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New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: As reported last Tuesday, Dellin Betances won’t report to camp until his arbitration case is decided. Betances and the team are still $2 million apart, with either side unwilling to budge, so they’ll have to see the arbitration process through to the end. Joe Girardi says he wants Betances there, but it’s an excused absence and he understands. Hal Steinbrenner says it’s nothing personal and they love him but the numbers were too far apart, so they’ll let the process play out.
New York Post | Dan Martin: Even though pitchers and catchers are the only ones to officially report, Gleyber Torres is already impressing at camp. Torres is one of the many young infielders who are working out at the Yankees’ minor league complex. Torres says his main goal this spring is to spend as much time as possible with Didi Gregorius before he leaves for the WBC so he can learn what it takes to be a major league shortstop from his experiences. Torres considers himself a shortstop, but is open to playing elsewhere.
CBS | Sweeny Murti: The Yankees will be fun this year, more fun than they have been in recent years. However, setting lofty expectations for the team is just silly. They’re poised to be younger and probably even better than last year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be good. So when Joe Girardi said the other day that this squad brings back memories of ‘96, it’s important to note that there are differences between the two teams, and that Girardi is specifically referring to the team’s youth.
New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: Hal Steinbrenner spoke to the media in Tampa yesterday during his “State of the Yankees” address. Steinbrenner talked about how Alex Rodriguez’s role with the team could potentially expand, but didn’t mention any specifics. He also says that they “love Joe [Girardi]” and imagines talking with him about a new contract towards the end of the season and how he’s always going to try and “field a championship-caliber team.”
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: For years now, Michael Pineda has been one of the most confusing pitchers in baseball. He has the potential to be great, but can never seem to put it all together. Every year, people are left wondering if this is the year Pineda will finally put it together. Count CC Sabathia as one who believes in Pineda, saying he thinks the righty could bring home the Cy Young any given year. Pineda was ecstatic when he heard what Sabathia said but knows he has to finish innings first. He spent the winter reviewing game tape in hopes of turning a corner.
New York Post | Kevin Kernan: When the Red Sox traded Yoan Moncada to the White Sox for Chris Sale, Brian Cashman was inspired to refer to them as the Warriors of MLB. Though his game was to put the pressure on the team’s rivals, it seems Dave Dombrowski is also trying to play Cashman’s game. Dombrowski said that if they are the Warriors then the Yankees are “probably like the Cavaliers.” This much is clear, either Dombrowski has zero knowledge of basketball or well..I got nothing.