Cervelli ready to play now after concussion
Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli works on a throwing drill during a spring training workout. (Feb. 18, 2011) Credit: AP
UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Yankees backup catcher Francisco Cervelli said on Friday that he has recovered from the concussion symptoms that ended his 2011 season prematurely.
Cervelli, whose chances to remain on the Yankees' roster this season increased when the team traded Jesus Montero to Seattle, said his symptoms are "all gone since November."
"The doctors said just get ready to work hard," he said. "I feel great. Normal."
Cervelli appeared in 43 games last season, batting .266 with four HRs and 22 RBIs. With Montero gone, he will battle Austin Romine for the job as Russell Martin's backup in spring training.
Cervelli, who was speaking at the Connecticut Sports Foundation dinner at the Mohegan Sun Casino, said he was "on the beach" when he heard about the Montero trade.
"I felt surprised because he was like a No. 1 prospect," Cervelli said. "We don't make decisions. They try to make the best for the team all the time, and if they think it's the right move, it's the right move."
Of a possible trade of A.J. Burnett, Cervelli said: "I love A.J., man. A.J.'s one of the best guys on the team. But like I said, we don't control that."
Notes & quotes: Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, who caused a minor stir after getting the job by saying he "hates" the Yankees, was asked about the rivalry with Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "I still hate him," Valentine said. Just to clarify: He was laughing when he said it.