Times wires
Saturday, February 19, 2011
TAMPA— David Wells is a changed man.
The former pitcher known as the "Hefty Lefty" during his playing days is a Yankees spring training instructor in a camp where player weights have become a focal point.
In the opening week, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said RH reliever Joba Chamberlain is heavier, ace LHP CC Sabathia reported 25 pounds lighter after minor right knee surgery and nonroster RHP Bartolo Colon is looking to shed 25 pounds.
Even a lighter Alex Rodriguez, who took grounders on a back field Saturday during his initial spring workout, was part of this year's weighty topic.
"It was his decision," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Rodriguez, 35, who had right hip surgery two years ago.
In a camp with some big men, a slimmer Wells caught Girardi's eyes right away.
"He's in better shape now than when he played," Girardi said with a smile.
Wells has developed a new outlook about carrying too much weight. A type-2 diabetic, Wells also reflected on how extra pounds affected back and knee injuries.
"That's why now, some of the bigger dudes, if they do have weight problems, I'm here if they want to talk to me about certain things," Wells said. "I would push them to lose the weight, not be a hard (guy) like I was because I've been through all the injuries. Do what they say. Get down to the goal they want you to, or get close to it. I'm sure they'll compromise."
Phils: Aiming high
CLEARWATER — For all those predicting the Phillies will win the World Series, the players quickly point out there's a long way to go until October.
To be exact, Game 1 of the World Series is 241 days away.
The four-time NL East champions have been prohibitive favorites since adding LHP Cliff Lee to an already elite starting rotation, and anything less than a World Series title would be a failure.
"I'd agree with that," Jimmy Rollins said. "That's what we wanted last year. It didn't happen. Nobody was satisfied with losing in the NLCS and winning 97 games."
Rollins, who famously called the Phillies the team to beat in the NL East in 2007 then backed it up with an MVP season, is back in the prognostication business.
"Yeah, we'll win 100 games," he said. "I really plan on going after, who is it, Seattle won (116) or something recently."
Jays: Comeback trail
DUNEDIN — Dustin McGowan has looked impressive early in his bid to return to the majors.
The right-hander knows he's running out of chances.
McGowan, 28, who was once projected to be the Blue Jays' ace, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2008 thanks to two major shoulder operations. He has thrown three bullpen sessions over the past two weeks but has been limited to 25 pitches.
"This is basically my last chance to get it right, and I want to do it the right way and make sure everything goes smoothly," he told MLB.com.
"There's no way to go through another surgery like that. I just want to make sure everything heals properly and I get it right this time."