Pregame notes: Rivera and Johnson will get in-house looks at first
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 07, 2013 
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Each spring, Joe Girardi makes out his lineups several days ahead of time. He maps out who will play where, who’s going to get at-bats and when players will take time off. Yesterday, he made some adjustments.
Juan Rivera is at first base today. Girardi said he’s pretty sure Dan Johnson will play first tomorrow. Those two were primarily looked at as an outfielder and a potential third baseman when camp opened. Now the Yankees need to find out whether either one can help fill in for Mark Teixiera.
“You don’t replace guys like Alex and Tex and Grandy,” Girardi said. “But you’ve still got to figure out a way to get it done and win games with the guys you have.”
Girardi said he might put Kevin Youkilis at first base a few times this spring, but that was going to happen anyway (Girardi expected Youkilis to be the primary backup at first base this season). The in-house guys who are getting a real look at the position are Rivera and Johnson. Girardi said there’s no one else really in the conversation. There’s still a chance Youkilis could shift to first and leave room for a replacement at third, but in terms of getting a look at a new first baseman, Rivera and Johnson are the options.
“I’ll let this play out a week or two probably and see,” Girardi said. “I might throw (Youkilis) there one day. I don’t think he’s forgotten how to play first. … If it’s easier to put a guy at first and leave Youk at third, we’ll do that. Could it be a combination? Yeah, it could be a combination. (Youkilis) could play both.”
An impact bat via trade or waiver claim? Doesn’t seem likely given Brian Cashman’s comments yesterday.
“I know Brian talked about, you can’t go out and do too much,” Girardi said. “Then, what do you do after a month when Tex comes back? I think whatever you do, you have to be careful. For me, my job is to look from within because that’s what I know we have. So that’s what I’ll do.”
• This is the first time the Yankees have used Ronnier Mustelier at third base this spring, but Girardi said Mustelier was scheduled to play third today even before the Teixeira injury.
• Although Girardi didn’t completely rule out the idea of Eduardo Nunez playing third base — “We’ll have to re-think it,” he said — as of this moment, Girardi has no plans of giving Nunez any turns at third base this spring. For the time being, Nunez remains strictly a shortstop and DH. “I think part of that depends on Derek too, where we see Derek is in the next two weeks,” Girardi said. “Where’s he at and how much do you think you’re going to need Nuney? I believe he’s going to be ready to go, but until I can actually say that for sure, you have to prepare for it.”
• Speaking of Jeter, Girardi said he doesn’t think Jeter is doing anything different today. Not going to run the bases at full speed, or anything.
• Girardi said Jayson Nix will play some third this spring, but Girardi doesn’t really need to see him there. He knows Nix at third is viable defensive option.
• Mariano Rivera is flying back from New York today.
• Dave Robertson stayed behind in Tampa. “I’m not going to rush him,” Girardi said. “I don’t know how he feels today. I haven’t talked to Stevie about that. Hopefully he played catch.”
• No minor leaguers were brought up from the complex for this trip. It’s only the guys on the bus who will play today. That said, I didn’t see a list of backups or scheduled relievers posted, so I don’t have those assignments today. Looks like some of these guys, especially the infielders, might play the whole game.
• One out-of-the-box suggestion for first base: A big left-handed target named CC Sabathia. “Don’t give him any ideas,” Girardi said. “Anything to get his bat in the lineup, he’d say.”
Associated Press photos
Not the in-house looks I was hoping for, but pretty typical, and part of the reason they are in this mess.
blake March 7th, 2013 at 12:00 pm
After reading Hals interview I think the only thing that’ll stop 189 is a total collapse this year…..otherwise I think they will spin whatever they cobble together for 2014 as a “championship level team” and proceed
—————-
That interview was a lot of fluff.
They will spend more now because a total collapse is now within the realm of the possible, which doesn’t mean it will happen to any negativity police out there, but it could given the injuries.
This rag-tag approach to filling HUGE holes is ridiculous. Hal = Scrooge with a Yankee hat on.
It’s too early to call Hal Scrooge. We will know more by in a year.
blake says:
March 7, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Randy must have left ….so I’ll post how I picture Donny
https://www.google.com/search?q=waffle+house+cook&hl=en&client=safari&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Z8o4UZnYBJHW9QSRxICYAg&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=320&bih=504#i=0
I hope Mustelier makes a sweet play at 3rd.
just a tangential thought,
mick March 7th, 2013 at 11:42 am
“I have seen my pictures and Randy’s and mine are better.”
http://www.flickr.com/photos/1.....hotostream
put up or shut up
all kidding aside, i like knowing what doreen looks like or sj44 or mtu. i wish the blog made posters put up a photo. i understand for security reasons ,like shame posting at work, that might be a bad idea .
if for no other reason, it’s like when someone driving does something really stupid, it’s human nature to want to look at the driver to see what “stupid” looks like
I was walking into IHOP a few weeks ago, the immediate thing I noticed were clientele base that have an average size of a NFL half back. this stuff is delicious but by no means healthy.
” i wish the blog made posters put up a photo”
I’ll need time to get a porch, a flannel shirt, cowboy boots, aviator sunglasses , and a glass of red wine
@FeinsandNYDN
Teixeira was told the wrist injury shouldn’t linger all season since doctors won’t let him swing again until he’s 100 percent healed.”
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…..This makes no sense.
@JackCurryYES: Teixeira said he won’t be able to swing until he’s pain free. Hurt wrist while swinging weighted bat and hitting off a tee. Was swinging LH
The Yanks look pretty screwed at this point …
Randy… looks so close to what I pictured it’s insane!!
Before the season starts lets do a photo-sharing day!
After reading Hals interview I think the only thing that’ll stop 189 is a total collapse this year…..otherwise I think they will spin whatever they cobble together for 2014 as a “championship level team” and proceed
———————
I don’t know maybe I’m not my normal self today but he did sound convincing.
Patrick March 7th, 2013 at 12:31 pm
The Yanks look pretty screwed at this point …
———-
The pitching should still be really good. These injuries definitely hurt their chances, I’d consider the Jays the favorite for the division now, but they can still compete. Even with these injuries, I still think they’ll produce more runs than the Rays and be a better team than the Red Sox.
My concern would be the AL West with the Rangers, Angels and As…
I just love all of you chirping, “well at least they’ll play the kids now!”.
If you consider Juan Rivera, Dan Johnson and Jayson Nix “the kids” you’ll be tickled pink.
There are no kids ready to step into these roles. The minute you stop pretending the Yankees have upper level goodies just waiting to explode at the big league level the quicker you’ll realize that we’re going to fill most holes with guys who didn’t make other teams rosters.
shame, just think if chad didn’t post a photo.
now wouldn’t that just seem wrong?
i think if chad posts a photo we all should
What injuries do is to keep narrowing the margin for error. The pitching now has to be beyond good, and extremely consistent. A return to form from two of Hafter, Youkilis and Ichiro is now mandatory, at least early on.
The Yankees are going to add a bat, imo. How good and the price remain to be seen.
I guess it was too much to hope that these injuries would open up shot for some of the kids.
I don’t get Girardi some times. He might think that right now Rivera and Johnson are the two primary candidates, but ruling out other options (Mustelier) is short sighted and dumb.
noreaster down on the cape today
60mph gusts
25 foot waves
how’s the weather around the northeast?
I don’t like seeing Tex get hurt, but I have no problem with anything that went down this winter and Spring.
I want to see some fill ins hit .260 with less K’s and more BIP…Dan Johnson at 1B wouldn’t be too much of a defensive step down
After reading Hals interview I think the only thing that’ll stop 189 is a total collapse this year…
When the team is five games under .500 at the All Star Break, the stadium is half-empty and Ticketmaster can’t get jack for the seats, he’ll change his mind alright.
You want my guess at the opening day lineup vs. Lester & the Red Sox provided there are no waiver pickups?
Jeter – DH
Ichiro – RF
Cano – 2b
Youk – 3b
Juan Rivera – 1b
Matty Diaz – LF
Nunez – SS
Stewie – C
Gardner – CF
That lineup would not be terrible…couldn’t be worse than the 2012 playoff performance.
I think some of the kids will surprise and insire all of us to believe again
how’s the weather around the northeast?
—
In Jersey just across the river from the city .. very windy a few flurries. Not a pleasant day
g love-
i saw some lester video today. he’s supposedly throwing well. i expect farrel to get him back to solid #2 level. he might be tough that first game.
1B and C defense is a luxury they can’t afford right now. Their nice, but non-essential.
They need as much offense as they can get from anyone, be it Nunez, Mustelier, Heathcott, Mesa, Almonte, whatever.
G love ,
That’ll be close …..sadly
“In Jersey just across the river from the city .. very windy a few flurries. Not a pleasant day”
crazy storm . hard to get a read on it.
G. Love
What about Hafner? Or are you surmising that he’ll be injured by the start of the season? The way the Yanks’ lucky is going, you will probably be right. That lineup will be lucky to average four runs a game.
G. Love March 7th, 2013 at 12:36 pm
I just love all of you chirping, “well at least they’ll play the kids now!”.
If you consider Juan Rivera, Dan Johnson and Jayson Nix “the kids” you’ll be tickled pink.
There are no kids ready to step into these roles. The minute you stop pretending the Yankees have upper level goodies just waiting to explode at the big league level the quicker you’ll realize that we’re going to fill most holes with guys who didn’t make other teams rosters.
————————
I was explaining that to someone on another board. “Tex getting injured is an opportunity to see some new blood. Look at this s an opportunity” What opportunity?? If they had some young 1st baseman in AAA they wouldn’t even be looking for trade candidates or guys like Johnson and Rivera.
crazy storm . hard to get a read on it.
—
yeah a day ago they said we were getting 6 inches, no it sounds like zero. Whatever, I’m ready for spring, going to try to play 9 this Saturday if the weather is ok
“After reading Hals interview I think the only thing that’ll stop 189 is a total collapse this year…”
my thoughts exactly.
he’s in total denial.
someone close to him needs to do an intervention.
For what it’s worth, we had 45 mph winds 150 miles from the coast yesterday that were headed your way. Hang on tight.
randy -
Did you just call me stupid?????????
” I’m ready for spring, going to try to play 9 this Saturday if the weather is ok ”
i pulled my cleveland wedge out of the closet last night. i’m ready. daylight savings time this weekend right?
Not a shock, but Mo’s hanging them up at the end of the year:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports......is-season/
Hassey,
What kids are going to inspire us? Outside of Melky Mesa possibly making the team, that’s it.
There are no kids taking these jobs that have opened up due to injury.
bruceb,
Left Hafner off because Girardi’s binder won’t let him start vs. Lester (LHP) plus I think Jeter is going to DH for awhile at first.
Instead of getting all bent out of shape about what may or may not happen, my suggestion is just enjoy the damn season and accept the fact that no one on this blog has an effing clue about what Hal’s plans are or aren’t.
i pulled my cleveland wedge out of the closet last night. i’m ready. daylight savings time this weekend right?
—
I didn’t know it was this weekend but googled it and you are right: “Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2013 begins at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 10 “
” no one on this blog has an effing clue about what Hal’s plans are or aren’t.”
I’m not sure that Hal knows.
G Love – I don’t mean only on the big club, I meant the minors, too.
I’m all for a season of low expectations but higher enjoyment.
If I’m Mustelier or any other young player and I see that Girardi is looking at Johnson and Rivera I go out there every day with the intention of forcing my way into the conversation.
randy looks good for a 75 year old.
When I read that Mo flew back to NYC for “personal reasons”, I had a nightmare.
In the nightmare Rivera flew back to NYC because he decided to retire from baseball.
Mo spoke to the media and said even though his knee felt fine, his arm was sore and he was sorry to be retiring.
NIGHTMARE!
So glad it was a dream and not reality
“Did you just call me stupid?????????”
doreen , of course not
i like knowing what you, mtu, trisha, sj44 look like
back when the blog was in a safe time lots of people posted photos.
i notice sj44 does on twitter.
i guess with social media you have to decide to put so much out there that it doesn’t matter( if you get a stalker) or nothing at all.
i said the part about seeing what stupid looks like as a dig to my nemesis mick.
of course he won’t have the nerve to post a photo.
plus he’s not smart enough to figure out how to do flicr
“randy looks good for a 75 year old.”
63
that actually kind of freaks me out.
sometimes i want a recount
nemesis?
and i thought we were friends, brothers?
“my suggestion is just enjoy the damn season and accept the fact that no one on this blog has an effing clue about what Hal’s plans are or aren’t.”
Sure but you can read between the lines and guess….he’s said that 189 was a goal and that you shouldn’t need a 200 million dollar payroll to win a title…..he also said that it wouldn’t affect their comittment to fielding a championship caliber team…..they must consider this team a championship caliber one so I guess the question boils down to exactly what they consider “championship quality”…..any team could theoretically win a title ….that’s a pretty loose standard that could easily be spun
Randy –
I had to ask! LOL
I agree. It really is nice to have an idea of what the person on the other end looks like.
“Instead of getting all bent out of shape about what may or may not happen, my suggestion is just enjoy the damn season and accept the fact that no one on this blog has an effing clue about what Hal’s plans are or aren’t.”
chip-
were you the guy in 2006 that said there has never been a housing collapse?
hal is the guy back then selling you mortgage-backed securities.
hal is either a liar or in denial.
i’m guessing denial.
But Blake, I think that means that if this team tanks then the plan would change, no?
RadioKev says:
March 7, 2013 at 1:12 pm
But Blake, I think that means that if this team tanks then the plan would change, no?
If it tanks sure….but what if they don’t tank but just barely sneak into a WC and lose in the first round.? ….don’t collapse but never really threaten for a title or look like a title team? What’s their definition of “championship caliber”
If it tanks sure….but what if they don’t tank but just barely sneak into a WC and lose in the first round.? ….don’t collapse but never really threaten for a title or look like a title team? What’s their definition of “championship caliber”
————–
That is very subjective. I’d say last year’s team was “championship caliber” but I wouldn’t have said that about several teams that have actually won the World Series!
@PeteAbe: Best way I can describe Rivera: You know how people always say, “How are you doing?” When Mo asks, he actually cares how you are doing
“That is very subjective. I’d say last year’s team was “championship caliber” but I wouldn’t have said that about several teams that have actually won the World Series!”
Of course…but that’s kinda what I’m saying….so long as they don’t just totally collapse this year I think they can spin any team for 2014 into one they feels can win a title……which is why I think they are probably going through with the payroll reduction most likely
“@PeteAbe: Best way I can describe Rivera: You know how people always say, “How are you doing?” When Mo asks, he actually cares how you are doing”
one thing that makes me pull back a little on total collapse with the yankees this year is mariano and jeter’s guidance ( and the pitching is good without any injuries).
i think these two guys can keep the team from going too low no matter how many scrubs hal makes them play with.
Yea….I don’t think they will collapse either….I think they’ll hang in their enough for Hal to make his budget cuts and to probably lose in the WC round
I see what you’re saying, Blake. I’m just of the mind that the post season is a crapshoot anyway
New thread…