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Around the Empire
Fangraphs | Travis Sawchik: There are a lot of players to be excited about this spring. Gary Sanchez, the catcher who is Gary, is most likely one of those players. After seeing what he can do with both the bat and the arm behind the plate, the hype seems very real. Of course, one has to be reminded about small sample sizes and tempered expectations of the man who shall henceforth be Gary. For those who play Fantasy Baseball players, you should probably draft low. Especially if you’re ever in my league.
New York Daily News | Mike Mazzeo: Another players most fans are hyped about is the Greg Bird. This rare species of the avian family has hopefully overcome his injury and will be the starting first baseman for the Yankees. This could mean less playing time for newly acquired Chris Carter. Of course, this isn’t a bad thing. Cashman essentially got Carter to be a backup of sorts. Most fans have taken up ornithology anyway.
Newsday | Erik Boland: A lot of scouts have also become ornithologists as well. We all know why the Greg Bird swings, but now we are beginning to see comparisons as to who the Greg Bird swings like. Scouts have compared Bird’s swing to that of former Yankee legends John Olerud and Wade Boggs. It’s hard to be upset at comparisons like those.
Newsday | Erik Boland: The battle for the coveted rotation spots is heating up. It is “lit,” as the kids are saying nowadays. At least I think they are. Despite the vernacular of the times, one of the kids trying to win a spot got lit up in yesterday’s game. Bryan Mitchell gave up four runs and six hits in under 2 innings of work against the Pirates. Girardi is curious if Mitchell can bounce back from this not-so-good outing. Meanwhile, Jon Niese pitched yesterday. Yes, that is still a thing that’s happening. Girardi was impressed with his performance, saying “It was Niese to see him pitch that well!” (He didn’t say that)