Snap Judgements From The First 2 Weeks Of Spring Training

- Joba, flu or no flu, still doesn't seem like he approaches the game as a starter the same way he does as a reliever.  The velocity being down is understandable, you want to keep something in the tank.  But the aggression, the intensity, and the attitude just isn't there.  I know starters are always more valuable than relievers, but if this is how Joba is going to pitch this year then he definitely has more value in the 'pen.

- After recovering from his brain fart in the batting cage, Nick Johnson has looked solid at the plate and should be the favorite to bat 2nd behind Jeter.  He isn't fast, but you can't ignore the high OBP and the number of extra chances it gives Teix and The Horse to drive in runs.

- That being said, C-Grand's performance so far should earn him a spot somewhere between 5-7 in the lineup.  And with the way he's played in the outfield so far (see: great catch in deep center for Phil Hughes on Thursday), expect Granderson to at least start the season as the everyday centerfielder.

- Regardless of who ends up winning the competition for the 5th spot in the rotation, the bullpen is going to be STACKED this year, and Park and Mo haven't even pitched to live batters yet.

- You always have to take Spring Training results, good or bad, with a grain of salt, but Robinson Cano has looked great so far.  He's as locked in at the plate as he has ever been, and that should bode well for him as he is usually a very slow starter.

- Why does everybody think they're CC this spring?  Burnett, Vazquez, Hughes, and more are all working on adding a changeup to their repertoire. 

- Is Randy Winn even in camp?  I haven't heard his name mentioned once so that definitely bodes well for Brett Gardner, who's continued solid defense and improved bunting has been on display all spring so far.

- It almost seems like Winn, Thames, and Hoffman are trying to see who can play bad enough to NOT make the team.  Seriously, guys.  You're playing for a spot on the team that's going to win the World Series!!!  Wake up!!

- I think it's safe to say the days of the Chase Wrights and Matt DeSalvos pitching meaningful innings in the big leagues are over.  With Mark Melancon, Zach McAllister, Ivan Nova, Grant Duff, Royce Ring, Dustin Moseley all pitching relatively well this spring, the Yankees shouldn't have to scramble and pray if they experience a freak rash of injuries to their pitching staff.

- I still say we're going to see Jesus on the Major League roster at some point this year.  When you add up Johnson's injury proneness (probably not a real word), Cervelli turning into a walking concussion, and the anticipated lack of pop off the bench, it's the perfect situation for Jesus to step in and provide a spark.

- Not hearing about how Jeter, A-Rod, Jorge, and Teix are doing is a good thing.  These guys are the ultimate professionals; I could care less if they don't get a hit between them all spring.

- Can we clone Aceves?  That guy is just a beast.

- He might not hit much, but Ramiro Pena's defensive wizardry has already ended the competition for utility infielder off the bench.

- Regardless of how well he continues to pitch, there won't be a spot for Mitre on the Opening Day roster.  Those 12 pitchers are going to be: CC, A.J., Andy, Javy, Hughes, Mo, Joba, Marte, Ace, Robertson, Park, and Gaudin.