Cashman understands why Cervelli was angry
The Yankees' Francisco Cervelli connects on a third-inning RBI single against the Brewers. (June 30, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Brian Cashman understood Francisco Cervelli's anger, but he certainly wasn't about to apologize for causing it.
Cervelli found himself sent to Triple-A the last day of camp when Cashman traded righthander George Kontos to the Giants for backup catcher Chris Stewart, a standout behind the plate but not much of a hitter.
"I think he's one of the best 60 catchers in the game, without a doubt," Cashman said of Cervelli. "I just think that right now we have three of the best 60 catchers in the game. That's good for us. Obviously, that's not good for him, because one of them is out of options and he's not that guy.''
Pineda throws
Michael Pineda (right shoulder tendinitis) threw for the first time since being put on the DL, playing what pitching coach Larry Rothschild called "a normal game of catch."
Pettitte progress
Andy Pettitte, who made his exhibition debut Wednesday with a scoreless inning against the Mets, will next throw in a minor league game Monday.
"He looked good, he looks like Andy," Cashman said.
Pitcher is addedThe Yankees claimed righthander Cody Eppley off the waiver wire from the Rangers.
"He gets righthanders out extremely well," Cashman said of Eppley. "Don't look at the other stuff." Eppley, 26, was 1-1 with an 8.00 ERA in 10 games.
Extra bases
Boone Logan said "in my mind" he'll be ready for Friday's opener. He said he felt soreness rather than pain in his back . . . MLB and the MLBPA said that Derek Jeter's jersey was the most popular among fans in 2011 . . . Robinson Cano hit eight straight homers in a pull drill overseen by hitting coach Kevin Long. Asked if that's a record for the drill, Long said Cano once hit 17 straight homers last year.
With Anthony Rieber
More Yankees headlines
