Valentine’s Day Lovefest for the 2017 Yankees
The Outfield
There is so much possibility for the men who roam the open pastures of Yankee Stadium, it’s frustrating to the tenth power! Reaching it has always been the issue. You’d have to think after three lousy seasons from Jacoby Ellsbury, he’s bound to have one breakout campaign reminiscent of Boston, circa 2011.
Reigning Gold Glove winner Brett Gardner should enter the season playing with a chip on his shoulder the size of Staten Island. If not to prove the Yankees wrong in their pursuit of shedding his contract, at least so that some other club in the thick of a late-season pennant race would desire acquiring his services.
Aaron Judge has remade in swing, doing away with that Julio Franco-esque leg kick. If this ails his timing issues then watch out, we could have the second-coming of Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton — minus the constant injuries.
Fourth outfielder Aaron Hicks proved his worth following the Carlos Beltran trade. At 27, Hicks’ best days are in front of him. With power, speed, and defensive prowess to boot, if Hicks can kick off Spring Training in a big way, he could steal playing time from any number of penciled in starters.
Tyler Austin is reportedly trying his hand at multiple positions this spring; including third base, first base, and both corner outfield spots. Austin has immense opposite field power and brings a ruggedness to the club it has sorely missed since the days of Nick Swisher. The addition of Carter, and Austin’s two remaining Minor League options could hinder him from making the opening day roster, but even so, Austin will give it his all while in camp. Regardless of the initial outcome in late March, Austin will make his way to the Bronx at some point in 2017.
Next: A Pessimist's Look at this Year's Yankees
I honestly can’t wait to see Clint Frazier in pinstripes. Talk about exciting, if his game at the next level is anything like his social media feed, well, then this guy is going to rival Joe Willie Namath for the title of ‘Prince of New York.’ But the club is right to keep him in the minors for now. He’ll be up sometime later this season, once the outfield picture becomes a bit more clear.
I’ll be attending a number of Spring Training games in the coming month, so I’ll be able to give you a bird’s-eye view of what is trending upwards as the new season gets underway.