TAMPA — Joe Girardi isn’t privy to what went down between the White Sox front office and Adam LaRoche, who retired this week instead of reducing the time his 14-year-old son, Drake, spent with the team.
The move cost the first baseman the $13 million due him for the coming season.
Nevertheless, Girardi was quick to point out where family sits with him.
“My first responsibility is my family,’’ said Girardi, who allows Yankees players to have their children in the clubhouse following games, but rarely before. And they don’t travel on team planes. “I know [managing the Yankees] is a big responsibility. I have to take care of my responsibilities here, but I also have to be a husband and a father, too.’’
Girardi, whose son Dante is often seen with his father working out at Yankee Stadium and at a few road venues before and after games, is very open to having children around.
“The big thing to me is guys have to be ready to do their work and ready to play the game,’’ Girardi said. “Before that the time is theirs and if they want their kids out here I am OK with that. But when it’s time to go to work, it’s time to go to work.’’
Andrew Miller said he is surprised the issue has become so big.
“I am surprised this has become as big a story as it has,’’ Miller said. “I would imagine there is more to it. Every team is different, every manager is different.’’
The Yankees offered Mets castoff Ruben Tejada a minor league invite to spring training, but the infielder still is seeking a major league contract according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
The Mets cut Tejada, who was slated to make $3 million this week and saved $2 million by the move.
Tejada’s experience at shortstop would give the Yankees a legitimate option in case Didi Gregorius goes down. The Yankees believe Starlin Castro could slide from second to short in a short-term situation, but Castro still is learning second base after being shifted there from short last year.
Goose Gossage was missing from Yankees camp Friday, but it had nothing to do with his latest comments about the state of the game. Gossage went to a doctor to have an ear problem looked at.
Gossage, who has been critical of Jose Bautista, replay rules and the new double play rule, spent Thursday at the minor league complex.
CC Sabathia didn’t want to comment on New York mayor Bill de Blasio’s effort to ban smokeless tobacco at Citi Field and Yankee Stadium, but did say he is going quit dipping. Sabathia said he also doesn’t dip when on the mound.
Training Day
Dustin Time
Dustin Ackley is a lock to make the roster because of his left-handed bat the Yankees believe will be productive in Yankee Stadium. He went 1-for-3 with a double. Didi Gregorius’ solid spring continued with a 1-for-2 night and two RBIs.
Miller struggles
Andrew Miller allowed one of the two runners he inherited from CC Sabathia to score. He gave up a hit and fanned one in one-third of an inning.
Caught my eye
Right-hander Luis Cessa started the night with four scoreless innings in two games as a reliever and put himself on the fringe of a bullpen spot. However, he gave up three runs and six hits in two frames.
Saturday’s schedule
Yankees play host to the Braves at GMS Field. Michael Pineda makes his third outing (second start).