The Manny Machado and Bryce Harper rumors are quickly coming to an end, the revolving door of the winter hot-stove months are simmering to amber, and the New York Yankees are preparing to start their spring training programs.
With spring comes baseball, and there are several storylines that we need to keep track of that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the 2019 season.
Taking a look at different essential topics:
The first-base competition — This position battle between Luke Voit and Greg Bird will be interesting, as the former performed at a much higher level and will likely earn the first crack at the starting job. Bird finished 2018 with a .199 batting average but hit 11 homers in 82 games. Voit, on the other hand, hit 14 homers in 39 games, finishing up with a .333 BA.
Now, while Voit has the advantage in regard to hitting, defensively Bird is a bit more efficient. His defensive capabilities are keeping him in the race for the starting job, but it’s unlikely he earns it without improvement at the plate.
Another interesting topic is – what will the Yankees do at shortstop?
With Didi Gregorius rehabbing from Tommy John surgery the Yankees will have to fill the spot until his return. They brought in Troy Tulowitzki to serve as a stop-gap for the time being, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Gleyber Torres also received some playing time there while DJ LeMahieu earned some reps at second base.
Tulo and LeMahieu bring five total Gold Gloves to an infield that struggled with errors last season. That was one of the major deficiencies of the team, and GM Brian Cashman addressed them well in free agency. Bringing in two solid veterans will help stabilize the infield and improve their production — reducing errors and earned runs.
Another unit that’s plagued with questions is the outfield. Jacoby Ellsbury is once again injured and expected to be out until March. He’s suffering through planters fasciitis. To be fair, that is a very painful ailment, I have it too, but it’s nothing a better shoe sole can’t fix — in other words, he’s clearly a panzy.
My question is – who will be the designated hitter? I would assume the Yankees utilize Giancarlo Stanton in the DH spot, but it could also be a revolving spot in the order. I anticipate Stanton playing in right field a but while Clint Frazier regains his form and takes over for Brett Gardner in left. Aaron Hicks will likely be the starting center fielder.