Tidbits: Rivera, Cano, Branyan, Bobby V.

Associated Press

We're just one day away from the Yankees first exhibition game. They will host an afternoon game vs the University of South Florida's Bulls tomorrow. Starters will play about one to two innings in tomorrow's game; as common every Spring, you won't see Mariano Rivera in any exhibition games for about another two to three weeks. Mo only requires eight innings to be prepared for the season, so it's better to have him pitch closer to the end of Spring Training. Just though I'd run this little note by you guys. Here are some more tidbits from what's going on down in Tampa:

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, made his way through Yankee camp yesterday;  first player to greet and hug him was Mo.

Russell Branyan missed yesterday's practice due to back problems.

After today's practices, the team will head out on an "excursion" set up by Joe Girardi. This has become a ritual in Spring Training; a way to allow the vets and newbies to bond before the start of the season.

Robinson Cano is expected back in camp today, as he returns from attending his grandmother's funeral in the Dominican Republic.

Andy Pettitte showed up in Yankees camp yesterday, and tossed a few batting practice pitches to players, most notably Russell Martin (video below), whom he never had the opportunity to team up with. Pettitte and Mo spent time talking about the Yankees pitch staff .




Prospect catcher Austin Romine suffered a "setback" as a result of inflammation in his back. No timetable on when he'll return to the field.

Bobby Valentine corrected himself yesterday by acknowledging that the Yankees do practice the play that led to Derek Jeter's "Flip Play" in 2001.

Eric Chavez further confirmed the practice of the play, citing witnessing the practice in Spring Training last year.

(Video courtesy of Mark Feinsand of The Daily News)

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper