He's a very talented offensive player that put up big numbers. He has not had the chance to probably catch enough games to make a fair judgment if he can be an everyday catcher. But the work ethic is there, and that's something that you cannot always teach.

[• Management potential: Joe Girardi , the Yankees' bench coach, recently passed up a chance to gain his first managerial experience. Girardi declined the job of leading the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic, the 16-nation tournament in March.] It would have been a great opportunity, ... I just wish the timing was different. I don't think major league coaches can be part of this tournament because it could last the whole month of March, when we're in spring training.

[• Management potential: Joe Girardi , the Yankees' bench coach, recently passed up a chance to gain his first managerial experience. Girardi declined the job of leading the Italian team in the World Baseball Classic, the 16-nation tournament in March.] It would have been a great opportunity, ... I just wish the timing was different. I don't think major league coaches can be part of this tournament because it could last the whole month of March, when we're in spring training.

Before I took the job, we talked about going younger this year. We didn't talk to what degree. But I'm still excited about this opportunity and I'll manage whatever team they give me.

I'm not upset with him. I just want to hear his voice that he's OK.

This kind of protects our hitters.