Predicting the roster is not really my thing. Sure, I've done it in the past, but more often than not it's Daniel that makes these predictions and does a fine job. But here I sit on my day off from work and I couldn't help but think about what the team would look like on Opening Day.
For the record, before the Yankees even signed Neil Walker, I had a feeling that Miguel Andujar would start the year with the RailRiders. I was actually ready to say that Drury would be the Opening Day third baseman while Tyler Wade started at second base. But Brian Cashman surprised us all and nabbed Walker for much less than I thought they were going to give them a few weeks ago.
So here's what I have...
Starting Lineup
C-Gary Sanchez
1B-Greg Bird
2B-Neil Walker
SS-Didi Gregorius
3B-Brandon Drury
LF-Brett Gardner
CF-Aaron Hicks
RF-Aaron Judge
DH-Giancarlo Stanton
Bench
Austin Romine (C/1B)
Ronald Torreyes (2B/SS/3B)
Jacoby Ellsbury (OF) *If Ellsbury is not ready then I believe Tyler Austin will be on the bench instead.
Starting Rotation
1. Masahiro Tanaka
2. Luis Severino
3. Sonny Gray
4. CC Sabathia
5. Jordan Montgomery
Bullpen
Aroldis Chapman
David Robertson
Dellin Betances
Chad Green
Tommy Kahnle
Chasen Shreve
Adam Warren
Jonathan Holder
After writing that I thought... Do you realize the insane amount of talent that will start the season in the minors, particularly right there in AAA? Take a look at this list, with their projected landing spots on Opening Day (I used Mike Axisa's projections on River Ave Blues)...
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Miguel Andujar
Gleyber Torres
Tyler Wade
Thairo Estrada
Tyler Austin
Clint Frazier
Billy McKinney
Chance Adams
Domingo German
Trenton Thunder
Justus Sheffield
Dillon Tate
Domingo Acevedo
Tampa Tarpons
Estevan Florial
Albert Abreu
There are probably a handful of players you guys are upset that I excluded here, too.
I've actually gone beyond excited about this teams future and moved into awe-struck. Not only could the Yankees sign a player like Manny Machado or Bryce Harper for next season, but they have a ton of firepower in order to trade for young stars on top of that. Even then they will still have a very good farm system.
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ReplyDeleteI'll try this again as I didn't write my comment correctly. I do not expect DL's-bury to be ready for Opening Day. With all honesty, I'd much prefer Billy McKinney as his replacement over Tyler Austin. There is something about McKinney that shows he is a gamer. I think he'll have a more productive MLB career than Austin will. Romine, Walker, Drury and even McKinney could help provide first base coverage if necessary.
DeleteWhich is why I'd rather see McKinney get regular playing time in S/W-B than sit on the bench in MLB. I think Austin is simply a solid bench piece but not a future regular. Or look at it this way... Austin has hit his ceiling (for the most part), where McKinney hasn't.
DeleteI tend to agree with Bryan here. Are we assuming that Clint will not be ready for Opening Day? Because I get that both have minor league options and 40-man roster spots, but why waste an option on McKinney unless you have to? And to sit on the bench when others, Austin... Frazier.. whoever, can do that without burning an option.
DeleteI must throw another name into the mix IF Gleyber is left down on the farm. It is well known (by some) I like speed and left-handed bats to break up the right-handed line up. Why not Tyler Wade...speed and a lefty?
ReplyDeleteI like Didi following Judge for a few reasons! We know they are going to throw Judge low and away...right. Some pitchers get locked into a side of the plate, if that is low and inside to Didi he will hit as Daniel said...Hard and often!
I think Wade will get plenty of opportunities this season with Neil Walker sliding in at third, second and first base. He may even be the guy on Opening Day, who knows? I like his style of play, always have.
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