by Marc Carig
TAMPA, Fla. - A day after announcing that Xavier Nady is the frontrunner for the starting job in right field, New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he was on the lookout for Nick Swisher's reaction. As it turns out, Girardi didn't have to do too much looking. Just listening.
In the clubhouse before the game, Swisher pumped up the volume on his iPod dock to the highest decibel levels of the spring. As his soundtrack blared, Swisher bounced around the clubhouse, joking with teammates.
"He was the same guy," Girardi said. "And that's what I want."
As for another position battle, Girardi said he expects the center field battle to be resolved within a week. Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera have been battling for the spot all spring. But with camp winding down, Girardi reiterated that he still views both as being on equal footing.
"They'close," Giarardi said. "You look at their numbers, they're not striking out, they're getting on base, they're doing little things, they're playing defense. They're both playing at a very high level."
Derek Jeter will call the shots on how much he needs to play in order to get ready for the regular season. The shortstop returned from the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday.
"He has a better understanding of his body than I'll ever have," Girardi said. "He knows what he needs physically, mentally."
The target date for Alex Rodriguez's return with the Yankees is May 15, Girardi said. In Rodriguez's absence , Matsui will hit cleanup. But if his knees don't allow it, Girardi said he would consider hitting Jorge Posada or Xavier Nady in the fourth spot. Girardi has remained committed to hitting Teixeira in the third spot.
Speaking of Matsui, Girardi said he is comfortable with the progress the slugger has made in managing his creaky knees.
Source: nj.com
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