The New York Yankees were expected to feature outfielder Clint Frazier in the starting lineup this upcoming season with Brett Garnder playing a rotational/veteran role.
Gardner was signed to a one-year deal to maintain the experience levels of a young Yankees core. The outfield seems rather locked in with Aaron Judge featuring in right field and Aaron Hicks in center. The left field spot was the position in question and most believed that Frazier would earn starting reps there.
According to NJ.com’s Randy Miller, manager Aaron Boone isn’t looking to start Frazier in left field but rather place him in Triple-A while he regains his form after struggling with migraines in 2018.
I anticipate the Yankees utilizing Frazier as a reserve piece they can call up in case of injury. This would indicate that both Gardner and Giancarlo Stanton will split time in the outfield. With the Scranton Rail Riders, Frazier can earn every-day playing time and come into the starting team with confidence and momentum.
It’s fair to assume that once Gardner is out of the picture Frazier will take over in left field. The electric player has immense bat speed and defensive abilities, which makes me believe his time in Scranton will be limited.
So far in spring training, Frazier is 1-7 with a single in the Yankees’ first game of the Grapefruit League. His inability to hit in these practice games will inevitably cost him dearly in his quest to earn a starting roster spot.
This post was published on 2019-02-26 15:15