Heavy Issues: Weight Becoming the Talk of New York Yankees Camp
February 20, 2011 · Ken DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
With David Wells, the “Hefty Lefty,” in camp as a spring training instructor for the New York Yankees, weight has become a big topic of discussion.
The size of Joba Chamberlain, CC Sabathia, Bartolo Colon and even Alex Rodriguez has been the big story at the onset of Yankees camp.
General manager Brian Cashman has said that Chamberlain is about 25 pounds heavier, Sabathia is 30 pounds lighter, Colon is looking to shed 25 pounds and Rodriguez lost some weight during the offseason in order to put less pressure on his surgically-repaired right hip.
Reportedly, even David Wells has slimmed down. According to manager Joe Girardi, “He’s in better shape now than when he played.”
Wells knows how being a little overweight can affect the body. In his career, back and knee injuries were a constant because of his portly figure.
Not only is Wells in camp as a pitching instructor, he is mainly there for players who seek to lose a little extra weight. He’s there to push them and provide guidance.
Chamberlain’s focus all winter was to build muscle. He went so far as creating an in-home gym with all the essential machines that he needed to become stronger. Although 25 pounds heavier, Chamberlain believes that he is currently in the best shape of his career.
In October of this past offseason, ace Sabathia underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on his right knee to repair a small meniscus tear. Seeking to keep extra weight and pressure off of the knee, Sabathia got right to work this offseason and lost 30 pounds.
Already a workhorse, Sabathia could be even more of one this season. Less pressure on his knee will keep him going strong well into September and October.
Colon reported to Yankees camp weighing in at about 267 pounds. Believe it or not, this is light for the 6′ Colon, who topped out at about 278 pounds as a member of the Indians.
Through a translator, Colon said that he feels very good at his current weight, but understands that he needs to go down in his weight in order to improve conditioning and his overall health. He admits that he won’t be able to lose the necessary weight during spring training, and that it would be an ongoing challenge.
Although Alex Rodriguez’s weight loss hasn’t been as public as Chamberlain’s, Sabathia’s and Colon’s, Rodriguez has in fact lost weight. Girardi put all rumors to rest by saying that it was Alex’s decision to lose the weight and he was in no way prompted by the organization.
Who knows, maybe a slimmer A-Rod will be a more productive A-Rod. Now that less weight will be put on his nagging right hip, he may be able to swing stronger and run the bases better.
Although not a big story so far, newly-signed infielder Ronnie Belliard has had big weight problems in the past. The Los Angeles Dodgers considered him a leading candidate to start at second base in 2010 if he adhered to a weight clause that was built into his one-year contract.
Belliard’s contract could have been voided if he didn’t finish spring training at 209 pounds or lighter. Needless to say, he lost the weight necessary and suited up for the Dodgers.
Weight seems to be a big issue in spring training this season for the Yankees, but it’s an issue that most likely won’t linger into the regular season.
In the end, it doesn’t matter the players’ weight as long as he produces. David Wells said it best: “If you get your butt kicked, you’re as fat as can be, and you’re skinny when you’re going well.”
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