Yankees can’t be taken seriously as World Series contenders
Manager Aaron Boone has impressed this spring, saying the Yankees are “fully committed” to becoming champions again. It also made for a great back page (thank you, New York Post sports desk!). But really, it’s just some witty phrasing, nice words, and some tough talk on Boone’s part at this point. If the organization is […]
Marcus Stroman gushes about playing for Yankees: ‘Pinnacle’
TAMPA — The real deal is still nearly six weeks away, but Marcus Stroman got his first taste Monday. The Yankees’ new right-hander pitched three innings at Steinbrenner Field in uniform, accumulating practice in preparation for the regular season. “It’s exciting to put on the pinstripes and feel it,” Stroman said. “It’s really nice to […]
Giancarlo Stanton was once Juan Soto — now at a Yankees crossroads
TAMPA — I’m old enough to remember when Giancarlo Stanton was Juan Soto. When he was imported to the Yankees in an offseason trade and teamed with Aaron Judge to outmaneuver opposing pitchers. Stanton was on his way to winning National League MVP honors and hitting 59 home runs. A return package to the Marlins […]
Yankees slugger looks very slim at spring training with hopes to be ‘more mobile’ in 2024
After the worst season of his career, New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton knew he needed to make some big changes this offseason leading up to 2024. The change was evident when Stanton reported to Yankees spring training in Tampa Bay, where he looked much slimmer than his usual muscular stature. But that doesn’t mean […]
Juan Soto gives first clues on Yankees future at spring training
TAMPA — There was no need for any introduction, but the Yankees’ newest superstar took to the stage Monday wearing a T-shirt that read “The Juan Soto of a Generation.” That’s why the Yankees traded him. That’s why they only guarantee him one year of service before he becomes a free agent and receives a […]
Clay Holmes has proved his Yankees value ahead of walk season
TAMPA — Clay Holmes is in a four-ball season, but the Yankees have not yet begun talks about extending him. I also understand the Yankees’ position. After all, when they traded for Holmes, he had a 5.57 ERA as a Pirate, and one of the things this organization does best is pick up struggling relief […]
Nick Burdi impressing Yankees after rare injury history
TAMPA — It’s an exclusive club, and not one Nick Vardy particularly wanted to be a part of. Nearly 50 pitchers have had two Tommy John surgeries. More than 50 people have also undergone surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome. However, Vardy and Shaun Hill are the only two known pitchers to return to pitching […]
Juan Soto arrives to Yankees spring training, meets Aaron Boone
TAMPA — Juan Soto made his first appearance at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Sunday, and it’s about to get real. The day before position players reported to camp, the Yankees’ new superstar walked through the clubhouse in the morning, taking stock of the situation and also met manager Aaron Boone in person for the […]
Yankees hope Ron Marinaccio’s offseason work leads to 2024 rebound
TAMPA — The Yankees are talking about many pitchers entering spring training with a better foundation from offseason practices. Ron Marinaccio took it literally. A stress reaction in his shin late in the 2022 season set him back from a strong rookie season and limited his preparation for the offseason entering 2023. Ron Marinacio pitches […]
Yankees’ Carlos Rodon thinks he has key to rediscovering talent
TAMPA — Carlos Rodon’s body received a lot of attention early in spring training after he reported to camp feeling noticeably better. But the Yankees left-handed pitcher isn’t just looking better, he’s also getting better, especially with the way he moves on the mound, and that could be one of the keys to unlocking his […]