Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011
CLEARWATER — On a half-field in front of the entrance to the Phillies' practice complex, there was SS Jimmy Rollins fielding grounders with a group of minor-leaguers and no-namers.
It was the first day of spring training, and regulars weren't due to report for another five days. In previous year, Rollins was among the last to arrive.
Not this year.
The former MVP is coming off a subpar season and entering the final year of a $46.5 million, six-year contract. That's enough motivation to show up early.
Rollins played a career-low 88 games because of leg injuries. He had a career-worst .243 average. In the years since he was MVP, Rollins hasn't come close to matching the numbers he put up in 2007: .296 average, 30 homers, 94 RBIs, 20 triples, 41 steals.
But Rollins, 32, doesn't believe he has anything to prove.
"Not any more than I've had to prove every year," he said. "My whole life I always feel like I've had something to prove. That's the chip you have to play with. If you want to be the best, you have to go and prove it. People aren't going to give you that title. That's still my intention. It's not like you get hurt and then you come to be that much better the next year. I plan on being that much better every single year. At the end of the season, you look at the numbers, and hopefully they are that much better."
Blue Jays: Regulars to start in opener
DUNEDIN — Blue Jays manager John Farrell said he expects to use his projected regular-season lineup for today's spring opener against the Tigers.
And he plans to allow each to receive two at-bats before handing the reins over to some of the club's top prospects.
"I think everybody in our uniform is looking forward to (today)," Farrell said.
"You get through those first 10 days of when you're in controlled settings, and I think everybody is looking forward to a different color jersey across the field."
Pitching: LHP Brett Cecil, who won a team-high 15 games last season, gets the start. He will be followed by RHP Scott Richmond, one of seven candidates for the final two spots in the rotation. Also expected to see action are LHP David Purcey and LHP Jesse Carlson, who are competing to be the primary lefty out of the bullpen.
Yankees: Steinbrenner to be honored today
TAMPA — There will be a major absence when the Yankees play their spring opener against the Phillies today. It will mark their first spring game since owner George Steinbrenner died in July.
He will be honored during a pregame ceremony at Steinbrenner Field that will include his wife, Joan, being escorted by the couple's two daughters, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal and Jessica Steinbrenner, to place a rose on home plate. Haley Swindal, Steinbrenner's granddaughter, will perform the national anthem.
Getting Closer: Closer Mariano Rivera threw off a mound for the second time and didn't rule out pitching in a game after one more bullpen session. Rivera has taken a slower approach at spring training during the past few years.
Said pitching coach Larry Rothschild: "He knows how to get ready."