The Yankees' pitchers and catchers have only been in camp for a couple of days, but they're already in mid-season form when it comes to generating back-page headlines. The pinstripes should make their annual appearance in the postseason in '07 -- but if they're languishing 6-8 games behind Boston and Toronto in June, look for any one of the following feuds to really blow up.
Rivera vs. Cashman
One one of the biggest indications that all is not right within the Evil Empire -- Mariano Rivera has taken to mouthing off about his contract status. Rivera has always been one of New York's -- all of baseball's, really -- quietest and most businesslike superstars. But as SI's John Heyman reports, Rivera arrived at camp and immediately started complaining about his contract -- even going so far as to warn that the Yankees will have to stand in line with everyone else if they wait until the off-season to talk. This, of course, sent the New York media into full "Chicken Little" mode -- the tabloids are already predicting Rivera's departure for Boston.
Williams vs. Cashman
One contributing factor in the Rivera saga is the apparent end of Bernie Williams' career in pinstripes. Rivera and some other Yankee vets seem to be chagrined over the Yanks' decision not to bring Williams back for one more year. The case for Williams: the veteran was actually remarkably productive in 2006, hitting .281 with 12 homers and 61 RBI as the Yanks' fourth outfielder. The case against: Williams only got an extended opportunity last year because of major injuries to Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield. Meanwhile, the emergence of Melky Cabrera gives New York a promising prospect to fill the fourth outfielder role behind starters Matsui, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu, and some of the Yankees' baseball people aren't convinced that Williams can be productive in limited at-bats. Williams has been invited to compete for a roster spot in spring training, and manager Joe Torre is trying to convince him to accept -- but at this point it appears the 25th and final spot on New York's roster will go to a right-handed hitting first baseman -- either Andy Phillips or Josh Phelps.
Mussina vs. Pavano
The Yankees are hoping that Carl Pavano can make a contribution in 2007 after missing all of 2006 with an often-ludicrous series of injuries ranging from a bruised buttock to a highly controversial car accident. It appears Mike Mussina isn't really ready to forgive and forget. "He needs to show a lot of people that he wants to go out there and pitch for us. If he shows us that, I think everything is going to be fine," Mussina told reporters. If Pavano isn't impressive this spring, don't be surprised if he's shipped out of town on the Eddie Whitson express.
Girardi vs. Mattingly
No matter how the '07 season ends for the Yanks, this will be one hell of an off-season. As mentioned above, World Series hero Mariano Rivera will be a free agent. So will Jorge Posada and Bobby Abreu. But the impending free agency that might generate the most ink is that of manager Joe Torre. Torre's contract is up after the season, and many expect this will be his last year in the Bronx. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Yankee organization is lousy with potential replacements -- the biggest names being bench coach Don Mattingly and reigning NL Manager of the Year Joe Girardi, who will be broadcasting games with the YES Network.
State of Florida vs. Steve Swindal
For added fun, Yankees general partner Steve Swindal -- George Steinbrenner's son-in-law and heir apparent -- was arrested for driving under the influence at 4:26 Thursday morning in St. Petersburg.
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