New York Yankees News & Notes 2/22: Outfield, WBC, A-Rod, Jay-Z?

25 Hours until the first Yankee game of the year. That’s fantastic. The yankees will head to the Orlando to take on the Braves for their first game Saturday afternoon. With that, let’s take a look at some news and notes from the past day.

Feb 20, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees center fielder

(14) during photo day at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Outfield Switch: The Yankees have decided to make a long awaited switch in the outfield. Curtis Granderson will be moving to left field while Brett Gardner will move over to center. This had been talked about for quite a while and it’s not surprising that it’s happening now that Gardner is healthy.  It will probably help out defensively and Girardi could change his mind depending on how it goes.

WBC: Seven Yankees will be playing in the WBC; Mark Teixeira (USA), Robinson Cano, Melky Mesa and Juan Cedeno (Dominican Republic), Gil Velazquez and Walter Ibarra (Mexico), and Pat Venditte for Italy

A-Rod Speaks: Alex Rodriguez gave a statement through his PR firm yesterday;

“Right now I’m dedicating 100% of my energy and focus on my rehabilitation. I am conducting two rehab sessions each and every day in an effort to get back on the field and rejoin my Yankees teammates. I think we have a great team and I want to be a part of it.”

Brian Cashman was on Clubhouse Confidential and said to expect A-Rod back around the all-star break. We’ll see.

JT and Jay-Z: On a pure Yankee Stadium note, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z will be taking their Legends of the Summer Tour to Yankee Stadium on July 19. If anyone wants to give me tickets we’ll be friends forever.