Open Thread: February 21st Camp Notes

This completely slipped my mind, but yesterday was RAB’s tenth birthday. That is pretty crazy. Ben, Joe, and I started the site as a hobby and it’s grown into … this. RAB has been around for a World Series championship and more historic moments than I care to count. But best of all, RAB has led to some great friendships, and that’s what I value most. The site has been a life changer. Thanks to all of you for reading. It’s been a hell of a ride these last ten years.

Okay, so now that the mushy stuff is out of the way, let’s get to today’s notes from Tampa, shall we?

• Alex Rodriguez arrived today for his first stint as a guest instructor. He’ll be in Tampa for 4-5 days, and is expected to return for another stint next month. A-Rod also confirmed he’s retired. He doesn’t want to play anymore. A few teams called him last year after he was released, but Alex says the tank is empty. [Jack Curry, Ken Davidoff]
• Bryan Hoch has the day’s pitching assignments, hitting groups, and fielding groups. Adam Warren and Luis Severino threw simulated games while Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Chad Green, and Aroldis Chapman all threw bullpen sessions. Still no word on a starter for the Grapefruit League opener Friday.
• Two relatively minor injuries: righty Ronald Herrera with miss two weeks with shoulder inflammation and lefty James Reeves will miss up to four weeks with an elbow sprain. Herrera is on the 40-man roster and could be part of the shuttle this season. [Hoch]
• The Yankees are emphasizing pitchers’ fielding practice this spring. The drills are shorter and more intense, which better simulates game action. “It has been a focus of ours because we were not good, and that’s something we are focusing on in Spring Training,” said Joe Girardi. [Billy Witz]
• Greg Bird feels great and not just hitting, but throwing as well. “It feels like I have something behind the ball. Not that I didn’t, but it’s nice to go out and throw the ball again,” he said. Bird was limited to DH duty in the Arizona Fall League as he returned from shoulder surgery. [George King]
• Jorge Mateo said he expects to play several games in center field this spring. I kinda figured that was coming. “I like it. It’s not too hard,” he said. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Mateo is a full-time center fielder by the end of the season. [Brendan Kuty]
• And finally, Jacoby Ellsbury was in camp for the first time today. He reported late because his wife gave birth to their second child over the weekend. [Mike Mazzeo]

This is tonight’s open thread. The NBA is still in the middle of their All-Star break, though all three local hockey teams are in action tonight, plus there’s a bunch of college basketball games on as well. Talk about that stuff or anything else here, as long as it’s not religion or politics. Thanks in advance.