Open Thread: February 20th Camp Notes

The big story from Day Three of Spring Training today was Aroldis Chapman’s first bullpen session of the spring. He drew quite a crowd, apparently. “I’ve never seen anyone like that,” said baseball lifer Gene Michael to Jack Curry after watching Chapman throw in the bullpen. Here are the day’s photos and here are the day’s notes:

• In addition to Chapman, bullpen-mates Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller also threw their first bullpens of the spring. “You go to the mound and you feel like you’re tiny,” said Joe Girardi afterward. CC Sabathia, Chasen Shreve, and Vinnie Pestano also threw. Everyone in camp has thrown at least one bullpen except Mark Montgomery and Kyle Haynes, who were added the non-roster list yesterday. [Chad Jennings, Bryan Hoch]
• “We have a lot of things in place. I’ve learned from the Joba Rules that when you’re very honest and direct about what you do and how you do it, which wasn’t even dissimilar from most organizations, then it can take on a life of its own,” said Brian Cashman when asked about Luis Severino’s workload this year. Severino, by the way, turned 22 today. (Brian McCann turned 32.) [Anthony McCarron]
• Girardi indicated he may only use two of his big three relievers per game this season as a way preserving them. That way one of them is always fresh and available the next day. I like the idea as long as there’s some flexibility. There should be games when all three are available (prior to an off-day, etc.). [Jack Curry]
• The Yankees have given Donovan Solano permission to leave camp so he can play for Colombia in the World Baseball Classic qualifying round next month. The six-game qualifying round will be played in Panama from March 17th to 20th. [Jose Luis Martinez]
• As expected, the Yankees will face Dallas Keuchel on Opening Day. Astros manager A.J. Hinch confirmed Keuchel will get the ball in Game One today. No surprise. Dude won the Cy Young last year. [Evan Drellich]

Here is tonight’s open thread. The Knicks and Devils are playing and there’s a ton of college basketball on the schedule too. MLB Network is showing some college baseball tonight, if you’re interested. Talk about whatever here.