YGY Mailbag: Spring Training Edition

Feb 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher

(52) throws a bull pen session as he works out at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right folks, the mailbag is back! I want to thank Hunter Farman for getting this started during his time with YGY, and I hope to continue the great work he started with this. If you want your question in the next mailbag, you can tweet us @yanksgoyardfs or me @jasonjpevans, post something on the Yanks Go Yard Facebook page, or email us at yanksgoyardfs@gmail.com. As always, these are actual questions from actual readers.

Q: Where do you see the Yankees finishing this season in the AL East? What do you see their record being? Can they improve even more?

A: Loaded question, but a good one. I’m already on record with them finishing third in the AL East behind Tampa Bay and Boston and losing in the AL Wild Card game. I think they will finish with around 89 wins this year, and that may be stretching it with the questions in the infield and bullpen. Can they improve on this? Sure. How about adding Stephen Drew for starters?

Q: Where do you see Masahiro Tanaka in three years?

A: I will admit, I, like most of you, have only seen Tanaka on YouTube clips and not in a real game quite yet. I’m sure his first spring outing will have quite the rating in New York and Japan. Do I think the Yankees probably overpaid for Tanaka? Yes, but they had no choice but to. I think Tanaka will be the Yankees number two or three starter come 2017.

Q: Is there any concern in Yankees’ camp regarding CC’s weight loss or at least his size? How long will it take to adjust to the new him?

A: I think CC will adjust fine to a tweaked delivery and his weight loss. Don’t forget, Sabathia was coming off elbow surgery last season and didn’t get the proper work he needed in the off-season. This past off-season he’s been able to train. I think he realizes that he’s getting older and will have to tweak how he pitches.

Q: Who gets to MLB first: Eric Jagielo, Aaron Judge, Peter O’Brien or Greg Bird?

A: I think Judge is out because he hasn’t even appeared yet . I think Jagielo, Bird and O’Brien will all find themselves in Trenton before this season ends. I have a sneaking suspicion Jagielo will be playing in the big leagues before the end of the 2015 season. Bird may have some trouble  adjusting to next level pitching due to high strikeout numbers. I think the need for a third baseman as well, plus if Jagielo puts up good numbers will expedite the process.

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