TAMPA — Two years ago it was a billiards tournament. Last spring training it was a visit to an arcade for video games.
Each outing was designed to help Yankees bond with each other. Though manager Joe Girardi said there might be an outing during this camp, it won’t be before the exhibition season opener tomorrow against the Phillies.
“I am not saying we won’t get together but it won’t be [today],” Girardi said. “We can’t take time away from practice. It could be after a game.”
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Girardi didn’t make official who will catch Bartolo Colon
tomorrow at George M. Steinbrenner Field but said it could be Francisco Cervelli
.
Early last year Girardi paired Cervelli with A.J. Burnett
, but if Cervelli is Russell Martin
‘s back up this season, it’s not automatic Cervelli and Burnett will be regular partners.
“I don’t have plans [to do that],” Girardi said. “But some times it’s easier for the backup to catch one guy. But right now I don’t have plans.”
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Girardi on Jesus Montero
‘s development behind the plate:
“Compared to last year it’s totally different,” Girardi said. “He is relaxed and looking comfortable. Last year he was still searching for the finer things.”
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Jorge Posada
, who isn’t expected to catch an exhibition game, caught reliever Rafael Soriano
‘s bullpen session yesterday.
