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February 16, 2005
Pitchers and Catchers
It’s the middle of February and despite what the groundhog did or did not see, we have creditable evidence that spring is here.
Pitchers and catchers report this week.
The Yankees, clearly needing the help, got a head start and began workouts yesterday. My Mets, a better rebuilt team than last year’s disappointment, report today.
Despite the addition of Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez there remain question marks starting with team chemistry. Without Al Leiter and John Franco, who will emerge as a clubhouse and on field leader? Can rookie manager Willie Randolph manage the oversized egos of a few players?
Beyond that, we have Kaz Matsui adjusting to a new position, second base, and a bullpen that was certainly overworked last year and may not have restocked deep enough for both Martinez and Victor Zambrano, who is still recovering from arm troubles.
Still, pitchers and catchers report this week.
The temperature in New York is in the 50s today as it was yesterday, bringing out longing for ball games. On the drive back from Baltimore on Sunday, I desperately wanted to listen to a ballgame on the radio while Deb and Robbie napped. No such luck.
And Major League Baseball is distracted by the questionable allegations in Jose Canseco’s book. There’s no doubt he and others have been taking steroids. There’s no doubt that some players will continue to cheat, using them this season. But some of his claims are ludicrous. Then, there’s Jason Giambi who miraculously had a key clause removed form his contract, protecting his salary in case he got caught. Now that he’s caught, he’s not even being a man about it, which will no doubt cast a pall over the Yanks’ spring training camp. And as usual, Bud Selig is tightlipped and ham-fisted in his management of the game.
Still, pitchers and catchers report this week.
(The other sure sign of spring is the release this week of Sports Illustrated’s anticipated swimsuit issue. While a feast for the eyes, I’m sure not a single model in the mag can hit a curveball.)
Posted by Bob Greenberger at February 16, 2005 09:00 AM
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