A-Rod, Rivera, Posada all positive

The three surgically-repaired Yankees - Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada - all felt very positive today.

From this AP report:

Alex Rodriguez is pleased with his recovery from arthroscopic hip surgery.

"He left me a message," New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday. "He sounded good. Said: 'I'm doing well.' Good to hear from him."
...

In other news, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera threw 30 pitches in his first spring training batting practice session. He will throw BP again Saturday and then will likely make his first exhibition appearance early next week.

Rivera had surgery on the AC joint in his right shoulder last Oct. 7.

"All I have to do is get more fine pitching," Rivera said. "The shoulder feels good. I'm happy with it. It's getting stronger every time I throw. It feels better and better."

Rivera threw at about 90 percent. The right-hander has "no doubt" he will be ready for Opening Day.

"We are right on track," he said.

Catcher Jorge Posada, limited to designated hitter as he rehabilitates from right shoulder surgery last July 30, remains on target to play behind the plate on Sunday. Posada threw to the bases on a back field before being the DH in the Yankees' 7-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.

"It's the best I've seen so far," Girardi said. "We're still shooting for March 15."

We know Rodriguez will miss the beginning of the season anyway, but it's nice to hear that he's doing well.

March 15 will be very interesting. I will probably cringe the first time Posada has to make a throw to second base to try to catch a runner stealing.

I've never been too worried about Rivera's progress, and it's great that he's right on schedule. He usually takes it slowly in the spring anyway.