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Around the Empire
New York Post | Kevin Kernan: Greg Bird! Furthermore, Greg Bird! Greg Bird continues to Greg Bird his way into our hearts. In yesterday’s game, after Joe Girardi confirmed that Greg would officially be the Word at first base, Bird added not one, but two dingers to his spring training dinger total. It’s not just the dingers that have impressed the Yankees this spring. Bird’s contact with the barrel of the bat has been unbarreled pretty incredible. Reggie, yes THAT Reggie, talked about both Bird and Sanchez’s “barrel accuracy” which is a phrase I wish to incorporate into my daily life. Nevertheless, everyone is talking about how Bird’s swing/power/barrel accuracy is simply made for Yankee Stadium. Yay!
Newsday | Anthony Rieber: The battle for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation does not go well. No one pitcher is really standing out, which is a tad concerning. Due to that, Jordan Montgomery has been added to the competition. Girardi and friends like what Montgomery has to offer and they will see what he can do later today, as Montgomery will start against the Rays. Now is your time to shine, Jordan.
New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: Speaking out standing out, Masahiro Tanaka. He has pitched well, even though he might disagree. Pitched well might be an understatement to describe his spring. He’ll most likely throw one more time this spring. If he doesn’t allow a run, he will not have allowed a single run at all during spring training. Currently, he’s only allowed six hits and three walks while striking out 22 batters. Some might called this Total Joy Syndrome. Other’s might call it Tanaka’s Jolly Spring. Who knows.
MLBTradeRumors | Connor Byrne: The Yankees might be interested in Nick Ahmed of the Diamondbacks. The Yankees are not interested in Zack Cosart of the Reds or Jose Iglesias of the Tigers. That’s really all there is to it.
Newsday | Mark Herrmann: Finally, some sad news today. Former Yankees’ and Mets’ manager Dallas Green passed away yesterday at the age of 82. Green managed the Yankees in 1989 and did not last the entire season under George Steinbrenner, due to the way Steinbrenner’s treatment of his coaching staff. Green was the manager who led the Phillies to their first World Series championship. R.I.P.