If you haven't read this story about a young fan and Roger Maris, you are missing out. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside...though I have a sneaking suspicion that the rice & beans I had last night might be adding to that. Hat tip to Steve L. for the link.

Speaking of personal relationships, here's a story from the Daily News about one of Bobby Murcer's.

Bobby Murcer welcomed a familiar friend yesterday, receiving a visit from Andy Pettitte in Houston. Murcer is beginning his third week of chemotherapy and radiation to fight brain cancer at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Have I mentioned how much I appreciated Bobby Murcer as an announcer? In a sea of self-aggrandizing types in the play by play booths, he came off as a genuine guy who loved baseball. Don't forget to keep him and his family in your prayers.

Finally, Pete A. checks in (a day after Lasik, so head over and wish him a speedy recovery) with some notes from a conf. call with Mark Newman:

Phil Hughes will be held to 175-180 innings this season after throwing 152 last season. The plan is to have him start the season in Class AAA but Newman did not rule out the idea of his making the team out of camp...Newman seems very high on Humberto Sanchez and Ross Ohlendorf, saying they can help the Yankees this season. He also mentioned that Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain and Dellin Betances are already in Tampa working out.
Jose Tabata reminds the Yankees of Jeter at the same stage of his career.
Jesus Montero, the kid catcher from Venezuela, has “light tower” power and will get a chance to start in the Gulf Coast League instead of the Dominican Summer League.