Rotation depth a concern
Is there enough starting pitching depth?
Upgrading the rotation was a primary focus of the Yankees’ winter. And after striking out on free agent lefty Patrick Corbin, the Yankees pivoted to two lefthanders: signing free agent J.A. Happ and trading for James Paxton.
In acquiring Paxton from Seattle, the Yankees dealt their best big-leagueready starter, lefty Justus Sheffield. So the club’s starting depth will be tested if there’s an injury to a staff that includes Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka and veteran CC Sabathia, who has announced that 2019 will be his final season. Righthanders Jonathan Loaisiga, Domingo German and Luis Cessa represent the current top tier of potential fill-ins.
Who’s on first?
Clint Frazier might challenge veteran Brett Gardner for playing time in left field, but the only true position battle in camp is at first base. Right-handed hitting Luke Voit has “a leg up’’ according to manager Aaron Boone, based on Voit’s surprising .333/.405/.689 slash line in 39 games, following his arrival via trade from St. Louis. But the organization insists it hasn’t given up on lefty-hitting Greg Bird, who has yet to have a full, healthy season in the majors. A second right ankle surgery delayed Bird’s 2018 season, and he hit .199 in 82 games. — Pete Caldera The (Bergen County, N.J.) Record