Alex Verdugo got exactly what he wanted from Yankees’ spring training start

The New York Yankees entered spring training with one open competition/roster hole, and tripped into another before game action even began. Third base remains a point of confusion for the "out of loot" Yankees, but with Giancarlo Stanton's mysterious extended absence now looming large, they'll need help in the DH spot, too.

Ideally, they'll import someone who can flexibly play an additional position, then rotate various players in and out of the DH spot. Perhaps they'll even give a break to rookie Jasson Dominguez, whose bat has shown up early, but whose glove lags behind at his unnatural position of left field. Adding someone who can play left and let Dominguez relax in a DH role as he learns the ropes sounds ideal, but will only happen according to the Yankees' budgetary limits.

In other words, it's exactly what Alex Verdugo — whose main focuses include "making money" and "finding out what it's like to wear a beard and pinstripes at the same time" — was hoping to see early in camp.

The Yankees' starting left fielder from their World Series run not only remains on the market, but his market has remained silent. After being connected loosely to the Blue Jays and Pirates in the frigid winter months, nothing of any substance has materialized. Verdugo could continue to play the waiting game or, he could, as a known Aaron Judge favorite, play his cards right and help his old team in need.

Alex Verdugo has Yankees right where he wants them after Jasson Dominguez struggles, Giancarlo Stanton injury

No matter your personal feelings on Verdugo (mine are negative!), wouldn't you rather he join the roster and keep Dominguez comfortable than see Trent Grisham stationed next to the rookie on Opening Day? Last September, Verdugo's presence was a hindrance to Dominguez. This year, in the early going, it would actually be a gift. Of course the Yankees would only choose to employ him when he blocks their youngster rather than when he could feasibly take the load off.

There's no clear sign that the Yankees feel any pressure to disrupt Dominguez's development yet, but another public stumble or two, and they might be forced to reevaluate giving him a softer place to land. If and when they do, Verdugo will be waiting. It's what he's done all winter already.