Things are looking pretty bright for the New York Yankees! They have bolstered their pitching rotation big time with the signing of the big money Gerrit Cole. The Yankees are sitting pretty with lots of depth, not only in pitching but in the outfield and infield. And with a starting lineup, second to none, the Yankees 2020 season looks quite bright. Back on December 12, 2019, the Yankees made a big re-signing of the longest still standing Veteran from the 2009 World Series team, Brett Gardner. Many fans are beginning to wonder when the signing will become official. Cole was acquired, and in few short days, the Yankees showcased him in a big Yankee Stadium news conference, but the Gardner signing has drifted off the map. It’s not official until it’s announced, and he is added to the 40 man roster. Not to worry, Gardner fans, it will happen, there isn’t any reason to announce it yet. Announcing it would cause the Yankees to remove another player off the roster, and they don’t need to do that right now.
Gardner is the longest-tenured Yankee having made his Yankee debut in 2008 when he played in 42 games. In 2009 he played in 108 games and improved his batting average to .270, helping the team to their first World Series win in nine years. The big reason the re-signing of Gardner is significant for the club is that he is the heart and soul of the club, not only on the field but with his veteran presence in the clubhouse.  All the young Yankees players look to Gardner to advise and consul. His work ethic and how he handles himself is something for the young players to emulate. Af far as the field is concerned, he will fill the spot in centerfield until the rehabbing Aaron Hicks returns from having Tommy John surgery. He is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season. Gardner can also play left field where he has shined before. Add to that, after last’s years “break out” year for Brett, he will again be expected to hit a few home runs and frequently get on base. Last season he had an incredible 28 home runs at the age of 36. He probably won’t eclipse that this season, but it is reasonable to assume he will hit around 20 long balls and hit to a .250 average.
The Yankees have a history of letting players compete for starting positions during spring training. Last year it was a competition for first base between Greg Bird, who is now gone, and Luke Voit. Voit won out. This year we see the same competition, but with different players. The competition is only happening because Mike Ford roared onto the scene last year after Voit’s injury. Ford had a robust September, surprising many Yankee fans. When he first appeared at the plate to hit, many said, he doesn’t have the body of a first baseman, he’s short and bulky. As it turns out, he handled first base very well fielding at .985, ran very well, and had a lot of pop to his bat. The 27-year-old ended up playing in 50 games but hit 12 long balls, that’s roughly one homer in every four games. That’s a rate similar to Judge or Torres. Another reason Ford can be relevant to the lineup is that he is a lefty hitter, in a very right heavy lineup. As last year showed, he could even be an emergency pitcher. He pitched two innings in a game against Cleveland that the Yankees lost 19-5. He only pitched because of his history as a pitcher in college and because the real pitchers had been decimated by the Cleveland hitters. Even with the dismal Yankee game, he left the mound to huge applause because of his effort above and beyond the call of duty.
The Yankees, like other teams, will be dealing with a 26 man roster for the first time this year. That will allow one more regular player this year to back up those on the field or allow for an extra man in the bullpen. My guess is that Tyler Wade will play a more significant role in this year’s team. Wade has been kicking around since 2017 and has had an increasing role each year. In 2017 and 2018, his bat was nearly dead. Last year he increased his batting average to .245 in 43 games. The massive plus with Tyler Wade is that he is the super-utility player. He can be an adequate left fielder and a necessary back for Gleyber Torres at shortstop. He can fill in anywhere where needed.
Last year Mike Tauchman had a great year filling for Giancarlo Stanton, who was injured. Unfortunately, Tauchman’s season came to a premature end after a Grade 2 calf strain sidelined him in September. He likely wouldn’t have played much in the playoffs anyway, but it was a bitter end to a breakout season for Tauchman. Look for him to be that 26th man, possibly. Giancarlo is still a question in left field and might spend time platooning as DH with Miguel Andujar. Tauchman can play left field and give Brett Gardner a rest in centerfield.
There are still some player questions lingering. Where will Andujar play, or will he be made part of a trade deal for the likes of Josh Hader? My guess is that the Hader trade will not take place, and will not deal him in any other trade. Manager Aaron Boone may try him out at first or in the outfield during spring training. He can also serve as a big bat as DH or to give Gio Urshela rest at third base. Boone knowing the season is long and that the Yankees will most likely go all the way to the World Series, likes to give his players rest on a rotating basis. The Yankees have been trying to get the $17 million off the books that J.A. Happ adds to the payroll. The Yankees would like to be below the highest luxury tax mark. So far, they have not had luck dealing Happ. The Yankees may move him and get him off the roster, possibly during spring training, but before opening day.