Yankees: 3 burning questions before Opening Day

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A look at what questions remain just days before New York Yankees Opening Day.

We’ve almost made it. The return of New York Yankees baseball is almost officially here. Summer Camp was fun for a week or two but it’s time for real baseball.

It may have gotten old, but the second installation of spring training gave us a lot of answers and insight. Players who spent quarantine recovering from injuries, like Aaron Judge and James Paxton, are ready to roll, and Gerrit Cole looked like his typical self on the mound the past few weeks, racking up strikeout after strikeout.

Still, a number of critical questions remain. Strong performances from various Yankees will make it tough for manager Aaron Boone to fill out his lineup card each night as the Yankees star power and depth was on display throughout early July.

So what needs to be answered?

Thairo Estrada #71 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

3. Estrada or Wade … or Both?

Which Yankees utilityman will make a bigger impact in 2020?

Heading into summer camp, the primary utility infielder role looked like Tyler Wade‘s to lose. The speedster and slick fielder can play all over the infield and provide the late-game speed which could become a huge factor considering the new extra-inning rule.

Over the course of the last few weeks, fellow utilityman Thairo Estrada has pushed for Wade’s role and could find himself on the roster with Aaron Boone saying he is “very much in play” for an Opening Day spot.

While both players will likely find their way onto the 30-man roster to start the season, New York’s decision to stick with Wade or Estrada will become difficult.

Splitting limited playing time will be a tough circumstance to juggle, offensive production could be a deciding factor. Again, Wade is probably the better fit for late-game situations, but if Estrada can provide some pop off the bench, it could get him the nod.

Mike Tauchman #39 of the New York Yankees spits while talking to Clint Frazier #77 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

2. How Will Aaron Boone Manage the Stacked OF?

Quality and quantity define the Yankees outfield, so who plays?

Talk about an embarrassment of riches. The Yankees outfield features six starting-quality outfielders (and that’s not counting Miguel Andujar).

With so many options, manager Aaron Boone will have some tough decisions to make early in the season with the unit at full strength.

All signs point to Aaron Judge manning right field every night, Giancarlo Stanton suiting up as the designated hitter, and Aaron Hicks as the primary centerfielder. Veteran Brett Gardner will likely start on Opening Day in left field, but Mike Tauchman’s strong showing in summer camp should grant him some significant playing time.

The odd man out in all likelihood is Clint Frazier. Although he has shown out with his bat in July, his lackluster fielding will probably be the difference in a Yankees lineup full of pop.

7's to the heavens ☝️ pic.twitter.com/30lcc5NNkV
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) July 19, 2020

The Yankees have plenty of options in the outfield, which was going to be even more crucial if the season started on tim considering Hicks, Judge or Stanton wouldn’t have been ready for Opening Day. Now, New York is at full strength and only time will tell how Boone decides to deploy his vast arsenal.

Miguel Andújar #41 of the New York Yankees (Photo by John Capella/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) /

1. Where Does Miguel Andujar Fit in?

Andujar will have to wait until an everyday opportunity presents itself.

You know the Yankees are loaded with talent this year when Miguel Andujar doesn’t really have a role, at least for Opening Day. The former Rookie of the Year runner-up looks primed for a strong comeback and seeing him get work at multiple positions has fans excited for his return.

Sadly, nothing is clear or set in stone for the young slugger. The overwhelming feeling is that Andujar will be an important piece for New York this season. His place just hasn’t materialized yet.

Aaron Boone said "there's a good chance" this will be the #Yankees' Opening Day lineup:

LeMahieu 2B
Judge RF
Torres SS
Stanton DH
Hicks CF
Sanchez C
Voit 1B
Gardner LF
Urshela 3B
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 21, 2020

At the moment, Andujar looks like the backup third baseman, secondary designated hitter, and an emergency option in the outfield and first base. Now, Andujar’s bat is good enough to make him an everyday player on most clubs, but if Gio Urshela is holding his own at the plate, there may not be much reason to sit him often, especially with Andujar’s lackluster glove.

Much like the overabundance of outfield talent, sometimes injuries and poor play from others can open the door. It may take a few weeks, but Andujar could find himself as an everyday (or at least consistent) player and hopefully rekindle his 2018 form.

Next. 4 Worst-Case Scenarios for the Yankees' 2020 Season. dark

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