Girardi: MLB can do more

TAMPA — With rule changes being discussed, Joe Girardi offered a radical idea on how to speed up a game some believe needs to be played quicker.

“As far as the pace of the game I am a big proponent of trying to introduce some type of communication through headphones like they do in the NFL,’’ Girardi said Wednesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I think you can speed the game up that way.’’

Girardi explained how the technology would save time.

“You put earpieces in certain people. Realistically you could put it in your hitters’ helmets and you could say what you wanted,’’ Girardi said. “Instead of catchers always going out to change signs they could do it through communication. I think you could speed the game up a lot that way.’

Girardi has no beef with the changes announced on Wednesday that will eliminate four intentional balls being thrown.

CC Sabathia will throw two simulated games before pitching in an exhibition game as the Yankees continue to keep a close watch on the veteran starter’s right knee on which he underwent arthroscopic surgery after last season.

“It’s good, no problem at all,’’ Sabathia said.

Masahiro Tanaka, the scheduled Opening Day starter, will start Tuesday against the Tigers at GMS Field. Tanaka will throw a simulated game Thursday morning.

Girardi set his pitching plans Wednesday through the first six exhibition games. Michael Pineda will start Friday and Adam Warren will go Saturday against the Phillies and Luis Severino will start Sunday vs. the Blue Jays. Chad Green will face the Orioles on Monday.