Jacoby likes his stripes
TAMPA — Jacoby Ellsbury had slipped on only his pinstriped jersey during his introductory press conference in mid-December, so when he put on the entire uniform during a recent photo shoot, the reality set in that the long-time Boston outfielder was now playing on the other side of baseball’s most famous rivalry.
“First time putting all that on a couple days ago, it felt good,” Ellsbury said as he dropped his bags off at Steinbrenner Field. “Obviously looks a little different, but that’s something I was looking forward to. Something I was excited about. This team has a great chance to win, and play deep into October.”
Ellsbury and the rest of the position players will report to camp on Wednesday, then take the field Thursday for the team’s first full-squad workout. The 30-year-old knows things will be a little different in Tampa.
Ellsbury isn’t sure what to expect when he returns to Fenway Park for the first time on April 22, but he said he’s received nothing but positive reaction from Red Sox fans he has encountered since he signed with the Yankees.
“It’s been really good; at different sporting events, Red Sox fans come up to me and thank me for the time in Boston,” Ellsbury said. “It’s really been all positive. And New York fans are very excited for me to be here. Went to a deli, a Red Sox fan gave me a free breakfast this morning down here in Tampa, so there’s still the love there. ... Excited to start this second chapter.”
GLOVE STORY
Kelly Johnson is expected to see a lot of time at third base, most likely as part of a platoon, but the veteran is ready for anything as he brought first base, infielder and outfielder’s gloves to camp.
“It’s whatever they need,” said Johnson, who turns 32 on Saturday. “The positions I’ve played so far between the outfield, third, second and first are places I have experience at. I’m open and willing and preparing to play all of those.”
NO FEAR
Joe Girardi figures to get some heat from fans this season on days he rests Derek Jeter, but backup Brendan Ryan is the one who will likely endure the wrath from disappointed fans. His plan? “Embrace the boos,” Ryan said. ... Brian Cashman was among a group of people watching Ivan Nova throw live batting practice Tuesday morning, but the GM said his presence had nothing to do with any curiosity about Nova’s arm.
“I was just catching some sun, to be honest,” Cashman said. “It’s so early; as long as everybody is free and easy, there’s really not much to tell from the bullpen sessions or batting practice. It was just a chance for me to come out try to turn white into red.”