By Nina Mandell
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Yankee fans everywhere, put back on those pinstripes — pitchers and catchers have reported to Spring Training in sunny Florida.
As hurlers start their first official day Wednesday, the Bombers starting rotation, lead by ace CC Sabathia, is basically set, except for the fifth spot. So the question everyone's asking is, who will start: Joba or Hughes?
Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes were both touted as star starters of the future, but last season Chamberlain began the season in the rotation and Hughes was in the bullpen. Now many believe they'll have to fight it out in Spring Training for that rotation slot. The loser will likely become the setup man for closer Mariano Rivera.
Throughout the offseason, Joba Chamberlain expressed his desire to be the fifth starter. Last season, he amassed a 9-6 record and a 4.75 ERA. Hughes was 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA.
At a recent dinner, Chamberlain told reporters he’d worked harder than ever in the offseason to prepare for the challenge against his fellow pitching staff.
“I hope they’re ready because I’ve worked my tail off,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Yanks welcome new faces as they begin their campaign for a 28th World Series Championship. Out are outfielders Johnny Damon and Melky Cabrera and pitcher Chien Ming-Wang. In are offseason acquisitions Curtis Granderson and Randy Winn, both outfielders, and first baseman Nick Johnson, back for his second stint with the team.
Position players report on Feb. 23. But some Yankee players, including captain Derek Jeter, are already in Florida getting ready for the new season.
