THE RUNDOWN
BEST POSITION BATTLE
Rookie manager Aaron Boone and veteran GM Brian Cashman haven’t ruled out Jacoby Ellsbury taking the center field job back from
Aaron Hicks, who enters camp as the starter. Second and third base jobs are open, and Cashman said, “We are certainly prepared to do that’’ when asked about playing neophytes Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar at second and third, respectively. A year ago there were two openings in the rotation. This year, barring injury, there are none.
MOST INTRIGUING MINOR LEAGUER
Torres is among the best prospects in baseball, and he will have a chance to be the Opening Day second or third baseman. However, he was limited to 23 Triple-A games due to Tommy John surgery on his left (nonthrowing) elbow. He could start the season at Triple-A.
STORY TO WATCH DEVELOP
Joe Girardi (manager), Rob Thomson (bench), Alan Cockrell (hitting), Joe Espada (third base) and Tony Pena (first base) have vanished. How will young players Aaron Judge, Greg Bird and Gary
Sanchez respond to new voices?
MANAGER’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGE
Boone has never managed a game at any level, so every day will be something new for him. He is smart enough to delegate, but there will be a learning curve that at times might be steep. MOST INTRIGUING NEWCOMER The Yankees have a lot of experience welcoming superstars for their first spring training. Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Randy Johnson lead the list. Now comes Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins into a situation in which everything matters, compared to Miami, where the best player in the NL played in front of small crowds with no passion.
MOST NOTABLE ABSENCE
Girardi wasn’t beloved by all, but he did average 91 wins in 10 years, won the 2009 World Series and had the Yankees nine innings away from last year’s World Series with a rebuilding team. Yet, he was let go and replaced by Boone. Todd Frazier would have helped, and it’s puzzling that Thomson was allowed to leave the building, but Girardi is the pick here.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF THIS BECOMES AN ISSUE
Spring training games don’t count, and it’s wise to not make too much of what happens in March. Yet, after a dismal defensive season in 2017, Sanchez will be under the microscope. Passed balls, dropped balls and wild pitches will be noticed if Sanchez hasn’t improved.
BIGGEST COMEBACK
Following a sensational spring training, Masahiro Tanaka (left) posted the worst season of his Yankees career last year then pitched very well in the postseason. Look for a similar spring this year which should lead to better results when the games count.
COULD SURPRISE AND MAKE THE TEAM
Don’t discount Tyler Wade from grabbing the starting second base job if the Yankees believe Torres needs more time at Triple-A. Wade’s versatility (he can play short and the outfield) also helps his chances of sticking.