The wellspring of hope is tapped and flowing in Tampa

The annual spring gush is gushing, and - holy crap! - she's a gusher! Have you noticed the excitement, the positive vibes? Every Yankee prospect (except Michael King) is a future star, every former disappointment (except Mr. Ellsbury) has a new focus, and everybody (except Larry Rothschild) is rock-ribbed, anvil-armed and "in the best shape of his career." Some thoughts from the whacked reality of Yankee camp:

1. Miguel Andjuar has worked tireless all winter on his dance steps. That was his problem last year: Footwork. Even Aaron Boone, a former 3B, visited the Migalodon for personal instruction. If Miggy can play 3B without airmails into the Hudson, the Yankees can overtake Boston. If he cannot, he's a 23-year-old Presidential emergency declaration.  

2. This winter, Jonathan Loaisiga hired a personal trainer to strengthen his shoulder. Good idea, Johnny! Everybody loves the plate of Lasagna, in part because our alternatives are a) Luis Cessa, b) Domingo German and c) the cast of Rick and Morty. But at times, it just seems as if his tiny body cannot handle the strain of his own pitches. He throws hard... then, poof. But he's healthy now! Go, Johnny, go!

3. Giancarlo Stanton has come to acknowledge his great fortune: He signed one of the last massive contracts before the ownership collusion machine went into effect: I suspect Manny Machado and Bryce Harper secretly hate him, because he and Joginson Cano have become NY poster boys - (with Mr. Ellsbury) - for never giving anybody a long term contract. Soon, it won't matter. At the end of 2020, the collective bargaining agreement between the players and owners will expire. That will unleash the hounds of Hell. Gio won't need to worry about his financial future. But if wants to be popular at the Home Run Derby, he better hit.

4. Zach (Zack!) Britton had a secret leg injury last year in the playoffs. He hurt his calf, had an MRI and was not available for game three. Donno what the hell that means now. But with El Chapo and Betances always riding their psycho-emotional roller coasters, Britton looks like a consistent closer who survives on guile rather than wild animal heat. He won't strike out the side, but he might close an inning on four pitches. Looking at Boston's bullpen, it's a wonder they let the Yankees outbid them on this guy. But he's ours, calf and all.

5. Troy Tulowitsky convinced the Yankees to sign him after a private workout for the team's brain trust. He looked great, took seven rounds of hitting. Thus far, it's been a perfect marriage, a love fest! Then again, he just showed up, hasn't taken a grounder. The Yankees have a three-headed shortstop - Tulo, Gleyber and Didi - but it's easy to foresee them with nobody, nada, zilch. Tyler Wade, come on down!

Overall view: Everything is beautiful. This team could win 120!