The first couple weeks of Spring Training have been relatively drama-free for the New York Yankees. No PED confessions, no reporters hounding Jeter about whether he hangs out with A-Rod in the off-season or is about to marry Minka Kelly, in fact, everything has been very focused on the game of baseball. While it is still early, there were a few items of note coming out of Tampa today:

• Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes each pitched their first batting practice today. Each threw about 30 pitches and the batters saw a lot of changeups. Afterwards, the two young hurlers did their running together and joked around with the media. While they are clearly taking the competition for the fifth starting position seriously, it’s good to hear the kids are still having fun. Of course, they better be careful or Alfredo Aceves, Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre might win that spot (yeah, I doubt it, too).
• Marcus Thames signed a Minor League deal with the Yankees, but he is competing for a spot on the 25-man roster. Cashman let it be known that if Thames does not make the 25-man at the end of Spring Training, the outfielder is free to opt-out of the contract.
• The Yankees latest signing, Chan Ho Park, has yet to make an appearance in the Yankee’s training camp.
• Brett Gardner, Randy Winn and Curtis Granderson all worked out in left field yesterday. Today they were all in center. Obviously, its too early to know who will end up where for certain, but it is nice to see them all getting some work in at both spots.