This article is the third part of a Spring Training Preview Article Series, in which I preview the Yankees as they head into Tampa to start their preseason activities. The series will be broken down by each position - released in separate articles. I will make a projection on who you may see in pinstripes come Opening Day, on March 28th, as the Yankees prepare to host the Baltimore Orioles.
I know, I have fallen behind on this article series. Finally, here are my thoughts on the shortstop position.
SHORTSTOP Similar to second base, shortstop has an added level of intrigue to it headed into Yankees Spring Training. Can you believe that as we enter this season, it will have been FIVE years since former captain, Derek Jeter retired from the game? I honestly didn't realize it had been that long... I mean, next year Jeter will be eligible for induction into Cooperstown. An honor many believe he will attain his first year on the ballot. That doesn't do much for the shortstop position for 2019...
DIDI GREGORIUS, acquired from Arizona prior to the 2015 season has performed quite admirably following the departure of Jeter. It cannot be an easy feat to replace a future Hall of Famer, Face of the Franchise, and Captain. Yet, Didi was able to do it quite easily. Unfortunately, during the 2018 playoffs against Boston, Didi injured his throwing arm and required offseason Tommy John Surgery. This surgery affects position players a little bit differently than it does with pitchers - but in the end, Didi is going to miss significant time. If all goes according to plan he could be back towards the end of the 2019 season.
Didi has become a fan favorite, he is one of my favorite current Yankees to follow as a player and as a person. With him missing so much time, the Yankees will need to fill his spot on the roster with someone that can provide adequate production, allowing Didi to slide back into the shortstop role once his recovery is complete. Prior to the injury, many have speculated that the Yankees would like to extend Gregorius when his contract is up after the 2019 season. His defense is top notch, and has become one of the more exciting shortstops to watch. On top of that, his bat has blossomed.
One of the big issues is including 2019, Didi will have missed significant time due to injury in three straight seasons. Should that be a cause for concern for Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office? I don't personally think so, because in 2016 + 2017 he still played in 134+ games, he's still performed. The Yankees still expect him to play this season, but probably not until the second half of the season. He is already rehabbing, and making throws - everything seems to be on schedule.
TROY TULOWITZKI has been one of the most controversial signings this offseason. Pretty much taking the Yankees out of the running for Manny Machado (now with the Padres). Tulo was cut from the Blue Jays this offseason, allowing him to sign with any Major League team for the league minimum of $500k, approximately. Troy has always wanted to be a Yankee, and turned a lot of heads in his showcase that he held for at least 10 teams. The Yanks scooped him up with the intention of him being the Opening Day shortstop... oh no, did I give this away too soon in the article? Well, no... there are so many unknowns that come with Tulowitzki.
First, the man hasn't played in an MLB game since 2017, he is coming off having surgery to remove bone spurs from BOTH heels... Although he is said to be moving well, and looks like a completely different player, he's 34 and you don't know how he will hold up with playing every day until Didi returns.
If he can maintain serviceable production, then Cashman looks like a genius here. Let's not forget, he was one of the best shortstops in the game, and now that he's technically healthy, this could be a nice diamond in the rough. And if he injures himself, or cannot perform... well then the Yanks cut him and are out $500k...
GLEYBER TORRES is another option at shortstop, although it is anticipated that he will be the opening day second baseman... you don't want to take him away from there. His natural position is shortstop, and with the injury to Didi and not being sure what you'll get with Tulowitzki's health and production, Torres may get some occasional action at short. I would anticipate ANY injury to Tulo, you will see Gleyber at shortstop.
D.J. LEMAHIEU is the second most controversial signing this offseason, but was signed to do be the infield utility man. I won't get into all the details about D.J. because I discussed him at more depth in the previous article. But, with LeMahieu was quoted as saying "I was told to bring many gloves" - this clearly being an indication that the Yankees intend for him to play many different positions. Being a multiple Gold Glove winner, this should be no problem for him even though he has only played FOUR games in his career at shortstop... his last being in 2014 for one inning.
That being said, the Yankees clearly have an outstanding amount of depth throughout the infield, which is something that they had lacked last year. Cashman is clearly building this team to have depth, and be prepared for injuries. This was a big problem in the outfield last season, and it looks like instead of making a BIG splash free agent signing (eating up the payroll) he has worked hard to try and prevent such issues.
OTHER OPTIONS at shortstop would include 24 year old Tyler Wade, who in the past two seasons has seen very limited playing time in the MLB. In 124 career at-bats he owns a sub par .161 AVG / 1 HR / 7 RBI... thus far he has yet to live up to expectations, and makes you wonder if he will even break camp as the teams utility infielder. Wade has worked hard in the past and has earned a chance to be looked at, as the Yanks need to replace Ronald Torreyes. If he shows some significant improvement this spring, coupled with his speed and defense, he could be very important of the bench for the Yankees with Didi out. Unless in an emergency, I wouldn't expect him to see regular playing time... I know, I copy and pasted this from the "Second base" preview, but it completely applies here.
Of course, if the Yankees are desperate, they can always give me a call. I'll play for league minimum too...
MY OPENING DAY PROJECTION - Barring any injury, TROY TULOWITZKI should be starting at Shortstop on Opening Day.
Coming up next... THIRD BASE!