On paper, the Yankees outfield arrange looks like a log jam, but when you really look at it, it becomes apparent that it really is the ideal situation.
The Yankees have six players in camp right now that have major league experience playing the outfield. They have another two that are young kids who played AAA ball last year and another couple that are being looked at to be used as fill-ins.
Now, you might be thinking,"how in the world will that work out come Opening Day?" Well, that question's really not a difficult one. Let's look at it, shall we? Here are the outfield candidates for the 2008 season, in no particular order. These are all of the players who may see outfield time this season:
Bobby Abreu
Melky Cabrera
Johnny Damon
Hideki Matsui
Shelly Duncan
Jason Lane
Morgan Ensberg
Wilson Betemit
Jose Tabata
Brett Gardner
Other candidates such as Austin Jackson and Colin Curtis could be included, but they are too inexperienced. There's a good chance that you'll see them in the future though.
Come March 31, manager Joe Girardi will have an ideal outfield situation. Matsui's barking knee makes the decision even easier. Here's what the outfield will look like when the Yanks open up against Toronto:
RF - Abreu
CF - Cabrera
LF - Damon
Matsui can be the everyday designated hitter, plus he can fill in left or right when someone needs a day off. A rotation in the outfield will keep everyone healthy. Having Melky play in 140-150 games will only help him continue to grow. His defense has sometimes been a little suspect, but he's growing and learning. His plate discipline was better in 2007, and he makes for a great number eight or nine hitter.
Abreu has a gun in right, but his main drawback is his unwillingness to get his uniform dirty. He covers decent ground in right, and has less space to work with, which benefits him. He will be in the three spot in the order as well, getting on base for A-rod, and driving in Derek Jeter and Damon.
Damon is great in left. He'll have less responsibility than center, yet he has the speed to cover up for any flaws by Melky. His arm is his major drawback, but the shift to center takes some focus off of that. He is a great leadoff hitter, as well.
Those are the real givens. Matsui as the everyday DH is where the first real analysis comes in. With an achy knee, he could break down if he has to play left everyday. By keeping him at DH, he can fully heal that knee, yet still contribute with the bat. Getting him in at left or even right field once or twice a week will help him keep his range and outfield abilities. The defense is better with him at DH too, as he doesn't have the range of Damon, and his arm isn't that of Abreu's or Melky's.
Duncan can fill in at left or right should someone go down and land on the DL, or if more than one person needs a break. He doesn't look awful out there, which is a plus, but a bulk of Duncan's playing time will come at first base in a platoon situation with Jason Giambi.
Betemit and Ensberg will be tried out there, and they will fail. Betemit gave it a shot last season a couple of times. He has an arm, but looks lost tracking fly balls. Ensberg will be unhappy if he doesn't make the team as an infielder, and his body probably could not handle any of the rigors involved with playing the outfield.
Lane was an interesting signing by the Yankees in the offseason, but he'll be playing somewhere else come Opening Day. He's a non-roster invitee, but there are better options. He may accept a minor league assignment and be called up if there is an emergency situation, but that's best case scenario.
Tabata and Gardner could be Yankee stars, but not until 2011 or 12. Both are young and quick. Gardner has power, Tabata is an extra base hit maniac. Both have solid arms, but both have defensive flaws. Tabata will most likely be the Yankee's future right fielder, while Gardner may have to move from center to left, unless he progresses better than the Melk man.
Curtis will be interesting to see as he has outstanding defensive ability. He'll have to hone his offensive skills at AA this season, but we may see him in four or five years, if he sticks around that long. Jackson is one of the Yank's most highly touted prospects. He'll make a case for sticking around the big league roster in a few years as well.
Not much to really debate on this topic. Next time, starting roster and bench players. We'll see if my predictions hold up.
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