Starlin Castro is settling in with aplomb at second base; he’s currently leading his team in hits with eight, and he’s recorded two double-plays with his middle-infield mate Didi Gregorious (who is also tearing it up at the plate with seven hits). Since the Bombers abandoned their plan to have Castro take reps at third base, he seems to be much more comfortable on the field, per manager Joe Girardi.
“By putting him at second as much as we can, I think it improves the chances of him seeing more and understanding and learning how to play,” Girardi said, “He’s playing with Didi [Gregorious] and…[Mark Teixeira], and [we] have to get him comfortable where they know each other. It’s an important position.” Rob Refsnyder is expected to make the team as the backup third baseman to Chase Headley.
Yankees trying to kick the habit
On Wednesday, Yankee players were greeted in the clubhouse by a sign that read, “anyone wanting nicotine replacement therapy supplies (gum, lozenges, or patches) – to kick the habit – please see Steve Donohue [the Yankees’ trainer]” This comes on the heels of a report that the New York Board of Health is seeking to ban chewing tobacco from Yankee Stadium as well as Citi Field. Girardi came out in support of such a ban.
“I mean it’s not healthy; it’s dangerous,” Girardi said, “I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s a lot of things that are dangerous in our world that aren’t outlawed…but I would recommend our players not do it.” Later on Wednesday, Chicago’s city council voted to ban chewing tobacco at all sporting events, including MLB games held at Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field. AT&T Park (San Francisco), Dodger Stadium and Fenway Park are the only other parks that currently enforce a ban on chewing tobacco.
Yankees news: Starlin Castro settles in at second, Bombers banning tobacco
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