New York Yankees Organizational Breakdown: Shortstop

Sep 14, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees shortstop

(2) smiles in the dugout during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstop has been a position the New York Yankees haven’t had to worry about since 1996. Basically everyday, number two would be there. This past season, not so much. This may be Derek Jeter‘s last run at shortstop so it could be the last time you see him. The future of the position? Well…

If Jeter isn’t healthy, and that’s a question right now, the Yankees do have a backup plan. Brendan Ryan can field but can’t hit. Eduardo Nunez can hit but can’t field. (Too bad you can’t put them together no?) Both may get more playing time than you think, especially because you won’t see Jeter at short everyday. He’s going to have to DH.

How about the minors? Addison Maruszak is at Triple-A, but probably isn’t the answer. Walter Ibarra split time all over the infield and between Double-A and Triple-A. He could be an option, but probably isn’t ready yet. Cito Culver was a first round pick, but hasn’t exactly hit and could be moving to pitcher.

The Yankees may have to dip into the free agent market for their next shortstop, once again due to the fact they haven’t been able to draft well. They may have some options. Jimmy Rollins may not have his option picked up. Asdrubal Cabrera, Jed Lowrie and J.J. Hardy could hit the open market. A long shot would be Hanley Ramirez, who’s negotiating with the Dodgers on a new deal.

Like third base, shortstop has more questions than answers at this point. The Yankees may have to dip into their wallets to fill this spot like so many other times before.

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