Eduardo Nunez's fielding problems not a concern for Joe Girardi
Yankees' Eduardo Nunez fields hit by the Atlanta Braves' Chris Johnson in the second inning of a pre-season game. (Feb. 22, 2013) Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams, Jr.
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- It is no secret the Yankees love Eduardo Nunez's bat.
It is the reason they've been so patient when it comes to the part of the young infielder's game that still appears suspect -- fielding.
Nunez committed his second error of the spring Tuesday, throwing wide of the bag at first after moving left to cleanly field Mike Fontenot's first-inning grounder, then squaring his body. Nunez could also have been charged with an error in the sixth when he fielded a Fontenot ball behind second, spun, then threw low to first. Joe Girardi, however, is not concerned.
"I see positive signs," Girardi said. "Those spin plays are tough plays. That's something we'll continue to work on."
Well done
Francisco Cervelli has shown a stronger throwing arm all spring, and took another step toward nailing down the starting catcher's job by throwing out two runners.
"I'm going to be happy when I see my name for the first game, but I'm not thinking about that," Cervelli said. "Just come every day, work and let them decide what will happen."
Step it up
Matt Diaz (.053, .280 OBP) and Dan Johnson (.190, .261) both competing for reserve roles, haven't hit this spring and Girardi strongly suggested they start soon.
"I've seen them hit some balls pretty decent, but at-bats are important this time of year," Girardi said.
Diaz's struggles could open up a spot for Ben Francisco, signed to a minor-league deal Monday after his release from the Indians.
"I have enough time to go out there and play and hopefully play well enough to win the job," Francisco said.
Logan progressing
Lefty Boone Logan (elbow inflammation) threw his second bullpen session and thinks he's inching closer to his first game.
"Arm strength is good, just need to get dialed in," Logan said.
The lefthander said he'll likely throw one more bullpen before moving on to live batting practice.
Extra bases
Derek Jeter, after taking batting practice in the indoor cages, said the plan is still for him to start in the field for the first time this spring Wednesday night . . . Girardi said Mark Teixeira, out 8-10 weeks with a strained right wrist, will arrive in Tampa this the weekend to continue his rehab.
