DUNEDIN, Fla. — Derek Jeter led off 96 times last season for the Yankees and certainly seems like a good bet to be their first hitter much of the time again this year.
But Joe Girardi does not consider the lineup set in stone, which could mean Brett Gardner again sees some leadoff time this season, too. Gardner led off 57 times in 2011.
“We’re going to play around with our lineup as we discuss it, watch to see how at-bats go,” Girardi said Thursday. “Sometimes you think about separating lefties. It’s just something we’re going to have to play around with as we get into it here. I’m not doing it now because I’m just trying to get guys at-bats and make sure that physically they are OK.
“I don’t have a set lineup right now. Do I have expectations? Sure. But I’m going to look at it. I think it’d be foolish for me not to look at these things.”
Girardi noted that Gardner could advance his game by being more consistent. “He can get a little streaky at the plate,” said Girardi, who added that Gardner can “do even more” than he did in his first year playing every day.
“I thought he was patient at the plate,” the manager added. “He got in a little funk. It was the first year he really played every day and that’s different and it takes a toll.
“It’s not only a physical grind, it’s a mental grind, too.”
MO PROGRESS
Mariano Rivera threw to hitters for the second time this spring, clearing the way for him to pitch in a Grapefruit League game. Rivera, who could be entering the final season of his career, pronounced himself fit and ready to go.
“I’m feeling real good,” Rivera said as he walked between back fields at the Yanks’ complex in Tampa. “I did good and I’m ready to go. It’s Sunday, more than likely, so it’s good news.”
Rivera probably will pitch Sunday in a split-squad game against the Phillies in Tampa. The Yanks are also sending a team to Fort Myers to play the Twins, but veteran stars such as Rivera don’t make three-hour bus trips in camp.
RIGHT AT HOME
Raul Ibanez was signed to mostly be a designated hitter, but the Yankees picked him over other potential DHs such as Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon because they felt better about his defense. Ibanez got his first chance in the outfield Thursday, starting in right field. He came up playing that position, but has mostly been a left fielder recently and had not played right in the majors since appearing in three games there in 2005. He caught the only fly ball hit to him Thursday.
“I’m going to put him in right some days so he gets the feel of it,” Girardi said. “I’m pretty confident he’s going to play it fine.”
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