The NY papers reported yesterday that Robinson Cano was asked to give up his number. Yup, you guessed it: they want to free up #22, in case a Rocket is incoming. Young Robby is now listed as #24 on the roster.
I'm not at all surprised that the Yanks want to shore up the rotation. I'm not sure if Clemens would want to return to NY, though. The Yankees aren't likely to treat him as a prima donna, as Houston did. And at his age, a return to the AL might be pretty rough. The Yanks are apparently hoping his pal Pettitte will lure him to the Bronx.
The Reds.com Around the Horn series covers outfielders today. Nothing really new. Griffey is healing well, and should be ready by spring training. He says he's planning to play 162 games, but given his age and history, it's not likely.
He seems to want to stay in center field, but it sounds like the Reds may have other ideas.
Should Griffey remain in center field, right field could be a revolving door among several players. Freel, a utility player who can play several positions well, might see a bulk of the playing time. Also in the mix will be new acquisitions Jeff Conine and Bubba Crosby, Denorfia and Norris Hopper.
..."We have a lot of guys that can play right field and left field or left, center and right. We have guys that play all over," Krivsky said. "It's very unlikely we'll have a set lineup for 162 games. It gives the manager more options, depending on who's pitching against us on a given night. It's important to have that kind of versatility. Guys that play more than one position are a plus."
I've long thought that given Narron's inclinations and Krivsky's budget, sharing right field among several players seems the most likely option. Guess I'm not the only one thinking that way.
