News From Thursday

While the tri-state area is being completely engulfed by a blizzard, Yankees camp continues to move forward. It's picture day at George M Steinbrenner Field, so the baseball cards will be ready soon. Plenty of stories to report, here are the links.

LoHud has a breakdown of the live batting practice session. It is noted that this session is more for the pitchers than the hitters - most of them called out location and pitch type before making a throw.

It was previously reported that one of the candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation would pitch the spring opener on March 3rd. Well, Joe Girardi said today that Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes probably won't be pitching that first game, seemingly leaving the assignment to either Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre or Alfredo Aceves.

Alex Rodriguez held a press conference today, LoHud has audio. According to the Daily News, Girardi already sees a more relaxed A-Rod. While the Post also notices the lack of stress for Rodriguez this preseason. It's evident that the third basemen is enjoying the low-key profile this spring. MLB.com takes note of just how much A-Rod has changed.

Curtis Granderson will wear contact lenses this year for the first time in his career. Apparently, Yankees doctors determined that he had 20/30 vision and wanted to improve it to a perfect 20/20. I don't think this was the source of his problems against left-handers, but hey, every little bit helps.

Derek Jeter's expiring contract is sure to be a topic of media scrutiny all season long. John Harper did a story on all the questions that Jeter faces. The Post did a piece on Jeter's stance on the situation, specifically that he won't address questions about free agency until the season is over. While Joel Sherman wrote a nice article on the captain's legacy.

The 2010 Yankees Universe launched today. The "Pinstripes Pack" is very enticing, but there's also the "Blue Pack" membership for those of you that are fiscally responsible.

To end, here are the LoHud notes from Thursday.