TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees skipped baseball to play some eight-ball.

New York manager Joe Girardi decided to give his players a break today, and put together a team trip for a pool-shooting tournament.

"If I was a young man that's going on this trip, I think it's something you don't see often," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "You can hang out with the veterans. Being away from the field and being together. Hopefully we start some relationships here. Nothing bad can come out of this."

Girardi previously discussed the idea with several veteran players, including Posada and team captain Derek Jeter. The rest of the squad was informed at a team meeting the manager called Monday.

"Everyone started laughing," Posada said. "We're going to have a little pool tournament, and have fun. That's the main thing."

The players were paired for the competition.

"Going on a field trip," first baseman Mark Teixeira said.

Normally the Yankees have an easy workout day right before the spring training opener, which this year is Wednesday against Toronto.

"Today is their easy day," Girardi said. "You come into camp, you practice everyday. You give them an easy day, so why not have an easy day where they are all together for a couple hours. Let them interact."

Other off the field activities will likely take place during the regular season.

"I think it's important to have things like this," Girardi said. "I think it's a good idea. You want to bring the group together."

Girardi, in his second season as Yankees' manager, is implementing lessons learned from last year.

"Relationships are vital, and sometimes you have to be able to read between the lines. Players are going to maybe not let you in on something. Maybe they're banged up more than they want to let you know. You can read their body language by having that year under your belt."

The players have also learned about Girardi.

"It's a matter of understanding where Joe is coming from. We want to have a good camp We want to have a fun camp, and when it's time to play it's all serious," Posada said."

Notes: SS Derek Jeter (minor right hamstring soreness) took grounders and BP in a cage before the team trip. "Everything is good," Jeter said. ... Posada (shoulder surgery) had no problems one day after an extensive throwing session. "I'll tell you what, I feel good today," Posada said. "I had no pain. It's progressing." Posada will DH until he is scheduled to catch for the first time in about three weeks. ... Posada will receive the community award at the Ted Williams Museum dinner on Mar. 20 for his foundation that raises funds and awareness about craniosynostosis, which is a congenital or birth defect that causes an abnormally shaped skull.