Steve Karsay injured his back early in the off-season while running on a treadmill. In early November, he underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc, so he began the spring on a rehab program and didn't pitch in a game until last week. After that game, he developed some soreness in his shoulder, which put him back on the sidelines. However, both the Yankees and Karsay believe this soreness is merely a normal reaction to the increase in activity during Spring Training after an off-season of rest. He should be back on schedule by the weekend and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

At the end of January, the Yankees strengthened their pen with the acquisition of Juan Acevedo. Acevedo signed a minor league deal with the club that reportedly guarantees him $150,000. If he makes the team, he'll receive a full $900,000 salary. The contract also includes a $3M option for 2004 with a $50,000 buyout. Although he served as Detroit's closer for much of last season, Acevedo is not a dominant pitcher. The 32-year-old succeeded in Detroit last year due to an improvement in his control and a bump in his walk rate could have a serious effect on his productivity. However, he's capable of providing New York with solid relief work in the middle of their pen, and they needed to add depth after allowing a couple of their relievers to leave as free agents, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the health of some of their remaining relievers.

Free agent acquisition Chris Hammond has not had a good spring and is now experiencing a dead arm. Hammond had a strong season in 2002, but his control was not beyond reproach and the Braves defense helped keep his hit rate down, which compensated for his walks in his total baserunners allowed. Yankee owner George Steinbrenner will likely be asking someone before June, why they gave this guy a $4.8M contract, and I certainly don't expect them to pick up his $3M option in 2005.

The Yankees have limited Jason Giambi's access to his personal strength and conditioning coach this season; not allowing him on the field or in the clubhouse, though the trainer will reportedly be allowed to travel with the team. Giambi is now suffering from a strained abdominal muscle, which cost him a week of games and still has him limited to DHing. Hopefully, Giambi will be able to maintain his fitness routine despite the restrictions on his trainer, but a change in a players training regimen can noticeably affect their production. Giambi is expected to be healthy before Opening Day.

Tendinitis in his right shoulder has limited Alfonso Soriano this spring. Soriano first reported shoulder soreness in early February, pulling out of a Las Vegas home run hitting contest. After missing the first three games of the exhibition season, Soriano played four games but then began experiencing pain in the shoulder again and stopped. The 25-year-old's maternal grandfather passed away last week, and Soriano attended the funeral in the Dominican Republic. He's resumed limited activity but isn't expected to play in a game until at least this weekend. There's some speculation that the problem may be related to Soriano's off-season weightlifting program. I expect him to start the season slowly, if only due to his lack of spring playing time.

Hideki Matsui woke up with a stiff neck yesterday and skipped Tuesday's game to avoid aggravating the condition. However, he's expected to return to the field today, as no one considers the condition serious. Matsui's performance this spring indicates he will not disappoint the Yankees.