What If Mark Teixeira Isn’t Ready?

Sep 4, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter

(8) hits a 2 run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

News today that Mark Teixeira may not be ready for opening day is certainly not what you want to hear. Tex’s bat is important to the Yankees turning around and going back to the postseason this year.  But, what if Tex can’t go for a while?  What do the Yankees do at first to get any production from the position?

Well, in free agency they could try and sign Kendrys Morales. Remember him? Not much action on him since he’s tied to draft pick compensation. Would the Yankees want to give up another pick? Great question. How about other guys? Well, Michael Young is out there, and if Tex is only out for a little while, he can help out at the other infield positions. Casey Kotchman is a free agent as well. He could be had on a minor league deal. Kotchman went 0-20 with the Marlins last season.

How about internally? Well, the Yankees have five (!) catchers on their 40-man roster. Brian McCann has been rumored to move to first eventually. How about trying him at first and letting Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy compete at catcher? The Yankees list Kelly Johnson as the backup to Tex on their official website’s depth chart. Of course, Johnson is right now the third baseman, so you create another hole you’d have to fix.  Of course, there’s always hope Lyle Overbay and/or Mark Reynolds doesn’t stick with the Brewers so they can re-sign right?

Tex is still injured, and just like last year, the Yankees don’t have enough to back him with so many holes around the infield. No Tex would be a major blow to this team. Hopefully this is just a minor setback.