CTR Notes - 2/23

With full-squad workouts beginning there’s all sorts of notes and fluff ‘n’ stuff coming out of Legends Field today… here’s a tapas version of what’s on the menu (hint, lots of Giambi)

Yankees.com

Giambi’s “armed with a full offseason of workouts and a positive attitude” .... Torre thinks Jason is “more relaxed” and will hit somewhere in the 3-6 portion of the lineup with ARod, Sheff and ‘Zilla.

Tanyon Sturtze has a good line about his mound session: “Location-wise, I was a little disappointed. ... I was very dominating from Little League distance. Then I went back to the rubber and I wasn’t so dominating.”

Last year’s top picks C.J. Henry and Austin Jackson visted the camp yesterday. Neither are NRIs so they just “toured the facility and met some of the current Yankees players and coaches.”

From some other Yankees.com coverage:
Cano hoping to avoid a sophomore slump, but feels more comfortable in the clubhouse: “I really feel that I can talk more… [The veterans] see me like their little brother. I respect them, they respect me and we help out each other.”

NYPost.com:
George King reports on what Jason Giambi might do as the full-time first baseman…

“When I play first base, I don’t know, maybe I am ADD, it gives me something to do. I play a lot better,” [Giambi said.] “If they want me to be that player that I was at the end of the year last year, driving in runs and hitting big home runs, that’s the way to go.”
How different are Giambi’s numbers when he plays first versus being the DH?
A lot.
In the past three years, Giambi has hit .217 (112-for-517) with 29 homers, 77 RBIs and has an on-base percentage of .384 as the DH. While playing first, Giambi batted .274 (189-for-691) with 56 homers, 157 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .427.

To which we all say “Uh-duh...”

King also notes that Torre doesn’t have a binkie like Tino or Olerud to fall back on this year, just Andy Phillips.

Columbus fodder Kevin Reese “needed stitches to close a gash over his left eye after a fly ball hit him,” so I guess he’s out as a possible defensive replacement.

NYDailyNews.com
Bill Madden also profiles Giambi *yawn*

BergenRecord.com

The Record notes Eric Duncan’s in camp and excited to meet Paul O’Neill… “I’ve been a Yankee fan my entire life, and he was my favorite player,” said the lefty-swinging Duncan, who’s eager to discuss O’Neill’s approach to hitting.

Also, there’s this on Sturtze

The Yankees are easing Sturtze into April, after excessive use in ‘05 led to shoulder discomfort and a late-season meltdown.

Again, we say “Uh, duh...”

There’s also a piece by Klapisch on Damon’s indoctrination

“I thought Joe’s introductory speech really hit home,” Damon said. “He talked about enjoying the game, not letting it pass you by, knowing we do have a good team. That’s why the goal here is getting to the World Series.”