The Sights and Sounds of Spring

After a month of inactivity due to nothing more than sheer laziness, let's take a look at the some of the questions/items I previewed last month:

1.) Joe Girardi - It's hard to judge a manager by a few weeks of spring training, but Girardi seems to have acclimated himself very well with his new position as the Yankees' skipper. The way General Joe carries himself has never been a mystery to Yankees' fans, and I have no worries he will be able to handle the media circus that is NY. The most telling sign to me is that the veteran players have really embraced their new manager. Players reported to camp in outstanding shape and what seems to be a very positive outlook. Girardi has handled the Andy Pettitte and Tampa Bay Rays controversies about as well as Torre could have (if not better).

2. Andy Pettitte - At the end of his first day at camp, Andy addressed the media and the rest of baseball via press conference from Legend's Field/George Steinbrenner Field. Andy's confession and apology was perhaps the most genuine account we have seen during the entire PED investigation. While he was wrong in doing what he did, I think Andy has handled this situation with grace and dignity - something I'm sure baseball fans will use to forgive him. As for his performance thus far, aside from a little bit of elbow tenderness, Andy seems fine and ready to pitch this season.

3. CMW Contract - Wang lost in arbitration but has no hard feelings. He has been working on his off speed stuff which should help him tally a few more K's and keep hitters off balance (7 K's today vs. Cleveland in 4.1 innings).

4. A-Rod's 10 year $275 million deal - Oddly enough, we haven't heard much about Alex this spring. While that certainly is a change, Arod's performance on the field hasn't as he is pulverizing the baseball this spring. Note to that AL - Watch out...

5. Jeter - Stay tuned on Jeter this year. He changed his training regimen this off season for more speed and quickness - hopefully we'll see some added range and few nagging injuries.

6. Joba - Joba's role has yet to be defined. He has gotten hit a little more than we are used to this spring, but I'm sure he'll put together a nice year.

7. First Base - Two words - Jason Giambi. The Giambino is in great shape (contract year), and has been playing a very good first base this spring. Girardi has made no secret that he wants Giambi to play first. Jason's career numbers are much better when he's at first base, and with the outfield log jam, Jason needs to be at first. Shelley looks great also, probably to back up and spell the OF's and Giambi vs. a tough lefty.

8. The Bullpen - Mariano is Mariano. Kyle is happier with Girardi around. Hawkins has looked good. Bruney lost a ton of weight. Aside from that, not much to write about here. We'll see what happens.

9. Phil & Ian - It's going to be a lot of fun to watch these guys this year. Aside from a rocky last start, Hughes has been nothing short of brilliant. He's in great shape and seems determined to live up to the hype. Ian has given up a couple gopher balls, but I wouldn't read into it. He's a cerebral pitcher who doesn't want to show too much to opposing hitters. I love this kid.

10. Moose - He was awful in his first start of the spring but has been great since. He's looking like he did in 2006. If he can come close to that, the pen will be much stronger with Joba in there. Moose is the key and so far it fits.