New York Yankees Afternoon News & Notes: Jeter, Cervelli, Rivera

Good afternoon everyone. I’m very excited to be taking over the reigns here at Yanks Go Yard. Make sure you visit us each and every day for some great Yankee content. Let’s take a look at some of the news and notes from Yankee camp this weekend.

Oct 13, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees shortstop

(middle) is helped off the field by trainer Steve Donahue (left) and manager

(right) after an injury in the 12th inning against the Detroit Tigers during game one of the 2012 ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jeter Speaks: Yankee captain Derek Jeter held his first press conference from Spring Training. He talked about how he had a miserable off-season. (Wouldn’t you after breaking your ankle?) Jeter has been cleared for all physical activity and expects to be ready for opening day, however, once spring games start next weekend, don’t expect to see him at shortstop. He also talked about the transition at third with Alex Rodriguez not being there and Kevin Youkilis replacing him (for now).  Jeter talked about playing with Youkilis in the WBC and how it will be different without A-Rod next to him. Speaking of the WBC….

Cervelli Out of the WBC: Catcher Francisco Cervelli will not be playing for Team Italy in the WBC to focus on trying to win the starting catcher job. This is probably a wise move on Cervelli’s part. He needs to focus on trying to win job against Chris Stewart and build up his rapport with the pitching staff, especially with playing most of last season in AAA.

A clue about Rivera’s decision?:  Early this morning, Buster Olney had a interesting tweet about Mariano Rivera. Rivera said that if he had been able to come back from his torn ACL during the playoffs last year he would’ve retired. Rivera hasn’t announced yet whether he’ll be back for 2014, however, he plans to before opening day. You have to wonder if that statement is a clue about whether he will or not.