NRI's
The Yankees invited 26 players to Spring Training.
Chad Jennings has a great rundown of each player in his blog and he handicaps the chances of each one making the team.
For my part, I view things this way. The Yankees are going to enter camp with about 21 spots settled. Look at this potential roster: Posada, Molina, Duncan, Betemit, Giambi, Cano, Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Matsui, Cabrera, Abreu, Wang, Pettitte, Mussina, Hughes, Kennedy, Joba, Rivera, Farnsworth, Hawkins.
That leaves you with 3 pitchers and another hitter who can make the club. I would guess that on the pitching side Ohlendorf, Ramirez and Veras are the favorites heading into camp. Yes, the Yankees want a lefty in the pen, but I don't think they will force the point.
The bat is more of a mystery. Despite the presence of Betemit, I think an infielder might be the way they go. That puts Gonzalez in play and I agree with Chad that Ransom or Green could certainly make the team too.
While this is fun to speculate about, the best news is that pitchers and catchers report one month from today.
Comments
I think Gonzalez should be given the job. His defense and speed is all the Yanks would need out of him. The other two are just insurance in case of injury. With Duncan, Betemit, Giambi, and Matsui on the bench any given day there is plenty of pinch hitting power.
Posted by: Tripp | January 16, 2008 08:45 AM |
If it were up to me, I'd move Nick Green up to the club and leave Gonzales in the minors to get more playing time. Gonzales looked like a deer in the healdights last year (like Melky did for a while) - so I'd want Gonzales to get back to playing regularly and rebuilding his confidence levels.
Posted by: Mitchell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 16, 2008 11:28 AM
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Mitchell...good point.
Posted by: Tripp | January 16, 2008 02:01 PM |
Neither option thrills me, but Gonzalez will have a leg up just because he is on the 40-man.
Posted by: Peter![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://yankeesredsox.com/nav-commenters.gif)
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January 16, 2008 03:41 PM
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