Over the weekend the New York Yankees began spring training simulation games, first against the Boston Red Sox and then the Tampa Bay Rays.
In 2018, the first base position was filled with concern due to Greg Bird’s struggles and inability to regain his form after a foot injury derailed his development. Despite his ailment, GM Brian Cashman refused to give up hope in Bird, and he will once again battle for the starting job in the season ahead.
Greg Bird and Luke Voit prepared to battle it out at first base:
In his first game of 2019, Bird went 2-for-2 with a double into center field and an infield single. He looked sharp and confident at the plate, showing why Cashman has yet to call it quits on the promising first baseman.
Cashman stated that the starting job was Voit’s to lose, but clearly, the alternative wants to prove his worth after two seasons batting under .200 Voit smacked 14 homers and 33 RBIs last season finishing with a .333 batting average. His impact made the decision easy for manager Aaron Boone, who subsequently left Bird off the post-season roster to ensure they had the best chance at winning.
“We are a long way between now and the end of March. Luke Voit has earned the right to be that guy, but as I have said all along, I believe Greg Bird can be an impact player,’’ manager Aaron Boone said before the Yankees’ first Grapefruit League game. “I never lost sight of that even at his lowest point last year.’’
The New York Yankees have themselves a great situation:
But, while Bird had an impressive first outing, Voit followed it up with an absolute monster day – he hit an RBI single and launched a moon shot that scored three runs. Competition always brings the best out of professional players, and we are in for a treat with these two players.
Luke Unit hit it back to New York. ? pic.twitter.com/ODH2J7jRky
— MLB (@MLB) February 24, 2019
Just look at this absolute unit of a human smack this ball back to the facility that made it. The launch angle of that ball wasn’t very high, which indicates his immense power. The ball seemed to be rising the moment it hit the bat. That’s the player we saw in 2018 and hope can remain consistent in the months ahead.
Luke Voit: "My goal this year is to obviously to win a World Series but to make my defense night and day. I want to win a Gold Glove. That’s kind of my mindset.”
— Erik Boland (@eboland11) February 24, 2019
While it’s far too early to make a judgment on who will win the battle, Voit is looking fresh and prepared to make a significant impact on a potential World Series caliber team.