CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Not long after Chris Carter -- and everybody else -- learned Greg Bird would be the Yankees' starting first baseman on Opening Day, Carter admitted things have been difficult for him this spring.
"It's been pretty tough," the 30-year-old said after Wednesday's 7-2 win over the Phillies at Spectrum Field.
Among Carter's issues: Slow adaptation to swing changes, getting used to part-time work and just simply making contact.
The New York Yankees have a problem without shortstop Didi Gregorius. They don't just lose an above-average glove, but a bat that's found pop and a strong combatant against lefty pitching.