TAMPA – Following the first full-squad workout yesterday, manager Joe Girardi announced switch-hitter Mark Teixeira will bat third and Alex Rodriguez fourth in the Yankees’ lineup.
TORRE: Run Of Mill For New York
“It’s just left, right, left, right,” said Girardi, who will lead off with Johnny Damon and bat Derek Jeter second. “Alex is comfortable fourth and Teixeira, third. Both are comfortable at either place. We thought the lineup matched up well.”
If Hideki Matsui’s surgically repaired left knee holds up, the DH likely would hit fifth, according to Girardi.
“With the great hitters behind me I will get a lot of pitches to hit,” Teixeira said.
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According to Girardi, he hasn’t heard from Rodriguez that he wants to formally address the team.
“He hasn’t come to me,” Girardi said. “I don’t think it’s necessary.”
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Andy Pettitte refused to discuss his meeting last week with federal prosecutors concerning Roger Clemens’ case.
“That’s not anything I would like to comment on,” Pettitte said. “Anything to do with that situation, I don’t think it is appropriate to comment on that stuff.”
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Girardi said Matsui won’t need a fielder’s glove during the exhibition season.
“You will not see Matsui play the outfield during spring training,” Girardi said after yesterday’s workout in which Matsui sat out the running program to avoid the pounding on his surgically repaired knee. “The important thing is that he comes out of spring training healthy. We will re-evaluate him April 6. He will DH and we hope to have him doing some light running next week. We feel it is not in our best interest to push him.”
Matsui, who still hopes he will return to the outfield, said he understands the Yankees’ limiting him to DH duties.
Matsui, who underwent surgery in late September, said he would be ready to DH on Opening Day.
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The worst day of spring training for hitters arrives today. That’s when they face big-league pitchers for the first time in batting practice and will walk away with shattered bats and stinging hands.