. Meanwhile, Chamberlain believes he is in good shape and, more importantly, seems to be benefiting from a mechanical adjustment made by new pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
- One place Chamberlain won’t be is the starting rotation, and apparently neither will highly touted prospects Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos. While the Yankees hold auditions for the final two slots in the rotation, the team’s three established starters will be throwing early morning bullpen sessions under the watchful eye of Rothschild.
- Andruw Jones reported to camp with some swelling in his knee, but the Yankees don’t expect that to slow his training. According to Girardi, Jones’ chief role on the team will be as a backup corner outfielder. According to Jones, Girardi makes him “feel old”.
- River Avenue Blues provides a look at Albert Pujols in pinstripes, a story that gained traction when the future Hall of Famer and the Cardinals decided to table contract extension talks until after the regular season.
- Other teams were not as shy handing out new contracts. The Blue Jays were reportedly close to rewarding Jose Bautista’s 50 homerun season with a new five-year deal worth $65 million, while the Brewers and Rickie Weeks agreed to a new four-year extension worth $38.5 million.
- The Mets continue to be a team that is looking to raise money, not spend it. However, chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon insisted that his family will not relinquish a majority stake in the ballclub.
Breakfast Links: A Quick Wind Sprint Around Spring Training
February 17, 2011 by William Juliano
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