Well 2 games in to spring training it’s still very early, but both Voit and Bird are hitting the ball. It seems the Yanks are determined to carry 8 pitchers, which would make you think that one of the two will not make the team. What if they both rake all spring? I for one think Bird will finally turn the corner, and be the man everyone within the Yankees upper office thinks he is. That being said here is my way to early starting lineup for the season opener.
1. Aaron Hicks.....CF
2. Aaron Judge.....RF
3. Greg Bird.....1B
4. Giancarlo Stanton.....LF
5. Gray Sanchez.....C
6. Miguel Andújar.....3B
7. Gleyber Torres.....2B
8. Luke Voit.....DH
9. Troy Tulowitzki.....SS
Maybe Bird goes to 5 just for a little more balance. Boy can we use Didi for that balance. However maybe they can lead off Gleyber, slide Hicks 5th or 6th and that helps the lefty righty balance. On to the pitching the starting 5 would line up......
1. Luis Severino
2. James Paxton
3. Masahiro Tanaka
4. JA Happ
5. C. C. Sabathia
The bullpen is where the Yankees have many weapons and should be one of the best pens of all time. There is at least 5 closers on any other team in this loaded pen.
Closer: Aroldis Chapman
Setup Men: Dellin Betances & Zach Britton
Middle Relievers: Chad Green, Adam Ottavino, Jonathan Holder, and Danny Farquhar (yes he will make the team, and make this pen even better).
Long Man: Please Please don’t be Luis Cessa.
Most likely will be.
That leaves only 3 bench players.
Being both Voit and Bird make the team that most likely means Red Thunder is in Triple A to start the year. Unless they go with 7 relieves.
Bench:
Bret Gardner.....4th Outfielder
D.J. LeMahieu.....Utl Infielder
Austin Romine.....Back Up Catcher
Well that’s my 25 man roster to open the season. Let’s see how the spring shakes out and who steps up and earns their spots.
As always Let’s G⚾️ Yankees!!
James C. Palma.
The Greedy Pinstripes