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There are ten days left in Tampa. Here are some thoughts.
BATTLE OF FIRST BASE
Luke Voit and Greg Bird did exactly what the Yankees were hoping for at the beginning of the camp: make a tough decision.
If we have to believe that Voit had a "long run" based on his arrival last season, then he did not do anything to lose his job. And Bird did something he could not do for a long time: play painlessly.
Regardless of the Yankees' decision, it is far from final and Scranton should have a very competent first baseman to start the season, although chief executive Brian Cashman said Friday that Voit and Bird could Alignment of the first day if Aaron Hicks is not ready. again.
Depth is not a bad thing. And at this point, it's important to know who these players will be. See is someone between Lou Gehrig and Shane Spencer. Bird is a person between Don Mattingly and Nick Johnson.
Fans are on Bird, and this is not unjustified. But there is a reason why the Yankees have kept it – they believe that he can still be a very good player if the injuries are really behind him. And remember that the same people who told us that Didi Gregorius and Aaron Hicks – and Voit – were going to be good players are the same ones who believe that Bird still has something in the tank.
FLORIAL PRESENTING FLASHES
Estevan Florial used many tools this spring. It's pretty impressive to see that he continues to have bats so late in the spring. He's not ready for the major leagues and has not even passed A-ball yet. But Melky Cabrera no longer at this point in 2005, when his injuries forced him to go up in the rankings of the depths of the minor leagues and to enter the major leagues for his debut. Florial is still in a year or two to have a more significant impact in the majors, but he has already benefited a lot this spring. And his tools are obvious.
FIND A SEVERINO FILL-IN
Cashman said that Severino would be away at least until May 1, while he was recovering from his problem at the shoulder. Although there have been no setbacks, there are of course always worries. But unless you know for sure that he is away for much of the season, an internal option is the only thing that makes sense. No matter what else – like signing Dallas Keuchel – would be like a trip to the ER to get a band aid.
I am a little worried that there is not a guy from Triple-A with good league experience to fill if needed. But in recent years, the Yankees have decided to feel better using weapons with better depth and depth of rotation rather than just recruiting guys who have a recognizable name and league record. unequal major.
GO EASILY ON GARDY
I noticed that a lot of Brett Gardner hated in my Twitter feed. Some things to remember from last season, when it followed a well-known pattern of wear in August and September.
Gardner's playing time in the second half increased by necessity, not by design. Aaron Judge was out with a broken wrist and Giancarlo Stanton was healing a sore hamstring. Jacoby Ellsbury was, well, you know. And Shane Robinson played pretty like that.
MORE: Keidel: Stanton feels at home in the Yankees' fields
The judge's recovery being confused, the Yanks did not add Andrew McCutchen before the deadline of August 31. A healthier pitch would have given manager Aaron Boone more opportunities to rest, Gardner, who had to deal with knee problems.
Although a major offensive rebound is difficult to predict, it is not unreasonable to think that Gardner – even at age 35 – can produce a result close to his career average, 735 action points, compared to the lowest from last season, 0.690 career points.
Gardner's defense is still elite and will bring him plenty of play time. Aaron Hicks and Didi Gregorius are the only other Yankees who are considered true defenders by scouts.
Another thing to note with Gardner, is how difficult it is to master. I got it earlier this month – without the advice of a former All-Star AL pitcher:
"It's a shot, a shot, then a ball, a crazy ball, a ball, a ball … before you know it, it has an AB of seven or eight shots on me," he said. the launcher. I said.
Sometimes fans are disappointed that Gardner did not become Rickey Henderson, Bernie Williams or Johnny Damon. But do not get me wrong on what he brings to the table.
I understand, though. Nobody thought that Bryce Harper would be a Yankee in 2019 more than me. Ask my SNY friends for video evidence.
HIGH PRAISE
Two things to note if you saw TV last Tuesday. John Flaherty was quick to point out how much Gary Sanchez looked better by blocking the balls behind the plate, and Willie Randolph noted how much he loved the glove of hope, Kyle Holder.
If Flaherty is talking about a receiver and Randolph is talking about an infielder, well, let's just say that they have my attention.
ALMOST GO TIME
Forget the free agencies NFL and March Madness. Baseball is almost there for real. The opening day is now in less than two weeks. Happy days are still here.
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