What We Know About This Yankees Team Because of Spring Training

Halfway through Grapefruit League action, some of the possibilities surrounding this Yankees team are beginning to come into focus.

Thirty-four Spring Training games may seem like a lot, but after only 17 full contests are we now just beginning to get an idea of what the 2017 Yankees might look like come opening day.

I’m constantly reminded by the media and fans that spring stats don’t matter. Well, I hate to break it to you, but they actually do to a certain number of players.

These exhibition games will determine the final two spots in the starting rotation; who claims the utility infielder designation; which guys are back from injury; which prospects are keen for a promotion; and most importantly, why everyone involved can breathe a sigh of relief. This Yankees team will be a lot better than most expected.

At 14-3, the Yankees are exceeding expectations, even if these games don’t count. Having the Grapefruit League’s best record is a huge boost in confidence, especially to the guys headed back to the minors in a few short week.

Without these exhibition games, we wouldn’t know:

That Greg Bird Has Fully Recovered from Shoulder Surgery

At first base, Bird’s throwing arm finally has some zip on it. His fielding has gotten a lot better too, which leaves his subpar baserunning ability as the only hole in his game. But we’re just nitpicking at this point.

Bird has arguably been the team’s best slugger this spring, batting .400 with a .920 slugging percentage, three dingers, and five RBI. A 30 home run season is a real possibility for Bird if he continues to show the ability to handle left-handed pitching.

That Gary Sanchez is Primed for a Huge Sophomore Season

I really hope teams continue to run on Sanchez’s cannon for an arm. His release looks quicker than it did a season ago. Even when a base stealer gets a big jump, as they so often do against Yankee pitchers, Sanchez’s pinpoint accuracy and velocity are a thing of beauty.

As far as his offense is concerned, in nine games Sanchez is batting .346 with three home runs and nine RBI in just 26 at-bats. Sanchez is an amazing all-around talent.

That Matt Holliday‘s Leadership is Worth Its Weight In Gold

Holliday has picked up where Brian McCann left off in 2016. He the unquestioned clubhouse mentor and all-around good guy that just so happens to be hitting the ball like he’s 26, not 36. In nine games, Holliday is hitting .409 with two home runs and six RBI.

Holliday will be a wonderful compliment in the order, batting behind Sanchez. He’s a smart hitter who isn’t afraid to take a walk or hit to the opposite field. Holliday’s unselfish nature is something this young bunch needed exponentially.

That Aaron Judge Won’t Strikeout at the Pace He Did Last Season

The Ruben Sierra-esque leg kick is gone, allowing Judge to wait back longer on off-speed pitches. He recently told MLB Radio that he’s been watching clips of other “big guys,” players such as Holliday, Alex Rodriguez, and Giancarlo Stanton — to mimic their timing and approach at the dish.

In 12 games this spring, Judge is batting .310 with two moon shots, three RBI, four walks and seven strikeouts in 29 at-bats. The Yankees have placed Judge’s locker next to Holliday this spring — so far Holliday’s work ethic looks to be paying off.

That Jacoby Ellsbury Is Playing Mad… And That’s a Good Thing

In 23 at-bats, Ellsbury actually looks rejuvenated. He’s batting .348 with one home run, a double, two walks and no strikeouts! On Thursday against the Braves, I watched Ellsbury go 3-3 with two easily stolen bases. That’s exactly what he needs to do going forward. Set the table, get on base at all costs, and be a pest by swiping as many bags as he possibly can.

That Didi Gregorius Is About to Enter the Top Echelon of Young Shortstops

While we haven’t seen a ton of Didi at Yankees camp because of his commitment to the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, what we have, looks strikingly familiar to his 2016 output. Hitting for power, especially against lefties has carried over to the WBC where Didi homered, doubled, and drove in five runs against Israel on Monday.

Predominantly being utilized as the Netherlands’ DH because of Andrelton Simmons at short, Didi has excelled to the tune of a .412 batting average with four doubles.

That Masahiro Tanaka Is Primed for a Giant Pay Day

The only Yankees starter that shows any real signs of consistency, Tanaka has worked nine shutout innings through three starts this spring. Having allowed zero walks, three hits, and a stout 13 strikeouts, Tanaka has put any questions about his lingering UCL issue to rest… for now.

If you were hoping he wouldn’t opt out after this season, think again.

That Chris Carter Should Refund His $3.5M

Signing the reigning NL home run champ was strictly an insurance policy for Bird’s inability to bounce back after missing all of last season. But Bird looks good to go, and the thing Carter has excelled at in the past — hitting left-handed pitching, he is not currently doing.

In 25-at bats this spring, Carter has been a strikeout machine, whiffing 13 times, while only hitting one home run and batting below the Mendoza Line at .160. To make matters worse, Holliday has been getting extra reps at first base. A quick trade of Carter before Opening Day could be coming.

That a Number of Players Should Be Moved

Aside from the aforementioned Carter, Refnsyder is batting a lowly .143 — Ronald Torreyes made three costly errors on Sunday afternoon — Brett Gardner‘s offense has been hot and cold — and Chase Headley forgot to bring his bat to camp.

That It’s OK to Get Excited About the Prospects

Though the Yankees are still trying to decide Gleyber Torres‘ best position on the field, his offensive ability continues to grow. In 19 at-bats this spring, Torres is batting .421 with a homer, a triple, and three doubles.

Lesser known but still wildly exciting prospect Dustin Fowler has shown a ton of heart and hustle, hitting .333 with a number of extra base hits. He’s also played a sparkling centerfield, showcasing his quickness to the ball and a strong throwing arm.

In 13 at-bats, Billy McKinney has made the most of his plate appearances, batting .462 with two home runs — reminding the world he was more than just a throw-in, in the Aroldis Chapman trade.

Next: Older Yankees Fans Can Appreciate a Rebuild

My preseason favorite to win the backup catcher role, Kyle Higashioka is hitting an even .500 with two home runs and two doubles in 12 at-bats. He’s also showed he’s more than capable of handling Major League pitching behind the plate.