The Biggest Questions Facing the Yankees Offense for 2017

Will Greg Bird Recover His Power Stroke?

After missing the entire 2016 campaign following shoulder surgery, first baseman Greg Bird was back with the team on Monday. It was revealed he will continue his rehab with the big league club instead of down in Tampa. He has come a long way, but unfortunately still won’t be ready to play with New York this season.

It does sound as if everything is progressing well, however. He has been swinging a bat since August according to Ryan Hatch of NJ Advance Media, and told the reporter:

"I think I’m kind of passed the relief stage, if you will. I feel good doing a lot of things. it’s not perfect, it takes a little while, but it’s a good step."

In addition, Bird will be one of four Yankees top prospects playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League according to Josh Norris of Baseball America. That will give him the opportunity to shake off some rust and test his shoulder against advanced competition before spring training. Bird was the Fall League MVP in 2014.

While all is going to plan, there are definite questions about whether Bird will be back at full strength to start next year. Guys following shoulder surgery tend to have trouble recovering their power, so it will be interesting to see how far along Bird is in the AFL.

How he performs could end up determining how the Yankees approach the rest of their offseason, because, at the moment, they will count on him to be one of their primary power hitters for 2017.

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