THE YANKEES CONTINUE TO WORKOUT IN TAMPA

Source: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

Amidst the coronavirus pandemic and perhaps despite it, the New York Yankees unanimously elected to remain in Tampa preparing for the 2020 season, whenever that will commence.  On Thursday, Major League Baseball provided three options for players following their announcement that spring training would end at the end of that day.  The choices were, go home, go to the city where your team plays or stay at your spring training facility.  The Yankees chose as a team to continue to workout.

Source: Lynne Sladky/AP

"Saturday, LeMahieu, Gio Urshela and Tyler Wade were among the infielders there to work on drills. Outfielders Brett Gardner and Clint Frazier were in to hit and do drills. Luis Cessa, Chad Green and Jonathan Holder were among the pitchers there on Saturday," reported NY Daily News.  Accordingly, the Yankees cut back on personnel at the spring training facility but there are enough supports there to provide them the resources they need to be effective in their workouts.

“It went well. Large group of players showed up today and we were able to do defensive work, infield work, guys hit indoors, pitchers played catch,” Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza said as he drove out of the complex Saturday morning. “We’ll continue to do that,” said the News.

Source: New York Post

The team wants to be ready for the season and stay ahead of the work, while building endurance for the long season ahead. "We have a shot at a World Series title," Britton told MLB.com. "We want to be prepared to seize that opportunity. Guys aren't panicking about this thing. We understand that it's serious, but the Yankees have a ton of resources in the area. We feel like this is a good place for us to be," report CBS Sports.

It is not clear how long informal spring training will continue or even if the US Department of Health will recommend a complete stoppage, but for now, the Yankees personnel will support the team as they ramp up for the season.

“We’re gonna support [the players] and obviously that’s our job,’’ Mendoza said of the team’s decision to stay local. “We’ll see where this situation will take us because every day it looks like it changes so who knows what’s going to happen? But as of right now we’re here for them,” reported the New York Post.

A few fans were around Steinbrenner Field to try and catch a glimpse of players, but the facility, which is normally packed with excitement this time of year, was empty.  It is sad that it has come to this, but this will pass.  For now, this is our new normal and better days are ahead for all of us.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof