It was only the first day of spring training but – surprise, surprise – there was a smidgen of controversy already: Will CC opt out of his contract after this season? Tsk tsk. Such a to-do about it here and elsewhere. (Passan is convinced the opt out will happen.) Doesn’t it seem like yesterday that the Yankees were announcing the signing of the Big Guy?

Apparently, CC’s lack of a definitive “I won’t opt out, not ever, because I love the Yankees so much I want to grow old with them” statement indicates that he might, indeed, play for another organization in 2012. But did he actually say that he wanted to play for another organization? No. He said he wanted to focus on exactly where he was right now: with the Yankees. End of story. Move on, people.

OK, I don’t mean to diminish the legitimate anxiety over the opt-out possibility. CC is our ace at a time when we don’t have a backup ace or even a bona fide number two starter. I get the panic. I understand why losing him would be such a huge deal. But couldn’t we just concentrate on this season before we worry about next? We have enough problems, pitching wise.

Plus, when you really think about it, where would CC go and why? I know, I know. He loves California. But if he loves it so much he would have signed with the Angels or Giants a couple of years ago. Could it be about making more money? Doubtful. How much more money would he need? None. That’s how much. Would he prefer to play for a contender? Oh, wait. The Yankees are contenders, like every single year.

Has a player ever opted out on the New York Yankees? Well, yeah.

A-Rod did and he was sorry, and the Yankees took him back and paid him handsomely. Speaking of handsome, he was in the Dominican receiving the Latin HOF award with Cameron by his side and Jennifer Swindall stopping by to chat. But wasn’t he supposed to propose to Cam on Valentine’s Day? And isn’t this Valentine’s Day? So where’s her diamond ring? If you look carefully at the photo, it’s Jenny Swindall who’s wearing the rock.