Breakfast Links: A Quick Wind Sprint Around Spring Training

• Freddy Garcia is considered one of the favorites to make the Yankees’ starting rotation, but he’ll have to do it with guile. Despite no longer possessing a major league fastball, Garcia still believes he can get people out.
  

  Garcia is hoping to make the Yankees’ rotation, but can he get by with a below average fastball (Photo: Daily News).

• Bartolo Colon is another veteran candidate for the rotation, and former manager Mike Hargrove gave him a good recommendation. However, in addition to battling hitters, he’ll also need to battle his weight.
• Although Joe Girardi has said he will not be considered for one of the two rotation slots, blue chip prospect Manny Banuelos is still hoping to open eyes at camp. Meanwhile, fellow prospect Dellin Bentances is hoping to do the same, completing his journey from the bleachers to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
• This time last year, Phil Hughes was the one competing for a job. Now, he is an established member of the rotation looking to build upon his success from last season.
• Jesus Montero has been on the defensive about his ability, or lack thereof, to be a competent major league catcher. Montero will be working hard this spring to improve his defensive skills and demonstrate that he has what it takes to remain behind the plate.
• Jim Edmonds officially announced his retirement at Cardinals camp in Jupiter, meaning he will first be on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2016 with Andy Pettitte. Both candidates should inspire a very heated debate.
• In Fort Myers, Francisco Liriano was forced to skip his first workout because of a sore left shoulder, something to keep in mind for those advocating that the Yankees make a move to acquire him.

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