Yanks' Nova Reportedly Throws Third-String Catcher Under The Bus
NEW YORK (WFAN) - Tension at Yankees camp?
No, not between A-Rod and Derek Jeter. Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson aren't involved in the mix. Nor is Nick Swisher.
Ivan Nova appears to be to blame for discomfort at Yankees camp.
The pitcher, competing for a spot in the Yanks' starting rotation, aimed criticism at third-string catcher Gustavo Molina on Sunday night after a shaky start, according to The Daily News.
In Nova's fourth start of the spring, the right-hander surrendered four runs to the Orioles in the first inning and then one in the second before regaining his composure on the hill.
The 25-year-old pitcher said he had good stuff, but had trouble communicating with his backstop, said the paper.
"That affected my game too much, but I feel really good today," Nova told The Daily News following the game. "I was shaking [off signs] too much. That slowed my game. You start shaking and you get out of what you want to do. I think that happened out there."
Yankees' manager Joe Girardi appeared to have the back of Molina as he explained to the Daily News that it's up to the pitcher to 'take charge.'
Giradi, a former catcher told the Daily News, "You have to take charge, get in a pace and get on the same page. When you make a pitch, you better have conviction. I don't care if you have to shake to it 17 times; you better have conviction."
With Andy Pettitte back in the fold for the Yanks, Nova has even more pressure to perform well as Spring Training progresses.
Does Nova belong in the Yanks' rotation, and should he keep quiet and just pitch? Sound off with your comments below...
