New York Yankees: 6 Surprising Names Making Waves in Spring Training

As the winter slowly comes to an end and spring peeks out of its slumber, baseball clubs from around the country begin their annual pursuit at autumn glory. 

Many of the results are superfluous as the main intent is to gear the player’s bodies into tip top shape.  However, every March there are stories that make headlines and create a not so quiet buzz.

Like every team, the New York Yankees have some news percolating this spring. As the team moves toward their first game on April 6th, most headlines will fall by the wayside, while other Tampa announcements may possibly set the tone for the entire season.

Sophomore Slump Perhaps?

After two horrendous outings, Ivan Nova put it all together against the Red Sox last week. Pitching four scoreless innings, Nova reminded everyone why he was second in wins last year for the Yankees. 

But on Sunday night, his troubles returned against the Orioles. In four innings, the 25-year-old allowed five runs and threw catcher Gustavo Molina under the proverbial bus.

No one can properly judge an entire season on four spring training starts. Yet, with less than two weeks to Opening Day, Ivan Nova’s numbers are raising eyebrows for the wrong reasons.

It's Getting Late Early

During the offseason, the front office was determined to add a left-handed bat who could dabble in the outfield if need be. After ciphering the pool to three options, the Yankees choose outfielder Raul Ibanez over former Yankees Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. 

Let’s just say it has been a rough beginning for Ibanez this spring.

After 31 at-bats this year, he has two hits with seven strikeouts and no home runs. Those results translate to a paltry .065 batting average. 

Right about now, the Mendoza line looks like heaven.

Even through all this, Ibanez remains positive. “I’m not caught up in the numbers at all”, says Ibanez. “It’s too early.”

For the Yankee suits, when does “too early” become “too late?”

Guess Who's Back? Back Again

Regardless of who reported it first, Jack Curry or Buster Olney, 39-year-old Andy Pettite shocked the baseball landscape and returned for his third tour with the Bombers last week.

Even with a plethora of starting pitching, the Yankees have been concerned with leaks in their pinstriped dam. The Pettite signing couldn’t have come at a better time. 

With youngsters Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda still trying to iron out some loose ends, the option of starting the left-handed veteran in Pettite has everyone Yankee land smiling from ear to ear.

With all that being said, Pettite can’t be penciled in for definite and immediate success. Expected in major league condition around May, he will be about a month from his 40th birthday and nearly 20 months from his last major league appearance. 

But with a gamer like Andy Pettite, who can't be excited about this year?

What Do You Say Mo?

For once in his lifetime, Mariano Rivera is making noise and it has nothing to do with his on the diamond accolades.

Throughout the spring, Rivera has been toying with the media and appears to be having a lot of fun doing it. Even with the peppering of retirement questions, Rivera is having a ball. “I’m a thousand percent sure,” he told reporters. “I’m going to give you a hard time…And when I’m ready, I’ll let you know.”

After dominating the ninth inning for over fifteen years, the usually stoic 42-year-old has earned the right to have his way with the beat writers. If in fact this is last go-around, let's savor the next few months because we might never see the likes of Mariano Rivera again.

To Start or Not to Start

When A.J. Burnett was sent to Pittsburgh, the Yankees starting rotation was one step closer to taking shape. It appeared Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia would be competing for the last starting spot.

But, with the addition of Andy Pettitte it appears these two men are the on the outside looking in. In the case of Phil Hughes, the big question is where the 25-year-old be pitching for the Yankees?

Rumors have been floated that the right-hander could be dangled as trade bait, but if anyone were to be dealt it would probably be Garcia. With experience as a starter and a reliever, the Yankees would be wise to keep Hughes as jack of all trades.

However, after seasons full of jockeying from starter to bullpen, when does Phil Hughes become the reincarnate of Joba Chamberlain?

Do What You Want with Me

With Andy Pettitte’s return to the Yankees, the masses everywhere threw up their arms in jubilation and celebration.

Freddy Garcia was not one of those people. 

Asked about Pettitte’s return, he responded, “I don’t really care.”  He was prodded further about the value of the 39-year-old and snarled, “I don’t know man.”

When Garcia re-signed with the Yankees in the offseason, it’s safe to say he never foresaw his spot being snatched by a guy in retirement.

However, it appears Pettitte is here to stay.

Can the same be said about Freddy Garcia?

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