Calm down Yankee Fans, It’s Spring Training!
By Joe Aguiar
Things have not gone all that smoothly for the Yankees so far in Spring Training. Shortly after signing Luis Severino and Aaron Hicks to contract extensions, both players ended up on the shelf. Thankfully, neither injury is considered significant, but combined with the announcement that CC Sabathia will start the season on the injured list, and the fact Clint Frazier has been struggling, Yankee fans are freaking out over the team’s sudden depth issues.
Masahiro Tanka will be taking Sevy’s place and making the start on opening day. Tanaka has made the Yankees first start of the season 3 times previously, but has never won an inaugural game. James Paxton and JA Happ will take the hill for games 2 and 3, but the realignment also means Luis Cessa, or Domingo German or Jonathon Loaisiga will have to make April starts. General Manager Brian Cashman is very comfortable with that happening, although the loud majority of fans would rather see Cash grab a Steinbrenner credit card and pick up Dallas Keuchel or Gio Gonzalez. Opening Day is less than two weeks away, but the Yankees seem content with what they have.
With Hicks being hurt (expected back this week after a cortisone shot) and Frazier not hitting at all, it seem very likely that Brett Gardner will be starting at least a few times a week in Left, alternating with Giancarlo Stanton. Jacoby Ellsbury is allegedly reporting to camp this week, and with a $21.5 million dollar salary for this season, would force his way into the lineup if he can get healthy.. and that certainly is a big IF. Tyler Wade is expected to be the 5th outfielder and to provide back up in the infield as well.
Troy Tulowitzki, who’s been dealing with injuries for the past few seasons, is penciled in as the Yankees starting shortstop, but after homering in his first two starts, Tulo has barely made any contact, once again forcing impatient Yankee fans to question the team’s moves. The signing of Tulowitzki and his former Colorado teammate DJ LeMahieu all but sealed the deal that the Yankees would pass on Manny Machado. Tulo was signed for just $500,000 to hold shortstop down until Didi Gregorious returns from shoulder surgery. A bad week has many fans questioning Cashman’s wisdom, but manager Aaron Boone says it’s still too early, and the former All Star SS will need every game this spring to get his timing down.
Of course, there are still some fans who think Gary Sanchez is terrible and should be traded, because he had an injury plagued 2018. The Kraken hasn’t exactly torn the cover off the ball this spring, but he has looked solid behind the plate. Expect Sanchez to find his stroke in 2019.
Some fans are still seething at the Yankees passing on Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but Cashman has a plan, and he’s sticking to it.
