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News and Notes from Tampa: Day Two

With the first day of spring workouts in the books, the competition now begins for the last spot in the New York Yankees rotation. Both David Phelps and Ivan Nova are slated to throw their first official bullpens of the spring today, and it will be the first chance to get a look at what might be the most interesting position battle of the Yankees’ spring. For the winner, it is a chance to break camp as a member of the starting rotation, whereas the loser could be asked to fill a long relief role or even banished to Triple-A to begin the year.

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[6:54pm]

The Yankees‘ official Twitter page quotes Pineda after today’s mound session: “I’m very excited for this year, my shoulder is doing well… I’m ready to pitch this year.”

[6:48pm]

ESPN New York’s Wallace Matthews reports that Youk said today, “I’ll always be a Red Sock.”  He went on to write that Youk visited the clubhouse after hitting in the cage and greeted a number of his new teammates. Joba Chamberlain was not one of them.

[6:38pm]

The Yanks put out a press release announcing Youk has arrived at camp, beginning his first spring training with any team other than the Red Sox (he was traded mid-season to Chicago). He’ll be donning no. 36.

[1:16pm]

Jack Curry reports that Cashman’s patience and understanding regarding the New York/Boston transition was vital for Kevin Youkilis as he mulled the Yanks’ offer.

[1:14pm]

More promising news out of Yankee camp: Jack Curry reports that Brian Cashman thinks June is a reachable goal for Michael Pineda to return to pitching in the Majors.

[1:12pm]

Jack Curry reporting: “Cashman said [Kevin] Youkilis is ‘exactly the type of player the Yankees want’ because of his power, plate discipline and ability to handle NY.”

[1:10pm]

YesNetwork.com announces it will televise 19 spring training games beginning with a matchup vs. Toronto on Sunday, February 24th @ 1pm.

[1:06pm]

The Yes Network’s Jack Curry reports that CC Sabathia‘s first BP session is slated for Saturday. Additionally, he writes that his elbow is feeling good and he is experiencing no pain when he extends his arm.

[1:03pm]

Jack Curry reports Joe Girardi‘s comments on Ivan Nova: “He has to go out and earn a job.”

[10:52 am]

David Phelps threw 30 pitches to live hitters this morning in his first official session of the spring. He faced both Francisco Cervelli and Bobby Wilson. Adam Warren, Cody Eppley, and Brett Marshall also faced live hitters this morning.

Associated Press Photos