Observations from Spring Training - 美國職棒

這是最近的，前幾天好像沒看到

02/17/2008 5:03 PM ET
Observations from Spring Training
By YESNetwork.com

The mission of new manager Joe Girardi and the 2008 New York Yankees is
simple — win the World Series. Anything else would be considered a
disappointment. Clearly, such a lofty goal comes with immense pressure
and an unwavering dedication to hard work. But that doesn't mean the
squad can't have a little fun.

Sunday's workouts saw a lot of both ends of that spectrum. The guys
dripped puddles of sweat under the hot Florida sun, but they didn't
let their hard work stop them from having some laughs along the way.
These are just some of many observations from George M. Steinbrenner Field
at Yankees Spring Training.

9:50 a.m.
Over the course of his legendary career, Mariano Rivera has saved many games
for Andy Pettitte. Just minutes before taking the field today, Rivera
continues to support his teammate. "He will need us to help him through this,"
claims the Yankees closer regarding the media storm Pettitte will walk into
when he comes to camp and addresses the media at 3 p.m.

Despite the insanity that will undoubtedly follow Pettitte for the next
few weeks, Rivera is certain that his teammate's character will help him
get through this difficult situation. "Andy's a great guy, a great human
being, a great teammate and a great player."

10:32 a.m.
The fans at George M. Steinbrenner Field all begin to scream "Goose" as
the newest member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Rich "Goose" Gossage
steps onto the field. Without hesitation, Goose picks up a glove and begins
to play catch with former teammate Ron Guidry. A couple minutes into their
catch, Goose wants to see if "Gator" still has it, as he crouches down into
a catcher's stance and calls for a strike. The 57-year-old Guidry goes into
his windup and delivers a perfect strike.

10:55 a.m.
Girardi watches on as Jorge Posada and the rest of the Yankees catchers
practice their throws to second base. Girardi, who is only a few years
removed from his days behind the plate, offers his crop of backstops some
hands-on instruction. The Yankees manager steps behind the plate to show
the younger guys how to properly plant their feet for a throw to second.
Girardi's hands-on approach to managing is something the players have
really taken to. Be sure to log on tomorrow (Monday) to see Brian Bruney's
candid interview about the new-look Yankees, led by Girardi. To Bruney,
the difference between 2007 Yankees and the 2008 team is night and day.
Don't miss this YESNetwork.com exclusive.

11:25 a.m.
Just minutes after an intense bullpen session, Mike Mussina, Joba
Chamberlain, Chien-Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy take to the field to work
on their pickoff moves to second. The smiles on their faces prove that
these drills are going to be much more light-hearted than their bullpen
session.

Kennedy takes the mound while Mussina serves as the first baseman for
this drill. The young pitcher steps off the rubber, turns to first and
attempts a throw. But before he releases the ball, he notices Mussina's
face. The veteran pitcher shows off his comical side by turning his hat
to the side and making a face that stops Kennedy in his tracks. The
youngster breaks out laughing, which is quickly followed by chuckles
from the crowd.

11:40 a.m.
The laughs continue as Edwar Ramirez, Jeff Karstens, LaTroy Hawkins and
Sean Henn join Chamberlain, Wang, Kennedy and Mussina, who is quickly
becoming the ringleader of the crew. Only a few days into the season,
it's clear that the younger guys really look up to Mussina. Moose seems
to be relishing his role, but it's clear he won't take it too seriously.

Mussina notices the infield drills are becoming a bit too intense.
When Wang misses a grounder fired back at the mound, Moose breaks the
tension by yelling for a mulligan. Wang and the other young guns giggle
as fans in attendance watch wide-eyed at a side of Mussina they've never
seen before.

12:05 p.m.
Yankees favorite Shelley Duncan finishes with batting practice,
and immediately walks towards to seats to sign autographs.

12:15 p.m.
Duncan is still signing autographs.

12:20 p.m.
Duncan is still signing autographs.

12:25 p.m.
Duncan is still signing autographs.

12:30 p.m.
It appears as though Duncan will not stop signing autographs until every
fan in attendance has his signature.

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